The Diocese of Wellington farewelled Bishop Tom and Dwyllis Brown in a special service in St Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday afternoon.

Bishop Tom was diocesan bishop for 14 years, and assistant bishop for seven years before that.

Special guests were the Primate of Australia, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, and his wife Dr Christa Aspinall from Wellington’s companion Diocese of Brisbane.

The sermon was preached by Archdeacon Judy Hardie, who originally nominated Bishop Tom as diocesan bishop.

Vicar General Robert McLay spoke on behalf of the Diocese.

The former Mayor of Wellington, Kerry Prendergast, also paid tribute to Bishop Tom, and Archbishop David Moxon gave the blessing.

At the end of the service, Bishop Tom laid his crozier on the altar to symbolize the end of his episcopal ministry.

• The electoral college to choose Bishop Tom's successor will convene at the Convention Centre, Palmerston North, on Friday, March 23, at 9.30am.