General Synod has passed a bill to redefine the management and governance structures of St John’s College in Auckland.

The first lines of the statute task St John’s governors with building a strategic vision for the college based on core Maori cultural values.

Moving the bill, Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu acknowledged that naming the inherited values (kaupapa tuku iho) now brings the college governance in line with the principles of tino rangatiratanga – as outlined by Prof. Whatarangi Winiata at General Synod in 2012 and requested at that time by Tikanga Maori.

The college’s strategic plan over the next four years defines those five core values for St John’s as:

• Rangatiratanga - exercising responsible leadership with integrity, fairness and respect.

• Manaakitanga - upholding the dignity of the individual, the whanau and community through the expression of mutual love and kindness.

• Whanaungatanga - living as a community of faith in recognition of the common goal as disciples of Christ.

• Kotahitanga  - celebrating unity of purpose and direction and contributing nationally and internationally to the growth and mission of the Anglican Communion.

• Pukengatanga - strengthening scholarship, research, teaching and ministry in the Anglican community.

Synod added an amendment proposed by a member of Manawa o Te Wheke, Ron McGough, which assigns responsibility as the college’s kaitiaki/guardian to the Pihopa o Aotearoa or his/her appointed nominee.

The wording change, supported by Bishop John Gray (Te Waipounamu) and Tairawhiti’s Selwyn Parata, spells out that kaitiakitanga for St John’s – ensuring it maintains its core Maori values in everyday practice – must be focused through an individual named to the task, rather than residing with the Pihopatanga as a group.

The governance structure comes into force at the conclusion of this 61st session of General Synod.