The Archbishops’ 2025 Easter Message

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” - John 11:25 

Ka mea a Ihu ki a ia, Ko ahau te aranga, me te ora: ko te tangata e whakapono ana ki ahau, ahakoa kua mate ia, e ora ano ia. – Hoani 11:25

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā motu nohonohoanga tāngata o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Ihowa o ngā mano to tātou kaha, to tātou oranga. Ko Ia hoki tō tātou piringa. Tangi tonu ki ngā mate huhua i hinga mai nei, i hinga atu ra. E pīhopa Dr. ‘Afa Vaka, koutou te hunga mate, haere atu ra. Whakawhiti atu ki te rangatiratanga o te Runanga Rawa. Ka mihi atu ki a koutou te hunga ora i roto i te mana i ara ake ai te

Karaiti i te mate. Kia hari, kia koa i tēnei Aranga rua mano, rua tekau ma rima.

The Most Reverend Dr Don Tamihere (Tikanga Māori) 

Through Christ’s resurrection we are given something extraordinary, a peace born not of ease or comfort, but of forgiveness. A peace that comes when we are brought back into closeness with God, and with one another.

In the sacred rhythms of our Tikanga Māori church, many of us will be gathering for unveilings, baptisms, weddings, whānau reunions, and services. When we do, we’re doing more than marking a moment. New journeys are beginning. We’re recognising that through ups and downs, joys and grief, life continues. That through memory and love, we are still connected. And in that sacred space between loss and renewal, we catch a glimpse of something eternal. That is resurrection. That is Easter.

People are rising into new life, not just in name, but in purpose. And just as Christ rose from the Holy Sepulchre, we too are called to rise into a life of aroha, of rongo, of hari. A life of deep love, of justice, of true peace. That’s Te Oranga Ake. That’s what God hopes for each of us.

This Easter, I’ll be with my beloved wife Kisa and our daughters, and later joining Bishop Ngarahu Katene and Koka Kamana as the Bishop leads his final Sunday service, finishing with grace. Wherever you are this Easter, may the light of God fill your heart and remind you that light always rises. May you live a resurrected life. 

The Most Reverend Sione Ulu’ilakepa (Tikanga Pasefika)

We give thanks for the spirit of faith and renewal that continues to move across the Pacific. Just a few days ago, clergy from across Fiji’s Archdeaconries and Episcopal Units came together to renew their priestly vows. A reminder of the commitment we make, again and again, to serve God and one another.

Easter will be spent alongside a parish walking through a difficult time. In moments like these, the simple act of showing up, of being together, can be an expression of love, faith, and healing.

Across our Diocese, from the shores of Tonga to the villages of Samoa, young people are gathering for Easter camps. In Fiji, ecumenical youth rallies are bringing together Christians from all walks of life, worshipping, learning, and lifting one another up. In these spaces, young people are asking big questions, finding courage, and building unity across communities.

In all of this, we see the power of resurrection, not just as a story from long ago, but as a truth unfolding here and now. Jesus’ promise in John 11:25 is not just for the end of the story. It’s for every moment we choose to live with love, to walk with hope, to rise again after hardship. That’s what this season is all about.

Fa'afetai, vinaka vakalevu, malo 'aupito, and Easter blessings to all. 

The Most Reverend Justin Duckworth (Tikanga Pākehā)

This Easter unfolds across three very different spaces, each one telling the same powerful story in its own way. It begins at Castlecliff with a local church gathering on Good Friday, continues to Waikanae to join more than 300 young people at Youth Easter Camp, and finishes on Easter morning at Wellington Cathedral, right in the heart of the city, next to Parliament.

What stands out is the diversity of these contexts, yet they all proclaim the same Easter story of Christ’s death and resurrection. From youth campfires to cathedral liturgies, the story is retold in language and imagery that speaks to each community. It is a reminder of being part of a global church, a story told for nearly 2,000 years and still unfolding. There is beauty in how each place adds its own voice to this shared Gospel. 

In a world that can feel chaotic and led by power-driven leadership, Easter cuts through with a radically different message: a God who empties himself in love, whose power is shown in humility and grace. This story of redemption, of death overcome by life, could not be more relevant today. While some may claim to declare their own version of "Liberation Day," Easter has always been, and will always be, the true day of liberation.

In my sermon this Easter Sunday, I will focus on the women at the tomb who became the first witnesses of the resurrection. Their role as the first voices to proclaim the risen Christ is a powerful reminder that the good news will always uplift and amplify those whose voices are marginalised. Happy Easter - the risen Christ reminds us that every voice matters, and the good news is for us all. 

E te iwi nui tonu, kawea te rongomau ki te ao, ruiruia ki te tini, ki te mano i runga i te aroha, he mea paiheretia na te rangimarie. Noho ora mai i raro i te maru o te Atua Matua, Atua Tama, Atua Wairua Tapu. 

Archbishop Don Tamihere
Archbishop Sione Ulu'ilakepa
Archbishop Justin Duckworth