In a statement released today the Anglican Primates of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia Archbishop Don Tamihere, Archbishop Sione Ulu’ilakepa and Archbishop Justin Duckworth, they celebrate and unequivocally support the appointment of the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE as the Archbishop-designate of Canterbury.

The Archbishops turned to scripture for the occasion:

Ka koa anō ia e whakapono ana, ka whakaritea hoki ngā mea i kōrerotia ki a ia e te Ariki – Ruka 1:45

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her – Luke 1:45

Bishop Sarah will be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.

The Archbishops said this morning that as the first woman to be appointed to the position as the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Sarah’s appointment marks a turning point in the history of the Church as it continues to evolve with a focus on unity and the future.

“Women’s leadership is central to who we are, found in scripture, in indigenous societies, and embodied in examples like the new Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Nga wai hono i te po,” said Archbishop Don Tamihere.

“The call of God upon women has always been present and powerful, and to ignore it is to misrepresent the truth of our faith. Bishop Sarah brings that same strength, already proven in the House of Lords and as Bishop of London.

“She thrives in working with the diversity of thought across our global Anglican Communion and I look forward to what she will bring.”

The Anglican Communion is a fellowship of autonomous provinces, and within it the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia shares whakapapa with the See of Canterbury, recognised as the first Anglican diocese.

The Crown Nominations Commission selected Bishop Sarah as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury from a long list of candidates at its final meeting last month in London.

Bishop Sarah has been the Bishop of London since 2018, the first woman to hold this office. 

As a strong advocate for women, especially for greater female representation across the Anglican Communion, she will help shape a more diverse and resilient Church.

“I am delighted that the church has had both the discernment and the courage to recognise in Bishop Sarah the giftings we need in our next Archbishop of Canterbury, and appoint her,” said Bishop of Dunedin the Rt Rev Anne van Gend.

Prior to Bishop Sarah's ordination as a deacon in 2001, and priest in 2002, she forged a career as a nurse, becoming the youngest person to hold the positions of Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Patient Experience in England.

Among the seventeen members on the Crown Nominations Commission was the Rev Canon Isaac Beach (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Kahungunu) representing Oceania.

“I continue to uphold Bishop Sarah in prayer as she prepares for this historic appointment and an office that will be fully lived out for the flourishing of God’s people,” said Canon Isaac.

“This moment provides an extraordinary platform for the life of the Church of England, the Diocese of Canterbury, and the wider Anglican Communion.” 

The Primates of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia join the rest of the Anglican Communion in offering thanksgiving and prayers for Bishop Sarah, her whānau, her ministry and her leadership of the 86 million Anglican members around the world.

"Ko te Amorangi ki mua, ko te Hāpai ō ki muri - Let God be your spearhead and achievement will follow."