Bishop of Wellington Justin Duckworth was received with acclamation as Archbishop by General Synod this evening after Tikanga Pākehā presented him as their newly-elected Senior Bishop of the New Zealand Dioceses. Once installed Archbishop Justin will become one of the three Archbishops and Primates of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

Archbishop Justin Duckworth (56) has served as Bishop of Wellington since 2012, leading the diocese to deepen its culture of missional discipleship across all aspects of diocesan life. He is excited about building up the life of the wider Anglican Church. 

“I’m looking forward to the privilege of serving across the Church, particularly in the three Tikanga space. I think what excites me is the potential in the breadth of the Church and the diverse gifts that we bring and working together to enhance those gifts.”

“I believe passionately that God through his Church can make a profound difference, locally, provincially and to the world. And I think that difference is essential, now more than at any other time I’ve been alive.”

After Tikanga Pākehā announced Archbishop Justin’s name, Rev Dr Frank Smith from the Diocese of Polynesia stood for the diocese to formally welcome him and Polynesia’s delegates and supporters rose to offer a song of thanksgiving for his appointment. Dr Smith noted with thanks Bishop Justin’s prior work with the diocese and welcomed new collaborations for the future.

The Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa likewise rose to their feet to welcome their new Archbishop in song, offering their affirmation of his election in the General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui after a formal mihi from Sir Selwyn Parata. 

Archbishop Don Tamihere welcomed the new Archbishop’s announcement this evening.

“Both Tikanga Māori and Tikanga Polynesia look forward to extending the fullness of their whanaungatanga and aroha to Archbishop Justin, Jenny and the family. We are incredibly excited about what the future holds.”

Archbishop Don and Archbishop Justin both took a moment this evening to acknowledge Archbishop Philip Richardson, Belinda and their family.

“Archbishop Philip has been an incredible servant of God and this Church and I want to acknowledge his leadership and ministry.” said Archbishop Don.

Archbishop Justin went on to give thanks for the privilege of working alongside Archbishop Philip for most of his time as Bishop of Wellington.

“I’ve been blessed to be under Archbishop Philip’s leadership for eleven years and I acknowledge his incredibly sacrificial service, especially in this last year.”

Archbishop Justin Duckworth will continue to serve as Bishop of Wellington based in Whanganui and alongside Assistant Bishop Anashuya Fletcher in Wellington.