On Saturday 4 April Jacqui Paterson and Jay Ruka were officially welcomed as the new joint leaders of Taranaki Cathedral of St Mary with a commissioning service attended by more than 100 supporters and friends of St Mary’s Cathedral, and since watched by many more.

The service was led by Archbishop Philip Richardson (in New Plymouth) and Bishop Waitohiariki Quayle (from Carterton) with help from Archbishop Don Tamihere (from Gisborne). 

Together the two bishops with oversight for Taranaki commissioned the appointees for a unique model of leadership where they will share the roles of Dean, bringing together a mix of skills and experience that will support the Cathedral as a site of bicultural education and reconciliation as well as in service, prayer and worship.

As well as Aotearoa New Zealand’s first virtual commissioning service, Saturday marked more firsts: Jacqui Paterson will be the first woman to become Dean of Taranaki; and Jay Ruka, – of Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Koata and Ngā Puhi – will become the first Māori leader to take up the role.

 Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its stay-home restrictions, Archbishop Philip wanted to see Taranaki’s new leadership team in place to get started on serving the Cathedral and Taranaki community as soon as possible. And for him there were other good reasons to meet by Zoom in this particular time.

“We felt, under the current circumstances, it was more important than ever to come together.” he said.

“Not only to connect with each other and celebrate this new chapter at Taranaki Cathedral, but to demonstrate that we can all adapt and move forward during uncertain and challenging times”

Jacqui Paterson zoomed in to the commissioning service from her New Plymouth home, while Jay Ruka logged in from Raglan where he is isolating with his family during the Level 4 lockdown.

“As a church, a community and a nation we are all deepening our understanding of what leadership is.” said Jacqui.

“The current situation brings into focus just how lonely and challenging leading can be, so I am especially grateful to be working in partnership with Jay.”

During the commissioning service both Jacqui and Jay received authority to lead and oversee the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary. At the same time Jay Ruka was appointed Director of the Paul Reeves Centre – the education centre at the heart of the $15 million building, restoration and earthquake strengthening project due to start at St Mary’s later this year, while Jacqui was appointed to a wider church leadership role as Archdeacon of Parininihi. 

“We are really looking forward to connecting in new and innovative ways with all the people who make Taranaki Cathedral such a special community as we enter into this new role.” Jay said.

A recording of the Zoom commissioning service can be watched on Youtube here.