Meet the Members of the Rūnanga In 2023, The Salvation Army’s Territorial Governance Board signed a kawenata (covenant) with the members of the newly formed Rūnanga (council/board), embedding shared authority with Māori into the structure of The Salvation Army and upholding the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) within the movement. WORDS Kelly Cooper
hrough the Rūnanga, The Salvation Army has an opportunity to model what shared authority can look like when it is rooted in covenantal relationship, founded on the good news of Jesus Christ and built on trust and confidence between God’s people. SALT is pleased to introduce the individuals comprising the Rūnanga.
The Right Reverend Te Kītohi Pikaahu, Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau— Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Te Roroa, Ngāti Whātua Bishop Kīto, co-chair of the Rūnanga, is an advocate for the wellbeing of Māori and indigenous communities in the Anglican Communion. He is the chair of the global Anglican Indigenous Network and chair of the Rūnanga. Bishop Kīto has served as a priest within Te Tai Tokerau for more than 36 years and, as bishop, has led Waitangi Day services for 22 years. Bishop Kīto describes the opportunity to contribute to the life and witness of The Salvation Army through the Rūnanga as a blessing and privilege. He believes that a diversity of Christian perspectives contributes 8
Pēpuere February 2024
to infusing hope and joy into the Church community. Bishop Kīto aspires for the Rūnanga to stand firm in faith, to act with courage and to hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ that expresses the spirit and hope of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson— Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Pikiahu Waewae Ian has served as a Salvation Army officer for 40 years in various appointments. He has been involved in Māori Ministry for over 20 years as a member, and then chair of, the Māori Ministry Council. Ian is co-chair of the Rūnanga and director of The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. Ian has a passion for mission with Māori, to see Te Tiriti embedded into Salvation Army policy and practice, and for Māori to have tūrangawaewae (a place to stand) within The Salvation Army. It is his desire to see Māori more extensively involved in mission, and to continue to create an Army that incorporates tikanga (cultural practices), manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and whakawhanaungatanga (welcoming and
