Chris Clark is the pastor of Snells Beach Baptist Church in Auckland. In this reflection, he shares his experience of Hui ā Māori, the annual gathering of New Zealand Baptists exploring and celebrating Christian faith through a kaupapa Māori lens. Hosted by Ngāi Iriiri Māori, this year's hui took place in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, from 3–5 July, bringing together people (Māori and non-Māori) from across Aotearoa for a time of learning, listening, worship, leaning into what God is doing and eating together.
This year I attended the Hui-ā-Māori in Ōtautahi for the first time and I was quite nervous about it before arriving. My reo Māori is extremely basic and I haven’t really been in many Māori spaces throughout my life. But when I reflect back on what I was able to participate in and experience at the hui, I am deeply grateful. It was the most welcoming and refreshing hui I have ever attended in Baptist circles. Each person was given opportunity to share, everyone was listened to and everyone present was woven into the story of the hui.
We worshiped through opening the Word together.
We worshiped through singing together.
We worshiped through eating together.
We worshiped through sharing our stories with one another.
We worshiped through learning a new waiata together.
Through all of these things we were able to see one another and experience a beautiful expression of unity. I was able to connect with many new people for the first time – some who I have seen in the distance for years. Now we are whānau.
My nervousness wasn’t necessary. The language needn’t have been a concern. This was a place of refreshment, of laughter and fun, of lots of great kai, and a place of real connection. If you are on the fence about going next year – just do it. Whether you are Māori or Tangata Tiriti there is a seat for you and you are most welcome.
In case you were wondering why I am writing this reflection and what business I have in this space, I have recently discovered my whakapapa Māori. This was the first Hui-ā-Māori that I could attend since having my whakapapa confirmed so it was special to me on that front as well.
Ko Piripiri te maunga
Ko Waitohi te awa
Ko Raukawakawa te moana
Ko Arapaoa te moutere tapu
Ko Waikawa te marae
Ko Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui te iwi
Ko Chris Clark toku ingoa
Photo credit: Troy Renata-Paul
