Since 1984 the four-yearly ecumenical Trans-Tasman Rural Ministry Conference has enabled clergy and lay people to experience enriching and inspiring events to help them with their work of ministry in the changing rural scene. There’s another conference coming up in 2008, April 7 – 11, to be held in the Nelson and Marlborough regions of New Zealand, hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Nelson.

The Nelson Marlborough conference will be held as a bus journey, taking in the sights and aspects of each region and its ministries and allowing ample time for networking and individual discussion and exploration. Beginning in Marlborough on the East Coast the conference will look at the unique agri-business ventures and ministry challenges, complemented with a cultural adventure on the Omaka Marae. Then moving through to the Nelson Lakes National Park the conference will look at conservation issues, high country farming and living and working in an isolated community. The last days will be spent at the Teapot Valley Christian Camp on the Waimea Plains where there will be workshops/conversation groups and plenary sessions.

Details can be found online at rural.nelsonanglican.org.nz

1984 Darfield, Canterbury, NZ – theme Rural Church Perplexed
1988 Kyogle NSW, Australia – theme Bearers of hope
1992 Waipawa, NZ – theme Rural realities Creation or chaos
1996 Myrtleford, VIC, Australia
2000 Northland, NZ – Theme Country Conversations
2004 Clarie, SA, Australia – Recapturing Passion for the local church
2008 Marlborough / Nelson, New Zealand – Changing seasons, Changing times