A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ekalesia Niue, the Congregational Union of New Zealand and the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand was signed today.
The agreement recognizes the commitment of each of the partners to work in partnership with the mission of Jesus Christ and acknowledge their respective commitment to work with the Niuean people and the communities they serve.
President of the Ekalesia Kerisiano Niue Rev. Navy Salatielu signed on behalf of the Niue Ekalesia alongside the Rev. Moega Lasei the Chairman of the Congregation Union of NZ and the Rt. Rev. Hamish Galloway the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The delegation from New Zealand arrived on Monday including Niuean minister from Wellington Rev. Tale Hakeagaiki of the Congregational Union of New Zealand.
BCN News spoke with Reverend Tale Hakeagaiki today said that the purpose of the MOU is for the three parties to work together in cooperation for the extensive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reverend Hakeagaiki told BCN News that one of the main benefits this agreement is for the training of the ministry students from Niue, that the New Zealand based partners will be able to facilitate and ensure the Niue students meet the requirements to study in New Zealand.
As well as the work they will undertake to help the Ekalesia Kerisiano Niue’s accreditation to international organizations that will derive support and funding for the work of the church in Niue.
The MOU contains several key objectives with respect to Ministry Training, Recognition of Ordination, Exchange of information, sharing of resources and future consultations.
The agreement is to be reviewed every three years after consultations and the three parties rotate the role of hosting or leading the three year review of the MOU.
After the official ceremony at the Millennium Hall today, the guests and the church leaders celebrated the significant event with a luncheon and entertainment provided by the Niue High School Lagakali team.