Saying goodbye to nearly 40 years of Anglican ministry – including 12 years based at St George’s Anglican Church at Gate Pā – is a decision Reverend John Hebenton and his parishioners have marked this week with a liturgical farewell.

With a service led by Bishop Andrew Hedge, the gathered congregation expressed sadness at the end of John’s tenure, with some older members lamenting that he would not be there to conduct their funerals.

As of now, there are no immediate plans to replace him, and the parish will rely on a roster of available priests and several lay leaders to maintain church activities.

“It’s an interesting time for the Anglican church in Tauranga.

"The vicar at the Mount is retiring in a month,” says John.

“The other full-time priest is going to run a roster of available priests who will help out in the parish on a roster system for communion services.

"Lay leaders will organise non-Eucharist services.”

Unexpected 

John’s path to ministry was unexpected.

Growing up in Wellington, he initially pursued a career as a science teacher and was involved in the Anglican Society at Victoria University.

However, a profound experience at St Paul’s Symonds St in Auckland, suggested by both his charismatic and Anglican friends, led him to realise his calling to priesthood.

“I had this overwhelming sense that I was going to be ordained, that this is what God wanted for me,” he recalls.

Despite initial reluctance, John felt an overwhelming sense of purpose, leading him to St John’s Theological College in 1984.

His career began as a curate in Feilding, followed by running Wellington Diocesan adventure camps and youth ministry alongside his wife, Bonnie.

Nearly 13 years ago, he was invited by Bishop David Rice to serve as the vicar of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā, a role that significantly shaped his ministry.

“I hadn’t been a vicar before, so coming to Gate Pā, I had to work out what that means,” says John.

“I started just before Lent, which for us Anglicans is a big deal.

"We were straight into it, and it took me a while before I worked out what I was doing.”

During his time at Gate Pā, John was appointed Minister Provincial for the Anglican Franciscans in the Pacific region, covering the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Polynesia, and New Zealand, and then Minister General for the world.

His retirement was initially planned for last year but was extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to seeing through the 160th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pā in April 2024.

Significant achievement 

John’s collaboration with Buddy Mikaere and the iwi for the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pā stands out as a significant achievement.

The church became a hub of activity, hosting meetings, practices, and media operations, exemplifying their commitment to the community.

“It was amazing to watch. It was such an important day to be part of.”

John’s impact extended to educational initiatives, including the annual “Remember the Battles” services and a popular lecture series on the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga, and the Treaty of Waitangi.

These events drew large crowds and highlighted the church’s role in honouring local history and fostering understanding.

“It’s been really good, people have appreciated it, and it’s been an important part of honouring those stories.”

John and his wife Bonnie, who will continue teaching at Merivale School, plan to remain in their home near Bayfair Shopping Centre.

John intends to take time to recover from an upcoming surgery before contemplating the future.

“We’ll see what next year brings,” he says.

Rev John Hebenton inside St George’s Anglican Church in Gate Pa. Photo: John Borren.

Grateful 

Looking forward, John is eager to focus on two key areas: the history of Tauranga City and the Treaty of Waitangi, and climate change.

He remains grateful for the support and collaboration of the Gate Pā parish, particularly their efforts in building relationships with Ngāti Ranginui.

“I may have had all sorts of ideas, but the parish were already doing some of that work and building those relationships particularly with Ngāti Ranginui.

"I have come and added some bits to work they were already doing.”

Among the many aspects of his ministry, John will miss the annual SPCA Animal Blessing service and the All Souls’ service for those who have experienced loss.

These services were crafted to be more community-focused, reflecting the church’s broader mission.

The All Souls’ service, in particular, provided solace to many hurting people and was a testament to the parish’s outreach.

“There’s been a lot of hurting people. To offer that has been important.”

After presiding over his last service, John formally concluded his ministry on May 26 with a symbolic liturgy that marked the end of his time at Gate Pā and the end of his ministry.

“It will look different going forward,” he acknowledges.

While his future plans remain open, his legacy of faith, service, and community engagement will continue to inspire those at St George’s.