IRCA Oceania

IRCA Oceania exists to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the work of the International Rural Churches Association

The Aims and Purposes of IRCA-Oceania

To be a voice for rural communities across the region.
To relate Christian faith and hope to land-based and sea-based rural life.
To share stories and examples of good practice in rural churches and
networks.
To encourage sustainable rural communities and practice.
To bring an Oceania perspective to the worldwide work of IRCA.

Around once a quarter we have an open ZOOM session for any who are interesting in connecting across the Oceania region. Our next network ZOOM session will be

Thursday 28 August 2025

1030 ACST, 1100 AEST, 1200 VUT and SIT, 1300 NZST and FJT, 1400 TST and SST

To make sure your name is on the list for the ZOOM link click here

Our key purpose is connecting together. We introduce ourselves and raise any issues of concern or stories that could be followed up. With a small group we do this as one; if it is larger we will use ZOOM’s option of break out rooms.

Who are we?

We endeavour to encourage rural people in the islands of Melanesia and the South Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea to connect to together to share their experiences and challenges.

IRCA Oceania grew out of a long-standing relationship between Australian and New Zealand rural churches. Since the early 1980’s rural people in New Zealand and Australia have been linking ecumenically to support, encourage, and resource one another. The first Trans-Tasman Conference was held in Darfield, NZ in 1984, followed by Kyogle New South Wales in 1988, Waipawa, Hawkes Bay in 1992, Myrtleford, Victoria in 1996, Northland in 2000, Clare, South Australia in 2004, Nelson/Marlborough in 2008, Atherton, North Queensland in 2012, Wairarapa, Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016, and Namoli Village, Fiji in 2025.

We recognise the heritage of this history together and seek now to do a new thing – to be a network for 21st century rural churches, valuing what we can learn from one another face-to-face and with creative use of technology.

IRCA Oceania Conference Fiji 2025

Listening to One Another: Sharing Struggles and Joy as Rural Churches in Oceania

More the conference record click here

Find us on Facebook

eNews – IRCA Oceania Stories

IRCA Oceania Stories Archive

Bridging Hawkes Bay

As a feature for the first ZOOM session in August 2023, the Rev Jill McDonald from Te Matau a Mauī/Hawkes Bay told us about the community ministry “Bridging Hawkes Bay” that they are developing in their region. Her focus has always been community-facing ministry and that was built on as she encouraged church and community to work together to support rural people in particular following the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Click here for her presentation. These are the visuals that featured while she spoke.

Conference Sequel to IRCA 2023

This in-person and ZOOM gathering was held in Alexandra, Aotearoa New Zealand in May 2023, following the IRCA conference in Dubuque, Iowa, USA and using material from Dubuque along with exploring the theme in our own context. For more on Flourishing: Land, People, Community click here

Rural Chaplaincy

Contribution of Women in Rural Churches, Fiji, March 2020

IRCA-Oceania 2016 met in Wairarapa, NZ with the theme was Life, Death, and Resurrection.

But those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ John 4:14

IRCA-OCEANIA Statement 2016

“Resilience – Building Robust Communities“ Report on the Atherton Trans Tasman Rural Ministry Conference July 2012

“Changing Seasons Changing Times“ Proceedings if the 7th Trans Tasman Rural Conference April 2008

Staying Connected

The Sequel gathering in May 2023 was proof of the value of keep connected as rural church people. We were a mix of face-to-face from Australia and Aotearoa NZ and ZOOM participants from these countries, Fiji, and beyond, with IRCA Leadership joining us at times.

We will move ahead with contact people who will help us keep connected through ZOOM. We will also watch for opportunities to be face-to-face plus ZOOM, particularly when events are being planned in our region that we can link into.

IRCA Oceania Working Group

Martin Harrison, Aotearoa
Selai Maopa Thomas, Fiji
Gloria Naduva Ravunakaidere, Fiji
Anni Ravualala, Fiji
David Shrimpton, Australia
Richard Simeon, Vanuatu
Tuhi Taoho, Aotearoa
Myrah Topo, Solomon Islands
Wessley Manasa Vatanitawake, Fiji
Talisa Whippy Waqabaca, Fiji
Robyn McPhail, Aotearoa and IRCA Leadership Team (encourager and facilitator)

Contact us

Rev Dr Robyn McPhail, rural ministry networker and member of the IRCA Leadership Group, who lives in Alexandra, Central Otago, NZ

Wessley Manasa Vatanitawake, who lives in Suva, Fiji, Communications and Ecumenical Desk for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma

Feel free to contact us at any time. Ideas for networking and strengthening ministry in rural communities always welcome. Or to share your stories – stories of challenge and stories of hope.

The operating guidelines for IRCA-Oceania, adopted on the 6th July 2012, can be found HERE