In Aotearoa New Zealand, our Church is constituted as Three Tikanga of Māori, Pākehā, and Pasefika, allowing us to structure our ministry appropriately to the various cultural groups which make up our nation.
Our Church is ruled by a constitution and canons or church laws which are decided by the General Synod. This is the national governing body that meets biannually. It is made up of delegations of bishops, clergy and laity drawn from each of the five hui amorangi of Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa, the seven dioceses in New Zealand, and the Diocese of Polynesia. Between sessions, the Standing Committee conducts the business of General Synod.
For more information, see the website of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Te Hahi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tireni, ki Nga Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.
Synod is a representative body of the whole diocese gathered under the leadership of the bishop. Licensed clergy, elected lay members and others come together to worship, debate and plan for the future. They vote on issues that affect the whole diocese and elect members of the Diocesan Council and other committees. Each triennial Synod meets in three annual sessions.
Diocesan Council meets monthly to look after the responsibilities of Synod between sessions. Summaries from each Diocesan Council meeting are published here.
The statutes are the legislation that governs the Auckland Diocese. These laws are decided by the annual diocesan Synod. You can access these here.