September 2026
Official Engagements
Commissioner Janine Donaldson (Territorial Commander)
1–2 September: Week Three Officers’ Fellowship, Flaxmill
3–4 September: Institute of Directors 2026 Leadership Conference, Wellington
5–10 September: Trip to Christchurch for CM Hui, various visits to corps and centres, retired officers gathering, pizza and conversation with candidates and potential candidates
7 September: Territorial Online Prayer Summit
17 September: General Change announcement
19 September: Delve, Silverstream retreat
23–25 September: TGB visit to Central Otago
28 September–4 October: SPEA Fundraising Conference, Singapore
Colonel Jennifer Groves (Chief Secretary)
4–12 September: Senior Leaders Orientation and Development Conference, London UK
18–19 September: Territorial Prayer Summit
23–25 September: TGB visit to Central Otago
28 September: Major Harold Hill’s book launch, THQ
30 September–5 October: Tonga 40th anniversary
Gazette
Bereavement: Laola Kaufusi Heitonga Tu’iono, the mother of Lieutenant Initi Tu’iono and grandmother of Lieutenant Mele Seini Otainao, was promoted to Glory on Tuesday 21 July 2026, from Sopu, Tonga, aged 85 years. We ask you to uphold Lieutenant Initi, Lieutenants Mele Seini and Peter Otainao, and other family members in your prayers during this time of grief and loss.
Birth: Congratulations are extended to Major Sera Toloi on the safe arrival of her first grandchild, Isla-Rose Rawinia Losena Toloi. Isla-Rose was born at North Shore Hospital, Auckland on Wednesday 5 August 2026, weighing 8lb 6oz (3.798 kgs). We join with her parents Anasa Toloi and Renee Renata, and grandparents Major Sera Toloi and Epironi Toloi, as they celebrate the birth of Isla-Rose, and pray God’s blessing on them all.
Promotion to Glory: Major Christine Stone was promoted to Glory on Monday 10 August 2026, from Palmerston North, aged 80 years. Christine and David Stone entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1976 from Palmerston North Corps as cadets in the ‘Companions of Christ’ session. We honour Major Christine Stone for her faithful, loyal service. She is remembered for her humble, sincere faith in Christ. Please uphold in prayer Christine’s husband David, her children Brian, Mark and Joanne, and other family members at this time of grief and loss. Well done, good and
faithful ‘Companion of Christ’!
Appointments: Effective 1 August, Lt-Colonel Russell Malcolm has been appointed as international finance systems and support (IFSS) support lead, SPEA Zone—based in New Zealand.
Effective 10th of August, Lieutenant Sekilini Vasu has been appointed regional youth and children’s secretary (previously regional children’s secretary).
Effective 17 August, Captain Logan Bathurst has been appointed as Community Ministries support officer—based in Dunedin (continuing his additional appointment as senior food security advisor, Community Ministries).
Effective 31 August, Captain Daniel Buckingham has been appointed as personnel projects officer.
Effective 1 November 2026, Captain Michael Bryan has been appointed as mission officer, Auckland Bridge.
Effective 1 November 2026, Captain Chantelle Bryan has been appointed as mission support officer, Royal Oak Community Ministries.
Effective 1 November 2026, Major Jocelyn Smith and Captain Paul Smith have been appointed as corps officers and community mission officers, Dunedin City.
Please pray for all of these officers as they prepare to take up their new appointment responsibilities.
Envoy appointment: Effective 31 August, Max Haas da Silva has been appointed as corps leader, Feilding Corps (alongside Major Janette Waugh as corps officer, Feilding Corps). We pray God’s blessing on Max and Rosi Haas da Silva as they prepare for their warranting and future ministry as Envoys in New Zealand.
Appointment in retirement: Effective 1 November 2026, Major Glenys Fairhurst has been appointed as corps officer, Oamaru Corps. Please pray for Major Glenys as she prepares to take up her new appointment responsibilities.
Additional appointment: Effective 1 November 2026, Captain Suzanne Bathurst has been appointed as chaplain, Dunedin Bridge. Please pray for Captain Suzanne as she prepares to take up her new appointment responsibilities.
Conclusion of appointment: Effective immediately, Major Douglas Newman’s additional appointment as mission support facilitator, Family Stores—based in Tauranga is concluding. He will continue his appointments as corps officer and community mission officer, Tauranga and emergency services coordinator—based in Tauranga. We thank God for Major Douglas’ continued ministry in these appointments.
Effective 1 January 2027, Lt-Colonels Garth and Suzanne Stevenson will be returning to NZFTS Territory following the completion of their international service in Papua New Guinea. Their next appointments are to be advised. Please pray for Lt-Colonels Garth and Suzanne as they prepare to complete their international service in Papua New Guinea and transition back to New Zealand later this year.
