devonportflagstaff.co.nz
July 4, 2025
Tickets line up for local body elections... p2
Hairy goats roam the rugby sidelines... p7
Interview: Outdoorsman Geoff Mead ... p22-23
Parishioners quit over vicar’s style and direction
Dozens of parishioners have left Holy Trinity Anglican Church since the appointment of new Vicar Rev Chris Murphy, citing clashes with his style, theology and future plan. Many have contacted the Flagstaff since our 20 June story, which revealed the church was $60,000 down on budget after donors
had departed and new contributions sluggish. The change in approach from previous vicars, the popular Charmaine Braatvedt and her predecessor Murray Spackman, has proved too much for some. The more vocal leavers say they have found Englishman Murphy’s personal leadership style to be “rigid, divisive and
exclusionary, as opposed to the collaborative, inclusive and flexible leadership styles of his predecessors at Holy Trinity”. Some say he appears to be moving away from the pastoral care which is part of the usual workload for New Zealand vicars. Former parish members Simon and Kate To page 5
Stalwart Ship supporters saluted
Community effort... The contribution of locals (from left) Mike Ashmore, Simon Gundry and Barbara Cuthbert to the Calliope Sea Scouts hall upgrade was recognised at a party last Saturday. Story and pictures page 16