Show Notes
A fascinating look into the life of CMS missionary Henry Williams. His life and impact on the early years of New Zealand is no small thing. A man who spoke fluent Te Reo Māori, who translated the treaty of Waitangi and spent his life preaching the gospel and standing up for Māori rights. I invited Dr Reece to help me unpack this complicated historal narrative as he has spent the last 20 years researching this Williams life, seeking to present the facts fairly and truthfully.
Check out his recent book 'He Tatau Pounamu— The Treaty pf Waitangi: A covenant of reconciliation' which can be purchased at https://www.karuwha.org.nz/te-korero/panuitanga/karuwha-publications/
200th Commemoration on the 25th June 2026 (purchase tickets here) Henry Williams and Waitangi: A Treaty of Hope https://www.holytrinitytauranga.com/event-details/waitangi-a-treaty-of-hope
Examples of Henry Williams artwork can be found here; https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23232968 https://www.karuwha.org.nz/i-am-henry/
This is a podcast exploring the work of the Church Missionary Society in New Zealand. It's a space for inspiring stories, missiological content, interviews with some of our workers, resources for local churches and much more.....
More from THE NZCMS PODCAST
In this episode we look at Octavius Hadfield who was a CMS missionary, the first to be ordained on New Zealand soil, spending most of his ministry life on the Kāpiti Coast amongst Māori communities. A man who stood against injustice and yet remained firm in his convictions and love for people.
In this episode we are looking at a really important piece of work created by Henry Venn who worked for CMS in England from 1841-1973. He devised a whole new way of thinking about global mission that was much more about empowering indigenous people to lead, own and grow their own churches....their way! It was a radical concept for its time, impacting many missionaries, including a guy called Henry Williams (Karupha) who came to New Zealand in the early years of European settlement. It continues to challenge Church planting practices today.
This is a follow on episode from our launch which explored the origins of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in England back in 1799. Now we begin to look at the first missionaries who came to New Zealand in the early 1800's, and the eventual launch of the Association in 1892. It's a great story and tied into the early narrative of how the gospel came to these lands.....
In this first ever episode, we are looking at how the Church Missionary Society (CMS) started in England in 1799, and how the early days of the movement shaped the organisation it is today. Both around the world, and in New Zealand.