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Minutes of the General Assembly 2012
In 1963, Alan moved to the parish of Stokes Valley. In his time in the Wellington
Presbytery, he served on the Assembly Doctrine Committee during a period of intense
theological debate in the Church. He was called to St Paul’s Highfield in Timaru in
1970. His ministry there was cut short by his appointment in 1971 as principal of Pacific
Theological College in Suva and lecturer in New Testament.
Alan played an important role in encouraging the college’s field work programme and
emphasising pastoral and development studies. Under his leadership, emphasis was
placed on developing the Pacific dimensions of the curriculum. Dr Aminaki Havea, the
first indigenous principal, succeeded Alan in 1977.
Alan, Dawn, and their three boys returned to Auckland where Alan served as minister
of St Luke’s Remuera-Newmarket for 10 years until his retirement due to ill-health in
1987. His commitment to leading well-ordered worship was seen in his support of the
choir and appreciation of church music and his thought provoking and intellectually
challenging preaching. His deep engagement with the Greek New Testament enriched
his sermons and was combined with his concern to relate the Christian message to its
Aotearoa New Zealand cultural context. A great story teller, Alan had a delightful sense
of humour. He related easily to all kinds of people and was noted for his availability to
care for others despite his own health problems. One of his lasting contributions at St
Luke’s was in helping the parish engage with the community, leading to the
redevelopment of the church’s buildings and what became the community centre and
the employment of the community director.
In retirement, Alan continued to read widely in theology, publishing in 1999, For Faith
and Freedom: In this time and place, which examined the New Testament foundations
of the Christian faith and its contemporary implication for the Aotearoa New Zealand
and Pacific contexts. His clear and concise submission on the Local Government
(Auckland Council) Bill in 2009 reflected his sharp mind and continuing engagement in
community issues; he supported geographical and Māori representation, expressed his
unease over the powers of the mayor, the protection of public assets, and his disquiet
that central bureaucracy could drown out local initiatives and concerns. A devoted
husband, father and grandfather, Alan suffered a severe stroke on the morning of 27
April 2011 and died later the same day.
Robinson, Elizabeth Jean (Betty)
8 April 1926 – 30 October 2010
Betty was a member of St James Church, Auckland for 84 years, being the fourth
generation of her family to be associated with the work and witness of that Church.
When she spoke of St Jimmy’s, it was with real affection for what her church
community had meant over the years. She often shared with great joy her days in
Sunday school, Bible class, Busy Bees and Girls Auxiliary.
She represented St James on the Bible class district committee and the dominion
council. She was a teacher in Sunday school and Bible class, president of St James
Guild and Fellowship, and church organist for 14 years. In 1963, she was elected as a
ruling elder of St James and for 47 years she carried out her duties with care and
precision.
Over the years, ministers of St James found her to be totally committed to the mission
of the congregation; her knowledge of people was encyclopaedic as was her ability to
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