Bishop presides over services

The Rt Rev Dr Kelvin Wright, the newly-ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin (left), with the Rt Rev Dr David Coles, of the Wakatipu Anglican Church, before their service at St Paul's Church, in Arrowtown, yesterday morning. Photo by James Beech.

The new "chief executive officer" for the Anglican church in Otago-Southland made his first official visit to the Wakatipu over the weekend and presided over two services on Sunday.

The Rt Rev Dr Kelvin Wright was ordained as the ninth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin on February 27.

He was welcomed to the parish and its parishioners by the Rt Rev Dr David Coles, of the Wakatipu Anglican Church.

Dr Wright preached and presided at St Paul's Anglican Church, in Arrowtown, and St Peter's Anglican Church, in Queenstown, yesterday, on the patronal festival of both churches.

Dr Wright said he had enjoyed the Wakatipu many times as a visitor and skier, but last weekend was his first in his new role as "CEO" of the church.

"It's a very positive area, an interesting bunch of people in the Wakatipu, people who think differently and have energy for things."

Dr Wright said, as bishop, he ministered for clergy and set the direction and purpose.

"I try to encourage people and get them moving in the same direction."

A special Queenstown Winter Festival service, titled Worship for Winter, will be held at St Peter's Church, on Sunday, July 4, at 10.30am.