A BRIEF HISTORY

IN NORTHLAND, August 1945, the first MPSS lessons were posted to Maori children. Mr Arnot Edwards typed and duplicated these on an ancient flat-bed duplicator. About the same time and unknown to the Northland folk, Miss Elsie Severinsen (now Mrs Elias Kerr) commenced her own lessons for children in Marton and surrounding districts.

Interest grew rapidly, and in 1946 the Postal Sunday School Mission in Auckland kindly gave their lessons at a low cost to those who wanted them in the Maori field. In 1948 Mr and Mrs Arnot Edwards were appointed as full time superintendents, a position they held until their resignation in 1964.

Because the roll had increased to something over 2000 and branches numbered 15 it was considered that Dargaville was too far away from the centre of operations. Accordingly in 1950 Wanganui was chosen as a suitable centre in which to establish Headquarters.

In 1955 the small, antiquated printing press was exchanged for a modern Heidelberg platen press which was purchased by interested Assemblies and donated to MPSS.

Mr and Mrs Ken Forster were appointed as superintendents in 1964, and sought to build upon the foundation laid by Arnot and Ruth Edwards. They continued as superintendents until early 1970 when Mr and Mrs Fred Fox, who had been serving the Lord as field directors for MPSS in Northland, were appointed as superintendents.

In 1974 a further step forward was taken with the purchase of a secondhand Solna 124 offset printing press.

1976 saw the commendation of Graham and Evelyn Batson by the Foxton Assembly. They moved to Wanganui to assist in the work at HQ and took over as superintendents on the resignation of Mr Fox in 1982.

In 1977 came the opening of the new HQ office and printing works in Lowther Street, Wanganui. Also added to the plant at that time was a graphics art camera for film work associated with offset printing, and other ancillary equipment which made us fully independent for all printing requirements until the advent of greatly increased colour work some years later.

In 1980 the Solna offset press was replaced with a brand new Dominant 514 which handled most of the offset work for almost the next 20 years, when it too was replaced by a new Ryobi 520X in December of 1999.Shortly after purchasing the Ryobi we also purchased a finishing unit to handle magazines and calendars, etc.

It was then becoming obvious that our building was somewhat cramped for space and, after examining various alternatives, in 2002 we were able to purchase the property at the rear of the existing HQ building. This then became the new Maori Postal Aotearoa office with the original building being used solely for printing and graphics. With the assistance of Mobile Missionary Maintenance both buildings were upgraded and new concrete laid between the buildings for easier access.

In 2005 we added to the plant an image setter, allowing us to produce all our own film work for offset which was a decided advantage cost wise and for convenience. This made us fully independent for all printing operations once again.

As we look back over the years, we do so with much gratitude and praise to the Lord for the way in which He has directed and supplied the various needs.

What is MPA?

Maori Postal Aotearoa is a society incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act, 1957, and functions as a Gospel literature outreach to families throughout Aotearoa and elsewhere and is sponsored by Christian Brethren Assemblies. The society produces material that is available to all groups who desire to use it.

What do we do?

• We print and distribute five grades of Bible lessons to approximately 7000 children each month. Lessons and magazines are sent in bulk to our leaders in the field who contact the families by post or personal visitation.
• We publish a full-colour magazine, “Tupu Whakarangi” (“Growing Heavenward”) approximately every four months, with a circulation of 9,000.
• We print and publish Bible Text Posters and other Gospel literature suitable for distribution to Maori families.
• We dispatch 25,000 Gospel calendars each year.
• We are currently reaching at least 8000 homes with the Gospel on a regular basis and many others on a less frequent basis.
• We regularly send Gospel literature to homes, schools, prisons and other organizations.
• A Full Colour Catalogue displaying material is available from HQ.

How is it financed?

Financial support comes from donations by individuals and Christian Brethren Assemblies, and also from funds generated through printing work we do mainly for other Christian organizations and businesses. While branch leaders are responsible for certain costs incurred in the running of their branches, most literature is supplied free of charge.

All gifts sent to MPA are paid into the general fund and are used for printing, maintenance, wages, etc., unless otherwise stated. Gifts intended for the personal support of workers should be clearly marked accordingly. All gifts should be sent to:

The Superintendent,
Maori Postal Aotearoa
PO Box 10
WANGANUI.

Who owns the property and assets?

All property, plant and equipment at HQ is owned by the society which is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Acts, 1957.

Who are the workers?

There are five full-time workers at HQ, including the superintendent and his wife who are Assembly commended workers. Other workers are paid by the society and also can receive personal gifts.

There are a number of faithful voluntary workers who enjoy coming to HQ to assist with many of the repetitive jobs that need to be done such as collating, stapling, enveloping, assembling orders and preparing parcels for post.

Throughout the country there are about 50 branch leaders commended by their local fellowships who are responsible for the work in their districts. They receive lessons, magazines and other material in bulk from HQ and arrange the distribution, collection and marking. Leaders are encouraged to have as much personal contact with families as possible. They are free to arrange picnics, bar-b-ques, camps, prize-givings and other activities as they are able to do so. (A brochure is available from HQ setting out the requirements and responsibilities of a branch leader).

The society’s AGM is usually held on a weekend in March when as many leaders as possible come together for a time of fellowship, reports and encouragement. A Prayer List of workers and leaders with photos is also available from HQ.

Executive Committee

An Executive committee which meets twice each year is responsible for all policy decisions and forward planning. It is made up of members representing most regions of the country.

Business Committee

Because of the cost and difficulty of getting members of the Executive together more often, we have a business committee comprising of members of the Executive who live within reasonable traveling distance of Wanganui. This committee meets monthly for prayer and is responsible for directing and advising in business and day to day matters, and also for monitoring the implementation of policy made by the Executive.

How can you help?

• Pray for the leaders and HQ workers that they may be encouraged and have the necessary enabling from the Lord to carry out the task faithfully. Some are working in difficult and isolated areas. A Prayer List is available for your use.
• Pray that as the Word of God goes into the homes and hearts of people, there will be deep conviction of sin and a sincere turning to the Lord.
• Ask the Lord to guide you as to whether you could become involved as a Leader

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