Over the past two years the Code of Ethics and Conduct Advisory Group has been working on behalf of the BUNZ to ensure our ethics and conduct documentation is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our churches, pastors and registered leaders. This involved listening to the wide range of people within the Baptist whānau, talking with experts, and researching the standards that other Baptist Unions and denominations expect of their pastors and leaders. This was followed by a robust time of review that included focus groups of pastors and elders. Te Wao Tōtara, a Forest of Leaders: Code of Ethics and Conduct is the result of this work. 

National Leader, Charles Hewlett, on behalf of National Council, is excited to publish Te Wao Tōtara (draft). He says:
“Along with National Council I think this document is excellent. I personally love the content and am finding it helpful in my relationship with God, with others, and the world that we live in. I am especially finding the guidelines helpful in understanding myself.”

A letter from Charles introducing Te Wao Tōtara has been sent to all pastors, chairs of elders and registered leaders.