When Yearly Meeting Nominations Committee asked me to serve as the 2024 Quakers Australia representative to Aotearoa New Zealand Yearly Meeting I thought “mmmm … my name would not have occurred to me”.  So, I contacted the 2023 representative, Ann Zubrick, who was kind enough to have a chat. She assured me that I would be fine in the role, and that I would find it spiritually and personally enriching.

 I thanked Ann then, and I thank her now.  Even though a few weeks have passed (24-27 April), I still have the Friendly “warm and fuzzies” which, in my experience, follow in the wake of Quaker fellowship, laughter and collective worship.

 Before anyone raises the issue of carbon emissions and travel, let me say that I didn’t travel. The Yearly Meeting was hybrid, so I sat where I am now, at my desk in front of a large computer screen, coffee cup in hand.  While I did feel very much a part of Aotearoa New Zealand Yearly Meeting, I missed the opportunity to spend time with more Friends over meals and tea, and to travel and worship among them.

 Friends will not be surprised to hear that Michael Searle and Ronis Chapman were working magic with technology. Aotearoa New Zealand Friends were very patient as microphones and computers were adjusted and readjusted so those of us online could fully participate in the sessions and discernments.  Regular breakout rooms ensured that those of us online formed a community within the YM community.