A denomination, which began in the early 50’s with the arrival of many Reformed Dutch folk at this time. The denomination still has a significant number of Dutch members but the majority of members have either been born in NZ and a growing number are of New Zealand origin or are from other cultures.
We are a small denomination of some 18 or so congregations, divided into three Presbyteries.
The continental Reformed heritage is reflected in three of the doctrinal standards of the RCNZ- the Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession of Faith, and Canons of Dort - while a Presbyterian influence is seen in the adoption of the Westminster Confession of Faith as a fourth form of unity.
Our City:
The Reformed Church of Palmerston North is located in the provincial university town of Palmerston North. It is located at the south end of New Zealand’s North Island- less than two hours north of the capital city. Palmerston North is a city of some 80,000 people servicing a much larger population in the surrounding regions. It is a very green, fertile region quite close to two mountain ranges, and straddled along side the Manawatu river. It is 25 minutes away from the west coast beaches. It is a great venue for fishing, hunting, hiking, walking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
As well as the farming and manufacturing sectors, it boasts several tertiary academic institutions including one of the NZ’s larger universities “Massey”. This University is host to not only New Zealanders, but a large number of foreign students, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indian folk. In addition there is a large International Pacific College which is dedicated to Asian students, especially Japanese. This offers a huge mission field on our very doorstep.
Our Local Congregation:
The Reformed Church of Palmerston North is a vibrant and growing body of believers composed of about 200 members and a number of regular visitors. (These figures do not include the church plant work in Wanganui). We have a large and increasing number of baptised children - more than half of the congregation. The church has recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary. In that time it has had has been involved with two other church plants; Foxton, (fully independent for many years) and Wanganui, (still not instituted and therefore under our oversight).
The church has all age groups well represented, from young to old. The composition of the congregation is becoming more diverse from the origins of the original Dutch immigrant members with a growing number of Kiwis, as well as second and third generation (Dutch) New Zealanders.
