April 17, 2025
Please note that registrations for the 2025 President's Conference have now closed. For all enquiries regarding existing registrations, contact
assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
President’s Conference 2025
6-9 November
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dear friends in Christ,
I warmly invite you into a space of renewal, reflection, and hope as we gather for the President’s Conference of the Uniting Church in Australia. This is not just another event—it’s an opportunity to come together, to share our stories, and to renew our commitment to weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries.
“Threads of Love” is more than a theme. It calls us to embrace the beauty of our diverse stories and the challenges of our time with grace and courage. Whether you are a lay or ordained leader seeking renewal, someone eager to deepen your understanding of our Pacific partnerships, or simply ready to hear the voices of those who enrich and challenge us, you are welcome.
Throughout this gathering, we will be nourished by worship, inspired by thoughtful reflections, and enriched through cultural immersion and dialogue. We’ll hear from young leaders, elders, theologians, and communities who are living out Christ’s love in profound and hopeful ways.
I know many of us carry heavy burdens and questions about the church’s future. My prayer is that this conference will offer you a space to be heard, to reflect, and to find renewed hope in God’s love. I don’t come to this conference with all the answers. But together, let’s listen to each other, learn from one another, and weave something new for the church.
I especially encourage congregations across the Uniting Church to identify and support young leaders to attend. Whether through sponsorship or encouragement, your support nurtures the next generation of faithful and courageous leaders—those who will help us navigate today’s challenges and shape the church of tomorrow.
Let’s come with open hearts and eager spirits. Let’s weave our gifts and hopes into a tapestry that reflects God’s love for the world. Spots are limited, so register early. I look forward to seeing you in Tonga.
Kelesi mo Melino (Grace and peace),
Rev Charissa Suli
President, Uniting Church in Australia
The President and President's Conference team will be based at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel Nuku'alofa on the island of Tongatapu. This hotel will serve as the main meeting point and bus pickup location for daily activities and events.
While we encourage as many Conference attendees as possible to stay at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, we understand alternative arrangements may be needed. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of nearby accommodation options within walking distance.
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel Nuku'alofa
This hotel is where the President and Conference team will be based and will serve as the main hub for Conference attendees.
Booking options
Email: dateline@tanoahotels.com (include ‘UCA President’s Conference’ in subject line)
Phone +676 23 411 (ext 1713)
Mobile +676 878 1428
Website www.tanoahotels.com
Alternative Nearby Accommodation
Waterfront Lodge
160m from the Conference venue, waterfront lodge, boutique accommodation, complimentary breakfast
Hotel Nuku'alofa
650m from the Conference venue, bungalow-style rooms, self-catering facilities
Simon’s Place Motel
480m from Conference venue
Online booking sites
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel (Conference venue)
Booking.com | Expedia | Tripadvisor | Trivago | Airbnb Tonga
Recommended Arrival & Departure
- Arrival: By Wednesday, 5 November 2025
- Departure: After Sunday, 9 November 2025
Main Airport in Tonga
- Fua‘amotu International Airport (TBU), approximately 15 km from Nuku‘alofa.
Flight Options from Australia to Tonga
Direct Flights
- Qantas Airways
- Route: Sydney (SYD) to Nuku‘alofa (TBU)
- Frequency: Twice weekly
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes
- Sample Fare: From AUD $810 round-trip
Connecting Flights
- Fiji Airways
- Routes: From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane via Nadi (Fiji) to Nuku‘alofa
- Duration: Varies; typically 8–13 hours including layover
- Sample Fare: From AUD $656 round-trip
- Air New Zealand
- Routes: From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane via Auckland to Nuku‘alofa
- Sample Fare: From AUD $480 one-way
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Tonga for a holiday. They are eligible for a free Visitor Visa on arrival which is valid for up to 31 days. Other international passport holders should ensure they research and comply with any relevant visa or access requirements.
Day 1 – Thursday 6 November: Grounded in Love – Discipleship & Renewal
Jesus’ words in John 21:15-17, “Feed my sheep,” remind us that discipleship is about nurturing relationships, rooted in love, and responsive to Christ’s call. Today we immerse ourselves in Tongan weaving traditions, reflecting on how faith is woven through every part of life. Like weaving, our discipleship is a communal, ongoing work, strengthened by shared wisdom and grace.
Schedule:
- 9:00 – 9:30 AM – Arrivals and Registration (UCA staff & volunteers)
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9:30 AM – Welcome and Opening Worship (led by President FWCT or General Secretary FWCT)
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10:00 AM – Guest of Honour & Keynote Address
“Threads of Love – A Call to Discipleship & Renewal”
Led by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Salote Mafile‘o Pilolevu Tuita. HRH will reflect on living out discipleship woven with love and justice, and how cultural practices such as Tongan weaving can inspire spiritual renewal.
Facilitator & Vote of Thanks: President Rev. Charissa Suli -
11:00 AM – Morning Tea
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11:30 AM – “Fofola ‘ae Fala Kae Alea ‘ae Kainga”
Roll out the mat and begin our dialogue
(President Rev. Charissa Suli) - 12:30 PM – Lunch
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1:30 PM – Cultural Immersion: Weaving Workshop with Fehoko Art n Tours
Hands-on Tongan weaving (fala) and koka‘anga (ngatu making), with reflections on spiritual formation and community-building. -
3:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
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4:00 PM – Reflection Circles: Discipleship & Renewal (President Rev. Charissa Suli)
Small groups reflect on the day’s learning and pray together.
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5:00 PM – Communal Dinner (hosted by FWCT)
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6:00 PM – Word of Thanks (President UCA) & Evening Prayers (Rev. Will Pickett, National Interim Co-Chair, UAICC)
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6:15 PM – Buses depart to accommodation
Day 2 – Friday 7 November: Weaving Forward: The Generation Speaks
Acts 2:17 – “Your sons and daughters will prophesy…”
Schedule:
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8:00 – 8:45 AM – Pick-up from accommodation to Si‘atoutai Theological College
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9:00 AM – Morning Worship (Rev. Penisimani Akauola Tonga, FWCT Director of Theological Education & Evangelism, with young people)
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9:30 AM – Bible Study: “Leading with Love: The Next Generation’s Vision for the Church”
Led by Olivia Baro Ecumenical Animator for Youth Engagement and Empowerment Ministry (Pacific Conference of Churches)
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11:30 AM – Emerging Leaders Panel: “What Keeps Us Here? What Makes Us Leave?”
Facilitator: Maungarongo (Moe) Tito, Methodist Church of NZ
Panellists include:- Olivia Baro (PCC)
- Christian (UCA Glenbrook)
- Ps. Susitina Suli (UCA Lugarno Peakhurst)
- Sean Weetra (UAICC)
- Nenase Kavafolau (FWCT)
Reflection Circles (Facilitator: Rev. Temukisa Leuaga)
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12:30 PM – Lunch (takeaway packs)
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1:00 PM – Optional Leisure Experiences (buses pick up). Limited numbers for each tour
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6:30 PM – Pick-up for dinner
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7:00 PM – Dinner & Fellowship
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8:00 PM – Evening Prayers (Rev. Peter Morel, Moderator, SA Synod)
Day 3 – Saturday 8 November: Threads of Justice: From Reflection to Action
Schedule:
- 8:00 AM – Pick-up from accommodation to Toloa College
- 9:00 AM – Morning Devotion (Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen, CEO—Ministry of Education & Training Tonga; Interim Vice-Chancellor—Tongan National University; UCA member formerly SA Synod) Hymns and music by Toloa College and Queen Salote College
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9:30 AM – Keynote: “The Church’s Role in Addressing Social Challenges”
Rev. James Bhagwan, General Secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches
Exploring the church’s prophetic and pastoral vocation amid climate change, disability inclusion, gender equity, seasonal workers, and other social issues. - 10:30 AM – Morning Tea
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11:00 AM – Continued Talanoa with Rev. James Bhagwan
- 11:30 AM – Reflection Circles: The Church’s Call to Action
- 12:15 PM – Closing Song (Toloa & Queen Salote Colleges) and Closing Prayer
- 12:30 PM – Lunch Gathering
- 1:30 PM – Immersion Choices (transport provided)
- 4:30 – 5:00 PM – Return to accommodation and rest
- 6:30 PM – Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening Prayers (Rev. Mosese Taufa)
Day 4 – Sunday 9 November: Weaving the Future
Romans 10:14-15 invites us to proclaim the gospel with joy and courage. An ecumenical closing worship and Holy Communion where we will celebrate the threads of love, justice, and hope woven through our time together. We are sent out to be witnesses of Christ’s love in every place we go.
Schedule:
- 8:30 AM – Transport to Kolonga Free Wesleyan Church
- 10:00 AM – Worship at FWCT Kolonga
- 2:00 PM – Lunch by the water in Kolonga (hosts: Rev. Lavingi & Langi Fine and friends)
- 3:30 PM – Return to accommodation and rest
- 6:30 PM – Transport to Saione Church for the closing program
- 7:30 PM – Ecumenical Closing Reception with the FWCT – Po Hiva & Po Lea
- More than one month before: full refund less $25 administration fee
- 3 weeks before: 50% of registration fee refunded
- Two weeks before: 25% of the registration fee refunded
- Less than a week before: no refund will be given
- We will offer the option to transfer your registration to another person. Contact assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
Conference Contact
For all conference enquiries, contact: assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
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