"I am delighted to announce that the Rev Justin Duckworth has been chosen as the next Bishop of Wellington. Justin was nominated by an Electoral College ably chaired by Bishop Richard Ellena, and Justin's nomination has since been formally confirmed by the House of Bishops and members of the General Synod.

Justin, who is 44, has been at the cutting edge of mission and ministry in Wellington for 25 years. He was a co-founder and leader of Urban Vision, which runs houses in some of Wellington's neighbourhoods, in which young Christians live alongside folk from the margins. Justin and his wife Jenny also pioneered Ngatiawa, a contemporary monastery which provides a welcome to those who are struggling, those seeking prayerful retreat, and those seeking a missional lifestyle. The Electoral College clearly identified Christian lifestyle, Christian discipleship and Christian mission in Justin – and I am confident his election will challenge, invigorate and grace the church with a deep sense of the breadth and height and depth of the love of God. A date for the Ordination of Justin to the Episcopate will be announced as soon as it is known."