Chapter 15 Pentecostalism in Aotearoa–New Zealand
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For many years, Pentecostalism in New Zealand was a small and struggling movement, yet the 1960s saw it emerge confidently onto the national scene. While the acceptability and influence of Pentecostalism has undoubtedly expanded since the early years, Pentecostals nevertheless remain more fissiparous than ever. In large urban centres the classical Pentecostal denominations are being superseded by relational networks of neo-Pentecostal churches, while in the case of the Assemblies of God the denomination is mainly being sustained by migrant communities from the Pacific Islands and Asia. Furthermore, many Pentecostal churches continue to have a large ‘back door’ through which significant numbers have departed. The future of Pentecostalism is thus heading in multiple directions simultaneously and a number of challenges present themselves. The first portion of this chapter details the history of the movement paying particular attention to the influence of the Latter Rain churches and the Assemblies of God, along with features of the charismatic renewal. It then examines Pentecostal engagement with wider society, the relationship between Pentecostalism and Māori, as well as the present challenges and future opportunities for the movement in New Zealand.