LR03 LCNZ Manse Rectification Project
LCA Bishop’s Manse Rectification Project
PROPOSED MOTION
Submitted by: LCNZ Council of Synod
BE IT RESOLVED:
That LCNZ Convention of Synod approve the LCNZ’s Bishop manse rectification that ensures the building meets the NZ Healthy Homes requirements, retention of the capital value of the property and the ability to keep the maintenance of the property up to date.
Further that :
- the cost of $376.586 be approved as capital expenditure;
- LCNZ Council; of Synod are approved to seek loan and grant funding for the project; and
- LCNZ Council of Synod are approved to incur additional costs and lending should additional contractor escalation costs be imposed or additional project issues be uncovered during the rectification process and these be reported to the LCNZ delegates on a six-monthly basis until the project is completed.
- LCNZ Council of Synod are approved to make decisions on the future use of the property; namely options to either rent and/or sell the property depending on the market, and needs or opportunities of the LCNZ.
- the sale of the property and purchase of another in another location should the LCNZ Bishop role be filled by a duly elected pastor.
REASONS FOR THE MOTION
- As reported to the Convention of Synod in 2023 (see Council of Synod report) the bishop’s manse has some significant structural, design and deferred maintenance issues that need to be rectified.
- LCNZ Council of Synod have been working with architects and engineers since then to work out what is required to make that right.
- LCNZ have two quotes from reputable Wellington Building contractors. The funding allows for the higher quote to be accepted, should that be a better option. They are both available to commence in July 2025 and expect to take between 10 and 15 weeks to complete.
- Copies of drawings and architects specifications are available on request.
- The Wellington City Council have issued building permits for the project (January 2025).
- It is expected that this programme will rectify all issues including mould, water leaks, broken glass and consequences of previous deferred maintenance.
- The LCNZ does not hold sufficient cash to be able to fund this from its own reserves.
- There are a number of sources of the funding including Westpac, Christian Savings, Gateway Gift and other banking and finance organisations. The LCNZ will need to be able to prove its ability to repay these loans.
- The loans would be repaid through additional rental income and/or the proceeds of sale of the property.
- The loans will be held by the LCNZ Trust Board, as the trust owner of the property on behalf of the LCNZ.
- The current valuation (2025) of the property is $1,150,000
- The Wellington property market is currently in a slump and both the rental and sale market are sluggish. It is anticipated that by the time the property rectification has been completed that the markets may be on the rise.
- The option of the residence of any incoming LCNZ Bishop being in Wellinton is not guaranteed. If a bishop were elected in the near future the housing of that Bishop will need to be organised and this may mean a sale of the current manse and the purchase of same in another location. The Synod is requested to give permission in advance of that decision. This is allowed for under LCNZ Constitution Article 6, Clause 4 (formerly V1 4)
SUBMITTING BODY DETAILS
This has been approved by the authorised body at a duly held meeting and is confirmed as an accurate and complete version of the agreed proposal.
Submitted by: Andrew Marr
Date of meeting where approved: 23 May 2025
Name of submitting organisation: LCNZ Council of Synod
Note: drawings and Project specification to be provided separately
