A week long general synod of the Anglican Church started on Saturday in Gisborne.
About 100 clergy and lay representatives from throughout New Zealand and the Pacific will attend the biennial event to debate a range of international and national issues.
There are two controversial issues on the agenda: a proposed Anglican covenant on the ordination of bishops in same-sex relationships and a motion urging the Government to ban alcohol advertising.
A highlight will be the announcement of a new Archbishop for Polynesia to succeed the late Jabez Bryce, who led the diocese for 35 years.
