Synod of Otago and Southland

Many other settlers followed with more ministers among them, and in 1855 the Presbytery of Otago was formed with responsibility for the area south of the Waitaki River and distributing the growing income from church property trusts.

The responses were initially friendly replies, but no further effort was made at uniting the two groups until 1861 when a joint committee was formed and prepared a basis of union.

From the beginning a large number of the Synod wished to join with the northern church, but an influential minority successfully resisted.

The Synod wished to continue its existence, and since it had been established by act of parliament and could not be dissolved, it became a court of the united church and retained control of its trusts.

Parishes and church campsite committees in Otago and Southland can apply to the Synod thought their presbyteries for approval to buy, sell, alter or lease buildings, borrow money or make application to the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.

The Otago Foundation Trust Board is a sister organization of the Synod and the perpetual trustee for Presbyterian properties south of the Waitaki River.