Literally, the diocese is the Anglican bishopric of the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand; also known as the synod (or in Māori: Te Hui Amorangi).
Its headquarters are based at premises at 290 Ferry Road, Christchurch.
Te Waipounamu is one of five pīhopatanga, or episcopal units, that comprise Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa, the Māori Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
There are seven Ministry units in Te Waiponamu: Te Pīhopatanga is governed by the Hui Amorangi, a representative synod that meets annually.
Richard Wallace was nominated at the Electoral College of 23–25 September 2016 to be the second Pīhopa o (Bishop of) Te Waipounamu.