Environmental change and domestic violence are key issues being discussed at a 10-day gathering in Auckland of Anglicans from around the world.
The head of the church, Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, flew in this week to attend the 15th Anglican Consultative Council, which meets every two or three years in different countries.
Topics for discussion included the threat of environmental change and the elimination of domestic and gender-based violence, a council statement said.
Dr Williams was greeted at the opening ceremony in Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral this morning by a wero (challenge) from a young Maori Anglican brandishing a taiaha (spear).
New Zealand Archbishop David Moxon said the council was the largest and most representative Anglican gathering held in New Zealand.
"It's an honour for us as a church to host this gathering and it is also significant as it is the last international engagement for the Archbishop of Canterbury," he said.
Dr Williams steps down from his role in December.
NZN