Born in Waiuku,
Bishop John Paterson was educated at Pukekohe Primary School (1950 - 1957)
and King's College (1958 - 1962) before gaining a BA at Auckland
University in 1966. At that time Maori was considered a foreign language for the
requirements of the degree and his decision to include Maori as a subject
has had much influence on his career. He is highly regarded by indigenous
speakers for his knowledge of, and fluency in Te Reo Maori.
In 1968 Bishop John married Marion Reid Anderson, with whom he has two adult
daughters. The following year at St John's Theological College he gained a
Licentiate in Theology with Honours, and was ordained Deacon. The New Zealand
Speech Board awarded him a Diploma of Public Speaking in 1970, the year he was
admitted Priest.
Bishop John began his career serving as an Assistant Curate in Whangarei from
1969, becoming Vicar of the Waimate North Anglican Maori Pastorate two years
later, where he remained until 1976. In the same period he was also Priest
in Charge, South Hokianga Parish (1972 - 1974), and Priest in Charge, South Bay
of Islands Parish 1974 - 1975. His postings as a priest in both Maori and Pakeha
parishes was unusual, but created a pattern which prevailed through his career
until becoming Bishop of Auckland.
While in Northland he was extensively involved in Community affairs, as a
member of the Kaikohe Rotary Club (1972-76), Chairperson of the Kaikohe Court
Aid Committee (1974-76), and Teacher of Maori Language classes at Northland
College, (1972-76). In 1975 he was Runner-up for the Jaycee 'Young Man of the
Year' Award.
Moving to Auckland he accepted appointments as Co-missioner (1976 - 1977) and
Priest Assistant (1976 - 1982) of the Auckland Anglican Maori Mission, and
Chaplain and Teacher at Queen Victoria School, Parnell, (1976 - 1982). As
Secretary of Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa (1978 - 1986), he moved to Rotorua with
the Bishopric in 1982.
During this period he became an Army Chaplain, (1976 - 1984) attaining the
rank of Major, and served as Corso organiser for the Parnell district (1976 -
1982), Community Liaison Officer and school Vocational Guidance Officer Auckland
(1977 - 1982), and Adjudicator of Pei Te Hurinui Jones Maori and English
Schools' Oratory Competitions in Auckland and Rotorua (1977 - 1993).
Returning to Auckland in 1986, Bishop John became General Secretary of the
Province for eight years, and in 1988 a Member of the Anglican Consultative
Council - the international Anglican representative body of which he was elected
Vice-Chairperson in 1996 and Chair in 2003.
Bishop John was consecrated at St Mary's Church and installed Bishop of
Auckland on 24th February 1995. From 1998 to 2004 he was
Primate and Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
He is an Honorary member of the Auckland Rotary Club (since 1995), and enjoys
fishing and outdoor activities for recreation.