Murray believes that scope should exist for Craft Lodges to relax some of their rules during the Installation Ceremony to allow those brethren whose partners would like to be involved to do so. Murray argues that we have relaxed our rules to allow women to attend the entire Grand Installation ceremony - this would just be a natural extension of that. If an incoming master didn’t want the ‘alternative installation’ - then the ceremony would proceed as normal.

I actually think Murray is on to something here. As long as it is managed via dispensation; and in accordance with regular protocols - how does it vary from allowing women into the Lodgeroom for a 50 year jewel presentation.

Perhaps something for Rick Masterton to think about for the next Te Puni Installation. Click here to read Murray’s opinion and to have your say. You can also click on the picture to read Murray's opinion.

Remember - you are welcome to your opinion - but please play the ball - not the man!

One of the major tenets of Freemasonry is almoning. The care of one's brother. It was therefore very distressing to learn of a case where all our good attintentions can come to naught.

John Barns Graham says “One of the major tenets of Freemasonry is almoning. The care of one’s brother. It was therefore very distressing to learn of a case where all our good intentions can come to naught”.

Click here to read John’s “opinion” and to have your say - or click on the picture at left to open the document and then come back to this page to comment.

Your comments are most welcome - but please remember to play the ball not the man.

"For more than fifty years I have pondered about the future of our organisation whilst reading the edicts and opinions of our senior members when discussing matters that make us who we are. It is so easy to continue on enjoying what we have become used to so many years ago .However, it surely is apparent that we, as an organisation, have failed to address short comings that have, and are, steadily steering us on a course that is not conducive with growth".

Click here to read John's opinion piece and then come back here to have your say. Alternatively - click on the picture at left to read the article.

Your comments are most welcome - but please remember to play the ball not the man.

In this interesting opinion piece Derrick explores the concept of a District Lodge where the District Grand Master is the Master of the Lodge.

Given the length of the item it is best to read it by clicking here.

Alternatively - copy the following url into your browser:

http://www.themasons.org.nz/cdiv/docs/restructureforsurvival.pdf or click on the picture at left.

Have a read and then let Derrick know what you think by adding a comment.

Remember... play the ball not the man.

Important Note: The views expressed in this opinion piece are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand or the Board of General Purposes.

Are you beginning to think that Freemasonry has reached the end of the road in New Zealand? Are you disheartened with the increasing number of able-bodied men who are resigning from the Craft?

This opinion piece explores some of the reasons why Freewmasonry may have ended up in its current state and provides a number of thought-provoking ideas on things we can do to reverse the trend.

The piece runs into several pages - so read it by clicking here in the first instance.

Important note: If the link above does not work - copy the following url into your browser:

http://www.themasons.org.nz/cdiv/docs/future.pdf or click on the picture.

Your comments on this opinion piece are heartily welcomed - but please play the ball - not the man.