Mr Wells said William Colenso was seen as many things during his life.
"Both highly admirable and a 'prince of humbugs'. It is timely for us to look back at this amazing polymath and celebrate his insights into the strange contradictions inherent to life in New Zealand - he can still tell us things we need to know."
The bicentenary will also feature a series of talks and walks - the latter a trek to the foot of the Colenso Spur in the Ruahine Ranges on Sunday.
William Colenso frequently used the route over the Ruahine Range.
Special services are also taking place at Waiapu St John's Cathedral.
On Friday an Evensong service will begin at 6pm, with Dean Helen Jacobi preaching on the life of Elizabeth Colenso.
"Elizabeth Colenso was a missionary in her own right."
On Sunday at 6pm the cathedral will host a service led by Bishop David Rice, and the preacher will be the former Bishop of Waiapu, John Bluck.
Colenso had been an Anglican missionary but spent some time estranged from the church, although toward the end of his life he was reinstated as a priest and became the first vicar of Woodville.
For more information visit www.williamcolenso.co.nz/edit. asp?PageNo=5&pagename;=events
