Stories of justice in action
Our collection of stories aim to highlight the real, often overlooked moments of justice in action in our community. These stories reflect the complexities of striving for fairness and equality, the challenges of standing up for what’s right, and the quiet victories that pave the way for meaningful change.
We hope that by sharing these inspiring stories, you are moved to make positive change within your own community.
If you have a story to share, let us know here.
Little Footsteps: Turning Small Hands and Big Hearts into Comfort for Preemie Families
Born at 31 weeks herself, Jocelyn Ho knows how hard life in a Special Care Baby Unit can be. She and a friend created Little Footsteps, a keepsake journal and music box now bringing comfort to 50 families of premature babies at North Shore Hospital. Read the full story.
Building Better Communities in Whangārei
How can churches help tackle their communities' biggest challenges? The Kaurihohore/Kamo Co-operating Parish brought together local experts, organisations and residents for a six-week series on child poverty, housing, addiction, crime and Māori wellbeing. Through honest conversations, participants identified practical ways to strengthen connections and create change across Whangārei.
The Book Cellar: A Story of Books, Neighbours, and a Basement Full of Possibility
From two damp, disused rooms beneath Cashmere Presbyterian Church, The Book Cellar has become a beloved second-hand bookshop and gathering place. Founded by Kathleen with minister Hamish's backing, it just celebrated its first anniversary with a book sale that raised $600.
The Shed: Food For Good
From a converted building on the edge of Saint Kentigern College, The Shed has grown into a vital food hub supporting Auckland families through hardship. Established during the 2020 lockdown, it works with social workers and partner schools to deliver food parcels with dignity and privacy. Now distributing 70 boxes a week, this student- and family-powered initiative shows how a small space can hold extraordinary generosity.
Good Grief: Building Compassionate Communities Through Shared Loss
Good Grief South Collective is transforming the way our community experiences loss. Founded from personal tragedy, this South Auckland movement creates safe spaces to share stories, honour loved ones and find strength in connection. Through events, workshops, retreats and partnerships, it shows that healing doesn't have to happen alone.
Oasis, an Ōpōtiki mission project to sustain community and grow faith
From a mission project in the heart of Ōpōtiki, Oasis is emerging as a fresh expression of church focused on relationships, prayer and community. Led by Jared and Jess Suisted, it offers welcoming spaces to encounter God, grow in faith and find practical and spiritual support. With hundreds of local connections formed and Oasis House newly opened as a community mission hub, it's helping reimagine what church can look like today.
Peter Matheson
The Rev Dr Peter Clarkson Matheson (1938–2025) was a respected theologian, historian, poet, and peace activist whose life was shaped by a deep commitment to justice, reconciliation, and faith. From leading anti-nuclear protests and advocating for environmental action to pioneering scholarship on the Reformation and fostering communities of hospitality and inclusion, Peter combined intellectual rigour with compassionate activism. This tribute reflects on his remarkable journey across academia, church leadership, and public life, and the enduring legacy of a man who believed in the power of words, hope, and faith to transform the world.
Life, Language, Learning and Laughter – English language conversation groups
The English language conversation groups at Chartwell Cooperating Church in Hamilton provide a welcoming space where adults from many cultures can practise English, build confidence and form friendships. Through guided small-group conversations in a supportive, faith-based setting, participants find their voice, grow in fluency, and experience belonging, dignity and mutual learning.
Whare Kai: A Hand Up, Not a Handout
Whare Kai: A hand up, not a hand out describes how Have a Heart evolved its Covid-era food parcel service into Whare Kai, a community food hub that prioritises dignity, choice and sustainability. By redistributing rescued food, supplying local Pātaka Kai, and creating volunteering and employment opportunities, Whare Kai strengthens food security, empowers people, and builds a culture of connection and generosity across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Have a Heart: Ko tōu manawa ki tōku manawa
Have a Heart is a Whakatāne-based community initiative started by Rev Chris Barnard to connect people with local support services and strengthen community wellbeing. What began as a church project has grown into an independent charitable trust delivering large community events, social programmes, and support services that now reach thousands each year and aim to be self-sustaining.
The Story of a Be:Loved Church
In central Auckland, Rev. Won Hyuk Joung is reimagining church through WeCare Ministry and BE:LOVED Church. What began as simple outreach has grown into a relational movement that empowers people to care for one another and explores new expressions of church with the support of Forge Aotearoa.
Weaving Faith and Culture: Young People Transformed at Ōhope Marae
A growing youth gathering at Ōhope Marae is helping young people explore the connection between Christian faith and Te Ao Māori. Hosted by Presbyterian Youth Ministry and Te Aka Puahou, students from across Aotearoa experience marae life, learn tikanga, and engage with the history of Māori Christianity.
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