How can churches help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing their communities? The Kaurihohore/Kamo Co-operating Parish brought together local experts, community organisations and residents for a six-week series exploring issues such as child poverty, housing, addiction, crime and Māori wellbeing. Through honest conversations and a shared commitment to justice, participants identified practical ways to strengthen connections and create positive change across Whangārei.

From two damp, disused rooms beneath Cashmere Presbyterian Church, The Book Cellar has grown into a beloved neighbourhood second-hand bookshop and gathering place. Founded by Kathleen after a chance experience volunteering at another church's bookshop, and backed from the start by minister Hamish's enthusiastic support, this community-powered project transformed unused space into somewhere people linger over coffee and conversation as much as books. Having just marked its first anniversary with a bustling book sale that raised $600, The Book Cellar shows how a borrowed idea, a working bee, and a community willing to say yes can turn two forgotten rooms into a place of genuine connection.

From a converted building on the edge of Saint Kentigern College, The Shed has grown into a vital food distribution hub supporting Auckland families through hardship. Established during the 2020 lockdown by the Saint Kentigern community, The Shed works alongside trusted social workers and partner schools to deliver food parcels with dignity and privacy at the heart of every delivery. With 70 boxes now distributed each week and hundreds of thousands of dollars in food and support provided since its founding, this student- and family-powered initiative continues to prove that even a small space can hold extraordinary generosity.

Good Grief South Collective is transforming the way our community experiences loss. Founded from personal tragedy and powered by compassion, this South Auckland movement is creating safe spaces where people can share their stories, honour loved ones and find strength in connection. Through creative events, workshops, retreats and community partnerships, Good Grief reminds us that healing does not have to happen alone. By replacing silence with conversation and isolation with belonging, they are helping grief become a journey shared, with dignity, hope and heart.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

KiwiTalk at St David’s Community Church in Hillsborough, Auckland, creates a welcoming space where migrants can practise English, build confidence, and form friendships. What began as a way for the church to reconnect with its community has become a place of belonging and support for people settling into life in New Zealand.

Shirley Erena Murray (1931–2020) was a pioneering New Zealand hymn writer whose poetic, justice-focused lyrics gave voice to faith, peace, and inclusion. Her 400 hymns continue to inspire congregations worldwide, blending theology and poetry to speak to the heart of contemporary Christian life.

Rev Dr Rutherford Waddell, minister of St Andrew’s Church in Dunedin (1879–1919), was a pioneering voice for social justice in New Zealand. His famous sermon ‘The Sin of Cheapness’ exposed worker exploitation and helped spark national labour reforms, blending faith, compassion, and action for the common good.