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.

Playful Generations at Village Presbyterian Papanui brings toddlers, parents, and older adults together each week in Christchurch. Over coffee, play, and conversation, this intergenerational gathering fosters connection, combats isolation, and builds community across the generations.

The Common Good in Hastings is reimagining what it means to do church — hosting monthly conversations on social justice, community, and faith in a local bar. Led by Rev Jill McDonald, the gatherings blend storytelling, scripture, song, and real-life action, creating an inclusive space where people connect, reflect, and celebrate the good happening in Aotearoa.

The Dees Social Group at Mairangi Bay Presbyterian Church offers weekly activities, companionship, and respite for people living with dementia and their caregivers, creating joy, connection, and community support for over 15 years.

St Cuthbert’s College partners with Communities Feeding Communities in Mount Roskill, donating food each term and engaging students of all ages in hands-on service, living out their motto ‘By Love Serve’ to fight food insecurity across Aotearoa.