From a mission project planted in the heart of Ōpōtiki, Oasis is emerging as a fresh expression of church focused on relationships, prayer, and community engagement. Led by Jared and Jess Suisted, Oasis seeks to create welcoming spaces where people can encounter God, grow in faith, and find practical and spiritual support for life's journey. With hundreds of local connections already formed and the recent opening of Oasis House as a community mission hub, this growing faith community is helping reimagine what church can look like in today's world.

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.

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.

People from the Presbyterian whānau in Otepoti, Dunedin, join with others in the community to welcome newcomers through pōwhiri at Araiteuru marae.

Rev Jill McDonald, minister at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hastings, NZ, writes about the initiative to alleviate energy hardship which she and her husband Chris are involved in.

Building friendships and community with residents in Wellington City Council housing complexes.

Building friendships and community with residents in Wellington City Council housing complexes.