February Newsletter 2026
A Historic Week
“And may God bless you with the foolishness to believe that you can make a
difference in this world. So you will do the things others say cannot be done.”
(attributed to St Francis of Assisi)
Years ago, we lived above Worser Bay in Wellington, named for a local sea pilot who
when asked about the weather always responded, “It’s getting worser and worser.”
Despite the prophets’ assurances that one day the wolf will lie down with the lamb, and in the final days there will be no more tears, wars or pain, at times I have struggled to hold onto that assurance. This week’s news that the NZ Parliament will debate legislation to address modern day slavery is salve to my soul, more so, given the Wilberforce Foundation’s namesake and whakapapa.
A World Vision report found that NZers spend on average $77 per week on goods likely to be linked to modern slavery, impacting more than 50 million people worldwide, including an astonishing 8,000 here in NZ. Behind those statistics are people, often children, made in the image of God, exploited, dislocated and abused.
The proposed legislation brings us in line with the UK, EU and others. It will:
- Require large businesses to report on how they identify and address modern-slavery risks in their supply chains
- Establish a public register of these reports
- Strengthen support for victims in NZ
- Give the Human Rights Commission a formal oversight role
“The arc of the moral universe is long” said Martin Luther King “but it bends towards justice”. This legislation is an attempt to bend the arc.
I am especially moved that members of the extended Wilberforce Community have
played an instrumental role in championing the legislation. Greg Fleming, a former
Wilberforce Foundation CEO, has helped lead the Parliamentary campaign. World
Vision, Tear Fund, Fair & Good, Hagar, Child Alert - ECPA, along with others, have
championed reform for many years.
The parallels between their work and William Wilberforce 200 years earlier are deeply moving. Wilberforce built coalitions of support across the House, worked alongside gifted people such as Thomas Clarkson to mobilise communities. Together they engaged faith leaders, used Parliamentary processes to their advantage, and above all, lasted the distance, despite multiple setbacks. The personal costs for Wilberforce, Clarkson and others were considerable. Wilberforce turned down political advancement. The abolitionists were subject to ridicule, relationships were strained, their health suffered, yet they persevered.
Those leading the NZ campaign have shown a similar resolve, moral courage and resourcefulness. They deserve our thanks and admiration.
In the real politic, you have to choose your battles. Not every worthy cause can be championed. You are not the answer to every problem. For Christians in the public square this can be a very uncomfortable place to be. As William Wilberforce found compromise is inevitable to effect change. He first campaigned for the end of the slave trade before championing the end of slavery. He turned down opportunities to campaign for other worthy causes. He knew what it felt like to be ‘cancelled’ long before the word was invented. Similarly the NZ legislation includes compromises. The threshold for reporting on supply chains is set at a comparatively high $100m turnover. Some are concerned the balance between individual, business and governmental responsibility is skewed. These issues are bound to be raised in Select Committee.
You may be familiar with the work of biblical scholar and missions theologian Prof. Chris Wright. He writes of the fivefold mission of God, including the biblical injunction to advocate against unjust systems and structures. In recent years the Christian voice in the NZ public square has often been marginalised, silent, or dominated by one or two especially strident voices. The success of the modern day slavery campaign is an inspiration to this generation of Christian activists, be it for Gaza, environmental justice, child poverty, domestic abuse, etc to keep going, despite the setbacks and institutional lethargy. The road is long, success is not guaranteed, but a faithful presence requires it.
Please pray for the Parliamentary debate on 10 February – 61 votes are needed for the legislation to go to Select Committee. Even then, the work is not done. At Select Committee, there will be calls to soften the draft legislation. The challenge now is to ensure the ambition remains, good safeguards and transparency requirements are retained and resources are secured.
“You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not
know.”
– William Wilberforce.
Chris Clarke
Chief Executive, Wilberforce Foundation
Welcome Wee‑Yeong Eyou
We’re delighted to introduce Wee‑Yeong Eyou, who has recently joined the Wilberforce team and will be working alongside Aimee Mai to support and strengthen the Evangelism focus of our work.
Wee‑Yeong brings a rich and unique mix of experience, with over 25 years across consulting, audit, risk management, pastoral care, mentoring, and nonprofit leadership and governance. His background spans senior corporate roles in technology, financial services, and consulting, as well as 12 years in full‑time ministry working with children, youth, campus groups, and young adults.
A proud “third‑culture kid,” Wee‑Yeong was born in Malaysia and raised here in New Zealand. This background has shaped his ability to connect and communicate with ease—whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or across diverse cultural contexts. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Business, a Master of Arts in Evangelism and Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Youth, Family and Culture.
Now working in the for‑purpose sector, Wee‑Yeong brings both strategic insight and a deeply pastoral heart to his role at Wilberforce. We’re excited about the perspective, experience, and energy he brings to our evangelism efforts.
Outside of work, Wee‑Yeong enjoys life with his wife Reeta and their two teenage boys. You’ll often find him on a squash court, solving (or scrambling) a Rubik’s cube, or enjoying great food from anywhere and everywhere.
Please join us in giving Wee‑Yeong a warm welcome!
You can get in touch with him at
wee-yeong@wilberforce.org.nz — and we’re thrilled to have him on board.
Christian Women in Governance Network: Retreat 2026
The Christian Women in Governance Network invites emerging and experienced women in governance to its 2026 retreat,
From 10:00am on Thursday, 12th March, until 2:00pm on Friday, 13th March at Peppers Clearwater Resort, Christchurch.
This retreat is designed to build connection, confidence, and competence for women serving in governance roles across Christian and for-purpose contexts. Through shared learning and encouragement, participants will be equipped to lead with wisdom, courage, and collaboration.
Thanks to the generosity of the Wilberforce Foundation, the retreat programme costs are fully covered. Participants are responsible only for their own travel and accommodation, with discounted on-site accommodation available at Clearwater.
Speakers include Julia Grace, Chris Clarke, Jessica Palmer, and Charlotte Cummings, bringing experience across faith, governance, leadership, and public service.
Please see our full programme for more information.
New members are welcome. To attend, please complete the retreat registration form as soon as possible.
For all information on the Retreat please head to our website.
City to City New Zealand Launches Next Month
City to City New Zealand is launching next month, with conferences in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland—and you’re invited to be part of it.
These gatherings will bring together gospel workers from across the country to pray, connect, and be encouraged for ministry in our cities. We’re excited to welcome two international speakers: Andrew Katay, Co-CEO of City to City Australia and Senior Minister of Christ Church Inner West (Sydney), and Jennifer Chan, Senior Director of Missional Engagement and Catalytic Training at Redeemer City to City, New York.
Each conference will include the following sessions:
Session 1: Tim Keller’s most important contribution
Session 2: The Great Commission today (1): Evangelism in a post-Christian world
Session 3: The Great Commission today (2): Discipleship in an aggressively secular world
Session 4: "It takes a movement to reach a city": The dynamics of gospel movements
You can register and find full details for Christchurch (Tuesday March 3), Wellington (Wednesday March 4), and Auckland (Thursday March 5) at this link here
We look forward to connecting with you and other gospel workers across New Zealand next month.
KIWA Māori and Pacific Governance Network
Nei rā te mihi ki a koutou katoa! 2026 is looking incredibly exciting when it comes to Māori and Pacific leadership development with regards to Te Rongopai (The Gospel message flourishing in the cultural context of Aotearoa).
Last year KIWA was launched (our Māori and Pacific Governance Network, awards and peer mentorship training programme). 65 Christian leaders came to our events held in Timaru/Oamaru, Otautahi, Tāmaki Makaurau and Tokoroa/Putāruru. These were leaders involved on community trust boards with governance responsibilities at church, marae or with local organisations. The feedback was awesome, “having safe and inspiring spaces for leaders to gather like this is so needed.” - Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o
This month we kick off with KIWA in Whakatū (Nelson) on February 18th at Melrose House Cafe.
Spaces are limited with this one. If you know any indigenous leaders who might benefit from being involved in this kaupapa and or can make it along to this event, please email me: Jade@wilberforce.org.nz
Register here:
RSVPS are essential
2026 Wilberforce Foundation Scholarship Programme is now open
The Wilberforce Foundation Scholarship Committee grants scholarships to students who show leadership potential in the Christian sphere.
Scholarships are granted for a 12-month period.
Learn more on our website
Applications close: 22 March 2026
Waitangi Day: Beginning with Karakia
As we mark Waitangi Day, we invite you to begin the day in prayer and reflection by tuning in to the Waitangi Day Dawn Service, broadcast live at 5.00am on Friday 6 February from Te Whare Rūnanga at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The dawn karakia brings together Christian leaders from across denominations and offers a moment to pause, remember, and recommit ourselves to the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This year’s service is shaped by the kaupapa of manaakitanga—extending warmth, respect, and hospitality—and the theme “Mō tātou, mā tātou” (By us all, for us all), calling us toward unity, humility, and shared responsibility in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The service will be broadcast live on Whakaata Māori (via Māori+) and TVNZ 1.
If you’re keen to deepen your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we recommend He Tatau Pounamu by Dr Alistair Reece as a guide grounded in Māori whakaaro and lived experience. It’s a powerful resource for those committed to learning, reflection, and long‑term partnership.
You can purchase the book here
God of all peoples, guide us in truth, humility, and love, that we may honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and walk together in justice and peace.
What’s Inspiring You?
One of the joys of our Wilberforce community has been hearing from readers about what’s been shaping their thinking and faith. Over the years, we’ve loved featuring contributors who’ve shared the books they’ve been reading and the podcasts they’ve been listening to—content that has challenged, encouraged, and inspired them in their Christian journey and in their work in the for‑purpose space.
We’d love to keep that conversation going.
If there’s a book, article, podcast, or resource that has helped you think more deeply about faith, culture, leadership, or purpose in Aotearoa New Zealand, we’d love to hear about it. Your recommendations might be exactly what someone else needs right now.
Please get in touch if you’d like to share your favourites with us—we’d love to feature them in a future newsletter.
Lunch and Learn:
Discussion with Praxis
Our last Lunch and Learn was one you shouldn't miss — you can now watch the recording.
In this Wilberforce Foundation webinar, James Beck will interview Murray Shearer from Praxis, exploring the journey Praxis has woven creation care into their organisation.
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
Our Community Newsletter will be back for 2026! This is a place for you, our community, to promote and share any announcements, stories, job opportunities or events. Please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
Deadline for article submissions: the 12th of every month.
The newsletter will be distributed on the third Wednesday of every month.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you.
