Wilberforce Community News
Kia ora ,
As winter settles in and it becomes tempting to hibernate, we’ve got some meaningful ways you can connect, learn, and be inspired. From our upcoming July Lunch & Learn to the Thinking Matters Christian Leaders Luncheons and a special visit to Ihumātao with Karuwhā, there’s plenty happening.
Take a look at what’s on—and join us where you can!
🔹 Sign up for our July Lunch and Learn
Good News: Sowing Seeds of the Gospel in Your Context
🔹 Thinking Matters Christian Leaders Luncheons
Two national tours are coming your way:
– Encounter Tour with Karl Faase and Dr Michael Bird
– Truth Matters Tour with Wes Huff
🔹 Join Karuwhā on a visit to Ihumātao
Saturday, 12th July at 11am
🔹 Leadership opportunity: National Director
Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is seeking a passionate, strategic leader.
🔹 Enrolments now open
Te Wānanga Ihorangi – 2026 courses
🔹 Matariki Webinar Replay Available
Catch up on our Lunch and Learn: Matariki – Ideas and Resources for Your Organisation
If you have content you'd like us to include in a future edition of the Wilberforce Community News, you can email news@wilberforce.org.nz. Please note that requests must be submitted by the first Friday of the month to be included in that month's newsletter.
Ngā mihi,
The Wilberforce Foundation Team
P.S. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others you think may be interested in the content. The best way to do this is by using the 'FORWARD' button at the bottom of this page. This will ensure all the links work correctly. Look for the envelope symbol below.
Good News: Sowing Seeds of the Gospel in Your Context
Want to equip your team to confidently and appropriately share the good news of Jesus? We've got you; join this must-attend webinar to explore different evangelism training opportunities the Wilberforce Foundation would like to make available to you.
Discover the right approach for your unique context and empower your team to share the reason for the hope they have.
Date: Monday, 28th July
Time: 12:00–1:00pm
Format: Panel Discussion
Host: Aimee Mai
Lunch and Learn: Legal Ask Me Anything
Unfortunately, this month’s Lunch & Learn webinar has been postponed.
We will share a new date with you as soon as possible—thanks for your understanding!
Thinking Matters Encounter Tour
Thinking Matters invites Christian leaders across the country to be part of two significant events—the Encounter Tour with Karl Faase and Dr Michael Bird, and the Truth Matters Tour with Wes Huff.
These events offer a unique opportunity for pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian influencers to be encouraged, equipped, and connected with others navigating faith and culture in Aotearoa.
Truth Matters Tour with Wes Huff
Tour Date & Location:
Wednesday 24 September at 11:30am – Wellington, GreatLife Church
Encounter Tour with Karl Faase & Dr Michael Bird
Tour Dates & Locations:
Tuesday 29 July at 11:30am – Dunedin, Cornerstone International Bible Church
Wednesday 30 July at 12:00pm – Christchurch, Rutland St Church
Thursday 31 July – Hamilton (venue TBC)
Thursday 31 July at 11:30am – Tauranga, Holy Trinity Tauranga
Friday 1 August at 11:30am – Auckland, Laidlaw College
Haerenga ki Ihumātao & St James Church
Date: Saturday 12th July, 11am
Join Karuwhā on a visit to Ihumātao with Pania Newton (co-leader of the Protect Ihumātao campaign). Pania will share stories from the deep past till the present. Ihumātao is a place of great historic importance, especially for those living in Tāmaki Makarau.
The day will conclude at St James Church, Māngere Bridge, with our Kaiwhakahaere Ven. Mark Barnard, connecting us to the history of this Church, Kiingitanga, and through to Ihumātao.
We're hiring! National Director, Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand
Do you know someone with vision, heart, and leadership skills who could guide a growing nationwide movement in sport and wellbeing?
Do you know someone with vision, heart, and leadership skills who could guide a growing nationwide movement in sport and wellbeing?
Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is on the lookout for a passionate, strategic leader to take up the role of National Director.
Since 2013, we've been supporting athletes, coaches, teams, and sporting communities across Aotearoa with trained volunteer chaplains who offer free, personal support and pastoral care. With over 110 chaplains across 23 sports, our reach is growing and we’re ready for the next chapter.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a national organisation at the intersection of sport, care, and community connection. You’ll support a committed staff and regional team, build strong relationships across sport and community groups, and champion a movement that brings care and presence into the heart of Kiwi sport.
Applications close 27 June 2025. Read more and get the full job description by emailing
Michaela: communications@sportschaplaincy.co.nz
Te Wānanga Ihorangi Launches 2026 Student Recruitment: "Never Too Late"
Enrolments for our 2026 courses are now open!
Te Wānanga Ihorangi, formerly known as Oati, is a registered charitable trust established in 2018 and rooted in kaupapa Māori. It is committed to the reclamation, preservation, and revitalisation of te reo Māori across Aotearoa through immersive programmes, curriculum resources, and media content.
In an exciting new opportunity, the organisation is partnering with Te Wānanga Amorangi (Laidlaw College) to offer full immersion Diplomas in Te Reo Māori. Students are enrolled with both institutions, benefitting from a Māori-led learning environment supported by the systems and resources of Laidlaw.
With a theme of "Never Too Late", Te Wānanga Ihorangi is launching its 2026 recruitment campaign to promote its trauma-informed, faith-based language learning. Expressions of interest are open from the 7th of June to the 10th of August for the following programmes.
Programmes:
- Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Level 5 – three classes)
- Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Level 6 – two classes)
- Bachelor of Arts (Te Reo Māori specialisation) – launching February 2026
For more information, prospective students can attend open nights:
- Onsite at the Laidlaw campus in Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau on the 7 & 23 July 2025.
- Online on the 5th of August 2025
Attend one of these to explore how you can be part of this growing movement to revitalise te reo Māori!
Euthanasia in Aotearoa New Zealand - What Church Leaders Need to Know
You're invited to an exclusive briefing for pastors, church leaders, and those involved in pastoral care, to understand more about the impact of the End of Life Choice Act on New Zealanders.
Euthanasia has only been legal in New Zealand since 2021, but many don’t realise how this law is already reshaping our communities. The Ministry of Health has recommended changes that would expand access, remove safeguards, and erode freedom of conscience rights—raising new concerns for those we’re called to serve.
Join Executive Director Tim Wilson and Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle as they lead this conversation based on our latest research paper Interrogating Choice: Euthanasia and the Illusion of Autonomy. We'll cover:
- How the End of Life Choice Act is affecting vulnerable New Zealanders.
- The Ministry of Health’s recommended changes—and what they could mean for the future.
- The gaps in our health system that increase the demand for euthanasia.
This is an opportunity to ask questions, go beyond headlines, and understand what’s really going on. Don’t miss your chance to reflect on the societal context influencing those in your care. This session will help you lead with clarity and courage.
We hope you’ll join us for this timely and vital conversation. To reserve your spot, please click here.
Whakamana Ora: Blanket Drive
Help Us Bring Winter Warmth to Our Streets – We Need You!
We’re excited to launch our very first Winter Warmth 2025 outreach programme — an initiative designed to bring comfort, hope, and practical support to people in our community who are homeless or sleeping rough during the coldest months of the year.
We’re calling on you to help make a difference.
We’re collecting new or clean, good-quality used items including:
Sleeping bags & blankets
Winter jackets
Scarves, beanies, and gloves
You can also donate funds, which will help us purchase urgently needed items such as tents, backpacks, and other essentials.
Our outreach is both need-based and evangelistic. As we deliver these items, we’ll also be offering prayer and sharing the good news with those we meet — offering both physical and spiritual warmth.
Drop-off point:
27 Fergy Crescent, Wattle Downs
Deadline: 1st of July, please get in touch, and we can arrange to extend this.
Together, we can share warmth, love, and hope this winter. Will you join us?
Boardcraft – Governing for Impact
A 2-day governance programme for faith-based board leaders
The Wilberforce Foundation invites Chairs, Board Members, and CEOs to Boardcraft – Governing for Impact, a hands-on programme designed specifically for faith-based organisations.
Led by Dr. Peter Crow, an internationally respected governance expert, this course covers the fundamentals of effective board leadership. You’ll explore practical case studies, receive a detailed workbook, and join an ongoing Community of Practice.
See petercrow.com for more about Peter.
Event Details
Location: Lighthouse Hub, 51 Hugo Johnston Drive, Auckland
Dates:
Day 1: Monday 7 July
Day 2: Monday 11 August
Cost: $575 (includes materials and catering)
Numbers are limited so please register your expression of interest below before Friday 27 June if you would like to attend.
Matariki: Ideas and Resources for your Organisation
We were thrilled to have Jody O’Sullivan, Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka, and Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka share their Māori Christian perspectives on Matariki..
They provided several valuable resources to help your organisation this Matariki. Please head to our website to view them.
If you would like to watch this video please get in touch with Melanie melanie@wilberforce.org.nz
P.S Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others you think may be interested in the content. The best way to do this is by using the 'FORWARD' button at the bottom of this page. This will ensure all the links work correctly. Look for the envelope symbol below.
