Wilberforce Community News
Kia ora ,
This month we’re spotlighting new resources, inspiring kōrero, and highlighting opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re curious about Matariki, keen to explore the Treaty, or looking for mentoring connections, you’ll find something meaningful in the April mix.
Take a look at what’s happening:
Sign up for our next Lunch and Learn: Matariki – Ideas and Resources for Your Organisation with Capt. Hana Seddon.
- Discover He Tatau Pounamu, a new release from Dr Alistair Reese exploring the Treaty as a pathway of reconciliation.
- Catch up on our popular Lunch and Learn: The Use of AI in Fundraising with Sean Triner.
Explore two Semester 2 course offerings from the University of Otago
We’re celebrating the launch of Siltsock, a new social enterprise from our long-time partners at Wai-Ora Trust.
Check out a new learning opportunity and a book recommendation from Venn Foundation
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.
Matariki: Ideas and Resources for your Organisation
Nau mai! Come and listen to Capt. Hana Seddon as she shares some helpful ideas and resources for Matariki—these come from The Salvation Army, but other organisations could easily follow suit to mark this significant occasion.
Hosted by Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka
Date: Friday 20th May
12pm - 1pm
The use of AI in Fundraising
Our game-changing webinar on AI for fundraisers and charity leaders, featuring expert Sean Triner from Moceanic, is now available to watch. We’ve cut through the hype to show you exactly how AI can save you time, improve donor engagement, and help you raise more money.
To get all the resources and watch our webinar, please head to our website
He Tatau Pounamu
written by historian, theologian, and Karuwhā Board Member and Contributor, Dr Alistair Reese
He Tatau Pounamu, now available, is a timely new book by Dr Alistair Reese. It explores the Treaty of Waitangi as a covenant of reconciliation. Produced as a bilingual edition and created in collaboration between Karuwhā Trust & Venn Foundation, this important work invites reflection on how we honour the Treaty today.
Bulk order discounts available.
University of Otago is offering two courses in Semester 2
The Theology Programme at the University of Otago is offering two courses in Semester 2 where the teaching is in a week block course prior to the start of the Semester, with assessment to follow through the Semester. They can be taken as individual courses and do not necessarily need to be credited to a qualification.
Māori Theology & Religion (CHTH 236/336), taught by Professor Muray Rae and others at Ohope.
A five-day intensive course at Te Maungarongo Marae at Ōhope, near Whakatane. This paper explores Māori theology and religion, especially Māori encounters with, and adaptations of, Christianity.
Monday 23 – Friday 27 June
Christian Theology & the Arts (PAST 322/MINS414) taught by Professor Murray Rae in Dunedin.
This paper will explore the relationship between Theology and Architecture. It will trace the influence of Christian Theology on the built environment, and the ways in which contemplation of architecture can enhance our understanding of Christian faith. Taught in Dunedin by former architect and Professor of Theology, Murray Rae.
Monday 7 – Friday 11 July
Eco Enterprise: How Siltsock Is helping to restore whenua and whānau.
At the Wilberforce Foundation, we’re passionate about supporting initiatives that bring healing - to people, to communities, and to creation. That’s why we’re celebrating the launch of Siltsock, a new social enterprise from our long-time partners at Wai-Ora Trust.
Wai-Ora has always embodied a vision of restoration: caring for the land through conservation, while caring for people through employment, training, and support. Siltsock continues this legacy in a creative new way - producing environmentally-friendly sediment control products while creating meaningful work opportunities for those who need a fresh start.
It’s a brilliant example of what’s possible when faith, innovation, and community come together. Siltsock isn’t just diversifying Wai-Ora’s funding - it’s extending their mission, one sock at a time.
We’re grateful for the heart behind this kaupapa and excited to see where it leads. Learn more and support their work at siltsock.co.nz.
Thinking Matters Conference 2025 | Auckland | Truth Matters
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking event at the Thinking Matters Apologetics Conference, where we explore the most pressing questions about faith, reason, and truth. This year, we are honored to welcome Wes Huff as our keynote speaker. A seasoned apologist and speaker, Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for equipping Christians to defend and articulate their faith in an increasingly skeptical world.
Through dynamic talks, interactive discussions, and deep theological insights, this conference will challenge and inspire you to think critically about your beliefs and engage meaningfully with the culture around you. Whether you’re a long-time believer, a seeker, or someone wrestling with tough questions, this event will provide valuable tools to strengthen your faith and confidence in the Gospel.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your understanding and be part of a community passionate about truth!
27 September 2025
C3 Church, Ellerslie, Auckland.
Use the code WILBERFORCE to get $10 off any class of tickets.
Event Management Mentoring Support
Over many years Ness Johnson has been curating and organizing events for a wide variety of faith based organisations including World Vision, Parenting Place, Karuwhā, Laidlaw College and Te Wānanga Ihorangi.
She is offering to mentor event managers to refine their skills and grow their leadership confidence. If you are an event manager and would appreciate mentoring on topics such as managing budgets, coordinating teams to developing creative concepts and mastering logistical complexities, Ness would love to connect up with you.
Ness can be contacted at ness@njmanagement.co.nz.
Growing in Prayer
Pursuing a Deeper Life with God
Like most things in life, prayer is something we learn—something we can grow in. This two-day short course is designed for people who want to pursue a deeper life with God by growing in prayer. The emphasis is on learning to pray, drawing near to God, and developing new rhythms of prayer for everyday life. Whether you’re at the start of your life with God, or many years on the journey, this course is for all those who want to pursue a deeper life in prayer.
Friday 2 May, 9:30am to 4:30pm &
Saturday 3 May, 9am to 4pm
Sisters of Compassion,
2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington
The Hare and the Tortoise
Start 2025 with this wonderful resource, inviting you to rediscover healthy rhythms that are grounded in scripture and the spiritual disciplines that have refreshed and strengthened the church for two thousand years. This book is designed to be worked through over twelve months, by individuals or communities. It is a brilliant resource for those who wish to go deeper in their faith and their understanding of scripture, and have this depth reflected in the shape and rhythms of their life.
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.
