Wilberforce Community News
Kia ora ,
We believe that staying connected isn’t just about sharing stories. It’s also about opening doors. Whether you're discovering an upcoming event in your region, finding a new opportunity to serve or grow, or stepping into a course that sharpens your skills, this newsletter is here to keep you in the loop and inspired.
Across Aotearoa, there’s so much happening: people gathering, learning, and finding new ways to make a difference. So grab a cuppa, take a moment, and see what’s on offer. You might just find the perfect event to attend, a course that sparks new ideas, or an opportunity to lend a hand.
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
🔹 Join John Watson in our August Lunch and Learn
Christian Communication Principles for our Cultural Moment
🔹 Get you early bird tickets for the New Wine Festival 2026
19th January 2026, Wairarapa College, Masterton.
🔹 Save the date for 'Good News for Aotearoa'
Encouraging Evangelists from across NZ, 10–11 October 2025
🔹 Check out the Wilberforce Foundation CEO Networking events
Auckland & Tauranga - CEO networking events planned for all of you
🔹 Learn more in the Ethics in Action webinar series
Empowering businesses through shared insights
🔹 Sign up for Hub of Hope's; 'Journeying Alongside" e-learning course
Learn more in this 9 module course
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
JOIN US THIS MONTH!
Want to equip your team to confidently and appropriately share the good news of Jesus? Join this must-attend webinar to discover the right approach for your unique context, find out more about varied evangelism training opportunities, and empower your team to share the reason for the hope they have.
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
It's not too late to register and attend this webinar!
Lunch and Learn: Christian Communication Principles for our Cultural Moment
Join us in August, where we welcome John Watson, Founding Director of faith-based communications consultancy Good Mahi. With a background in journalism and deep experience in PR, John will share Good Mahi’s Seven Guiding Christian Communications Principles, a framework that combines scriptural wisdom with industry best practice to help Christian organisations speak clearly, compellingly, and with integrity in the public square.
Whether you're involved in media, fundraising, leadership, or public engagement, this session will equip you with tools to communicate in a way that reflects both your faith and your mission.
Date: Friday, 29th August
Time: 12:00–1:00pm
NEW WINE 2026
19th January 2026, Wairarapa College, Masterton.
For three decades, New Wine Festival has been a favourite way for families to start the year! And it’s little wonder… where else can you:
- Relax in the sun for an hour or two, then spend the next few hours immersed in worship!?
- Gather with friends around food and convo, then learn how to serve with the gifts the Holy Spirit gave you!?
- Get some adult time, sitting under outstanding Biblical teaching, while your children and teenagers are being taught, encouraged, and equipped in age-specific programs of their own!?
PLUS we’ve already locked-in some superb speakers, such as Alexander Venter, Kerri-Anne Hokianga, and Caleb Rowe (our new National Leader!)… with more great speaker announcements to come.
The early-bird tickets close 30th of November, so start saving now. Bring your tent (or caravan), family, friends, (and church!) and prepare to be rested, recharged, and reignited!
Save the date for 'Good News for Aotearoa'
Encouraging Evangelism across New Zealand
We’re gathering evangelists, gospel workers, and ministry leaders from across Aotearoa for two catalytic days — and we’d love you to be there.
It will be a time to be encouraged and inspired in your work for the Lord, as well as an opportunity to meet others from across the motu who feel called to share the Lord’s heart with those around them.
Speaker: Jon Hori
Date: 10–11 October 2025
Location: The Journey, Greenlane, Auckland (1 Marewa Road, Greenlane)
Cost: $80 per person (waged), $49 (unwaged)
Wilberforce Foundation CEO Networking Event!
We are thrilled to have a series of CEO networking events planned for all of you who work in the Christian for-purpose sector.
We’d love to support you in your role and we hope you’ll find encouragement in the company of like-minded people. The conversation is always stimulating and enlightening as we share our joys and discuss the challenges and opportunities we face together.
Please RSVP below to attend any of these events in your area
Auckland Central
Date: Wednesday, July 23
Location: Tupu'anga Coffee, 597 Mount Eden Road Auckland
Ethics In Action: Empowering businesses through shared insights
fair&good have got our Winter webinar series 'Ethics in Action: Empowering Businesses Through Shared Insights' up and running — and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Would you be happy to advertise it or share it with your network?
This is a five-part winter webinar series designed to support and inspire ethical businesses. Think honest conversations, real-life stories and practical insights from incredible people leading the way in the ethical business world.
Winter Series Speakers and Dates:
July 23 — Gerard & Hana Wakefield, Ethos & Co. Discover how values-led design and strategy can build stronger, more authentic brands.
August 6 — Alisha Wheeler, Ethical communication & storytelling expert. Learn to tell powerful, authentic stories that inspire trust and connection.
August 20 — Joel Carter, The Loyal Workshop. Hear the journey of building a business that empowers people through fair and dignified work.
Each webinar is one hour long, held online, and tickets are just $15 each.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of ethical business, get inspired, or connect with like-minded people — this series is for you.
Ready to put ethics into action?
Sign up, join the conversation, and help shape a better future for business.
Hub of Hope: Journeying Alongside
E-Learning Course
Hub of Hope NZ has developed the “Journeying Alongside” course to help you gain the skills and confidence to engage with the dying process — preparing you, your family, and those you support for this deeply important journey.
This course isn’t simply about “head knowledge.” It’s designed to equip you to walk alongside others at the end of life, to show that hope is not lost, and to encourage each of us to make the most of our life’s legacy.
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.
