Wilberforce Community News
Nau mai ki te Hune! | Welcome to June
As we head into the colder months, the Wilberforce community is heating up with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. This month, we're diving deep into the conversations that shape our past and future, alongside practical toolkits to level up your leadership.
Here is your June roadmap:
🔹Secure your spot for /Empowering Christian Leaders in Employment
Practice'
Register here for this weeks event
🔹 Good News for Aotearoa Evangelism
Register for this free training workshop to gain practical tools and confidence in sharing your faith.
🔹Te Tiriti, Te Rongopai, and Henry Williams: Reflections 200 years on
Register for our June Lunch & Learn
🔹Join the 'Connect Conference 2026'
Three events in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. This is a free event!
🔹Advanced Governance: Governing for Greater Impact
A focused one-day workshop on the 9th of September.
🔹Christian Savings Governance Conference 2026: Lifting the Veil
Register now to sharpen your focus and strengthen your leadership.
🔹Good News Aotearoa 2026 is coming!
Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October 2026, get tickets!
🔹 Do you know what's coming up in the Māori calendar?
We have you covered with what is happening next
Find out more about each of these below.
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.
Empowering Christian Leaders in Employment Practice
Christian for-purpose leaders are often navigating complex employment questions—balancing faith, care for people, and legal responsibilities.
A practical seminar hosted by Ethos and the Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership will help equip leaders in this space. Led by employment lawyer Geoff Bevan, it offers clear, faith-informed guidance on employment law, compliance, and best practice.
Geoff Bevan brings a strong focus on practical, real-world guidance to help churches and charities navigate employment challenges with confidence.
25 June | 9.30am–12.30pm
In person (Auckland) or online
Register now to strengthen your leadership and steward your people well.
Good News for Aotearoa Evangelism Workshop
Date/Time: 9am Saturday 8 August 2026
Location: The Journey, 1 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland
Cost: Free, but registration is essential for catering purposes
Would you like to reach your friends for Jesus, but don't know how? Have you had conversations fall flat and you don't know why? Julie-Anne Laird has over 20 years of experience in Christian ministry, particularly in training university students in evangelism. She has learned a few things about what worked and what did not from friends who have become Christians. Come and learn from her so that you can have renewed confidence as you seek to share the good news with others!
Te Tiriti, Te Rongopai, and Henry Williams: Reflections 200 years on
In the wake of the 200-year commemoration of Henry Williams (Karuwhā) and his arrival into Tauranga-Moana, this webinar will create space for honest reflection and meaningful kōrero - exploring the relationship between Māori, Missionaries and the Gospel—te Rongopai—considering both the life-giving impact of faith and the deep complexities tied to colonisation and cultural change.
Jade Hohaia will be joined by some friends to discuss the topic including Dr Alistair Reese.
CONNECT CONFERENCE 2026
A day for the Christian charitable community to foster connection and hope.
Christchurch: 23 July | Auckland: 30 July | Wellington: 6 August
Join us for keynote speakers, storytelling, workshops, and conversation.
Advanced Governance – Governing for Greater Impact
A focused one-day workshop on the 9th of September.
Designed for experienced faith-based board leaders, this workshop deepens governance practice beyond the fundamentals. Led by Dr Peter Crow, Advanced Governance tackles strategic oversight, board effectiveness, and complex governance challenges through real-world case studies, peer discussion, and shared learning.
$180 Early Bird Price - Ends 8th of August
$195 is the subsidised cost to attend the masterclass
Please contact: melanie@wilberforce.org.nz if cost is a barrier to you.
Christian Savings Governance Conference 2026: Lifting the Veil
Gain practical insights from industry leaders like Chris Clarke and Kirsten Patterson on navigating the complex traps and opportunities of modern governance.
Register now to sharpen your focus and strengthen your leadership.
Christchurch (22 July), Auckland (29 July), and Wellington (5 August).
Good News Aotearoa 2026
Join us at The Journey Church for a two-day forum to motivate, encourage, and equip everyone who feels called to spread the good news of Jesus Christ across the nation.
We’re gathering evangelists, gospel workers, and ministry leaders from across Aotearoa for two catalytic days — come join us!
This is a unique chance to be encouraged and inspired in your work for the Lord, and to connect with others from across the motu who also feel called to share God’s heart with those around them.
Event Date: Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9am through to Saturday, October 17, at 4pm.
Do you know what some of the most significant dates are on the Māori calendar?
Check out these dates and add them to your diary and or save the date:
Early September:
Koroneihana – Anniversary of Māori Queens Coronation
14-20th September 2026:
Māori Language week
14th Sepember 2026:
Māori Language Day
5th November 2026:
Parihaka Day
July 10th 2026:
Matariki
22-27 Feb 2027:
2027 Te Matatini
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.
