Wilberforce Community News

Waitangi: A Treaty of Hope

You’re invited to an evening of reflection and discussion on Te Tiriti o Waitangi: its origins, its intent, and its enduring promise.

Together, we explore how that vision of hope speaks into our present and future...

“Haeremai e te Tiriti o Waitangi....Haeremai ki ngā hua kei roto ki a koe.
Welcome Treaty of Waitangi...Welcome to the fruits within you”.
Ngāmanu - Waitangi Karakia 1840

Hear from speakers:
The Honourable Sir Joe Williams KNZM(Ngati Pūkenga, Waitaha, Tapuika), Supreme Court Judge and former Chairperson of the Waitangi Tribunal.

Dr. Alistair Reese, historian, theologian and farmer, with a focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a doorway to reconciliation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Date: Thursday, June 25th 2026
Time: 7 pm
Location: Holy Trinity Tauranga, 215 Devonport Road, Tauranga

Disciplemaking Pathways Workshop – Equipping Organisations for Kingdom Impact

Organisation and ministry leaders are invited to explore a fresh and practical approach to disciplemaking through the upcoming Disciplemaking Pathways Workshop. Built around the SHIFTm2M framework, this half-day experience is designed to help for-purpose organisations move beyond sustaining activity and toward cultivating multiplying disciples, shaped by the life and priorities of Jesus.

Ideal for Christian for-purpose organisations and ministry teams, the workshop introduces a clear, adaptable disciplemaking framework. It can be contextualised across a wide range of leadership environments. Participants will engage in collaborative discussion with like-minded leaders, gain practical tools, and have dedicated space to reflect on how disciplemaking can become a central pathway within their organisation’s mission.

The workshop is particularly valuable for leadership teams seeking to embed intentional disciplemaking into their strategy, or for those wanting to explore the SHIFTm2M approach before committing to a deeper training journey. Attending as a team is encouraged to build shared vision and momentum.

Two sessions are available (23 May and 3 June 2026) at Tandem Ministries in Rosedale, Auckland, with free registration.

For organisations committed to seeing lives transformed and communities impacted, this workshop provides a compelling and practical starting point.

Date: Saturday May 23rd or Wednesday June 3rd
Time: 9:30am – 1pm
Location: Tandem Ministries, Rosedale, Auckland

To register, contact Kevin Wood: kevin.wood@tandem.org.nz

Job opportunities at Springboard Community Works

Springboard is a faith-based charity in Warkworth dedicated to ensuring every young person has someone in their corner, cheering them on to a brighter future. We provide vital wrap-around support to vulnerable young people.

We’re currently recruiting for two key roles. 

Social Enterprise Manager Lead and grow Sheepworld (our Farm Park, Café, Retail, and Campground), where 100% of profits fund our mahi with our young people. You’ll sit at the intersection of business and impact, leading a strong team to drive revenue, boost visitor numbers & create partnerships while delivering exceptional visitor experiences. Perfect for a commercial leader in tourism, hospitality, or retail who wants their success to serve a higher purpose.
 

Youth Trainer Step outside the classroom to design and facilitate hands-on training frameworks across our farm park, workshop, and horticulture centre. You’ll help young people gain practical skills, work readiness, and qualifications that pave pathways to employment. We’re looking for a relational leader who can build systems, train effectively and walk alongside young people with encouragement and hope.

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.

Empowering Christian Leaders to Make Good Employment Decisions

Navigating employment matters within churches and Christian organisations is becoming increasingly complex. Questions around hiring, managing staff conduct, handling sensitive information, and meeting legal obligations can be challenging—and getting it wrong can impact both people and mission.

This upcoming seminar, Empowering Christian Leaders to Make Good Employment Decisions, is designed to equip leaders with clarity and confidence in this space. Hosted at Laidlaw College in Auckland (with an online option), the session will explore practical, faith-informed approaches to employment and human rights law, alongside best-practice guidance for ministry contexts.

Led by experienced Consultant at Parry Field, Geoff Bevan, who has worked extensively with churches and charities across New Zealand, the seminar will offer practical insights to help leaders navigate these complexities with wisdom and integrity.

Thursday 25 June, 9:30am–12:30pm (NZST)

Whether you’re serving in church leadership, governance, or a Christian non-profit, this is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your leadership and steward your responsibilities well.

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:

21st June 2026:
Te Ranga Commemoration 

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