APTUS is a new performing arts camp for rangatahi aged 14–20, running 11–13 July in Christchurch. Lorna Gray shares how it helps young people weave their faith and gifts together — building confidence, connection, and leadership in the Church.

A three-day summer programme in Granity brought together local tamariki, a YWAM team, and Westport whānau to explore the fruit of the Spirit through games, crafts, and beach adventures—nurturing faith and fun in a close-knit coastal community.

Watiri Maina has joined the Bishop’s Ministry Team as the new Women in Ministry Leadership Developer. In this kōrero, she shares her passion for mentoring women, her vision for collaborative leadership, and how to get involved.

On ANZAC Day, Penny Taylor joined locals at the Wakapuaka Memorial Hall to honour the fallen. She reflects on the richness of community, shared remembrance, and how unity and diversity can intertwine.

Amanda Poil chats with Rev. Paul Nzimbi about his first three months at Victory, their creative Easter outreach, and how the parish is embracing the Haere Mai vision to build an intercultural, intergenerational, and invitational church.

At St Stephens, this year’s Easter service brought together all ages for a creative and deeply meaningful time of painting, conversation, and wonder. With symbolic rocks and heartfelt questions, faith came alive for everyone in the room

Emily and Greg Holmes are running a 54km ultramarathon to raise funds for vital roof repairs at Trinity Centre. Their story of perseverance, faith, and whānau connection is one to inspire!

Despite the rain and mud, Easter Camp 2025 was a weekend full of worship, encounters with Jesus, and life-changing moments. Read reflections from Renata van der Wal on a great camp.

Leadership Camp 2025 is coming! Join leaders from across the diocese for a weekend of vision, prayer, and community. Guest speakers Sam Harvey and Bishop Oscar Muriu will guide us as we explore "A Deeper Life with Jesus." Register now!

Bishop Steve shares the powerful story of the thief on the cross and Jesus’ invitation to new life. It’s a call to come home to grace, hope, and belonging in Christ. Who might you invite to come and see this Easter?

48 youth and leaders from across the Nelson Diocese and wider churches are off to Easter Camp! Pray for our rangatahi, leaders, and the weather as they join 3,500 others in Christchurch for five days of faith, fun, and transformation.

From Tenebrae to sunrise vigils and joyful egg hunts, churches across Marlborough are hosting Easter services and events for all ages. Discover where you can reflect on the cross and celebrate the hope of the resurrection this Easter.

From sunrise beach gatherings to choral celebrations and reflective Good Friday services, churches across Nelson invite you to mark Easter with worship and community. Discover where to go and how to connect this Easter season.

Churches throughout the Waimea region are marking Easter with services and events that invite you to reflect, remember, and rejoice. From sunrise beach gatherings to all-age celebrations and shared meals, there’s a place for everyone to belong.

Churches across the West Coast are preparing to celebrate Easter with reflection and joy. From Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, find a service near you in Westport, Granity, Greymouth, Kumara, Cobden, and Runanga—all are welcome!

At Holy Trinity Picton, The Chat Room is creating a safe, welcoming space for whānau to gather, share kai, and ask honest questions about life and faith. It's a beautiful picture of hospitality, listening, and the slow work of God.

Since opening in December, The Makery at All Saints Church has blossomed into a creative hub for whānau, youth, and community. From ceramics classes to Soulcare Saturdays, it’s a space where people are seen, known, and loved.

Jan Northfield has faithfully led rest home chaplaincy across Nelson and Waimea, doubling the number of volunteers and offering care and hope to many. As she steps down this May, we honour her ministry and the love she’s shared so generously.

We’re gathering Easter event details from parishes across the Diocese to feature in the 10 April Kōrero. Whether it’s a service, outreach, or community gathering, we’d love to hear about it! Submit your info by Tuesday, 8 April.

Victory Kea Kids is a creative, faith-filled outreach in Nelson’s Victory community. In this interview, Victory Church children’s leader Amanda shares how it’s become a place where tamariki can belong, grow, and shine through faith, fun, and whānau.

Rev. Gordon Taylor shares how St John’s Hira launched into outreach with a Mad Hatters Tea Party—an afternoon of cake, hats, ukuleles, and connection. Part of the Haere Mai initiative, the event brought joy to the community.

Young people in Aotearoa face immense challenges, and the church is uniting to pray! Rev. Lorna Gray shares the heart behind the First Third Prayer Initiative and why intergenerational prayer is crucial. Join the 40 Days of Prayer this Lent!

When Daryl Collingwood and Tanya Charles partnered to serve their community, lives were changed. Through Motueka Parish’s Care Team and Age Concern, they’re providing holistic care that reaches beyond church walls.

What happens when you unplug from the noise and embrace silence? Marzi van der Mark shares her experience on a six-day silent retreat and why young adults should consider stepping away to reconnect with God.

Churches are called to engage their local migrant and multicultural communities, but how? Alice Kinyua shares insights on breaking barriers, building relationships, and learning from others. Join the FIND forum be part of the conversation.

At St Barnabas Stoke, a Men’s Breakfast became more than just food—it was a chance to connect, share, and explore faith in a no-pressure setting. Spanky Moore interviews Phil Greenwood on how this event created meaningful conversations.

Bishop Steve ordained Rev. Jude Saxon at St Barnabas, Stoke, encouraging the church to raise and send leaders for mission. Jude shares his journey to ordination, the challenges he faced, and how he discerned God’s call. Is God calling you?

Ripple Effect workshops in Greymouth & Westport equipped everyday Christians to share faith naturally. With practical tools & cultural insights, attendees gained confidence for deeper gospel conversations.

Prayer is at the heart of the Haere Mai project. This Lent, join Bishop Steve on a 40-day prayer journey—commit to daily prayer, fasting, and partnering with others, with weekly Zoom prayer gatherings. Be part of what God is doing

Children’s ministry leaders shape young hearts for Christ. Zane Elliott shares why training is crucial & how the upcoming Kids Ministry Training at Holy Trinity Richmond on 1st March can help.

Convergence 2025 was a powerful weekend of faith, worship, adventure, and whānau. From beach swims to deep conversations, we explored what it means to live a gospel-shaped life. Read more about the hospitality, innovation, and moments that made this

Golden Bay welcomed Rev. Mark Johnson with an unforgettable induction service, featuring a pirate hat, a parrot-assisted sermon, and packed pews at the Church of the Epiphany in Takaka.

Over Waitangi Week, a team from Nelson joined Karuwhā Trust at Waitangi, serving, learning, and reflecting on Te Tiriti. From historic sites to powerful worship moments, this hīkoi deepened our faith and connection.

Artist Jennifer Mason’s Emelie exhibition at St John’s Church, Wakefield, reflects on beauty, stillness, and faith. In Kōrero, she shares how her artistic calling, faith journey, and theology influence her work, creating space for deep contemplation

Kākano 2025 equips everyday people for mission through retreats and huddles. If you feel called to something more, this is for you! Read the full article and apply now.

Julie-Anne Laird returns to lead our Ripple Effect Evangelism Workshops. Designed to deepen faith and evangelism skills, these workshops are set to ignite passion and service across the Diocese. Join us to make a lasting impact in your community!

Start the year right with Convergence Camp 2025! Gather with the Nelson Anglican whānau at Bethany Park, Kaiteriteri for worship, fun, and teaching from Mark and Kirsty Johnson. A weekend of connection, refreshment, and a Gospel-shaped life awaits!

The Nzimbi whānau joins Victory Church in Nelson, bringing 20+ years of ministry experience. Discover their journey, their call to Aotearoa, and what excites them about this new season of life and leadership.

Changes are underway for Atawhai-Hira Parish as they embark on a season of transformation and revitalisation. As we prepare for this new chapter, let us remain grateful, hopeful and prayerful.

Generations of young adults have left the diocese to explore God’s calling and have achieved truly wonderful things, but they often fly off the radar, doing great things while we’re none the wiser. Let’s check in on a couple of them!

Christmas is always the busiest season for Nelson Cathedral, and this year is no different. We have many opportunities to share the good news of Jesus by inviting our neighbours, friends and family to the events and services that are happening.

When we talk about evangelism, the first step is always building connections and relationships. That’s exactly what this event is about.

On 1 December 1870, a single penny could buy you the first issue of The Church Messenger, the Nelson Diocese’s inaugural diocesan newspaper.

The Makery is a special multi-use space at All Saints that has been newly renovated with a vision for it to be a creative space where we make – make art, make connections, make meaning, make memories – and it’s all about the Maker.

Haere Mai gives us an opportunity to grow in confidence in sharing our faith, to show our communities that church is for everyone, and to extend an invitation to experience the hope and love of Jesus.

“If you were to visit your parish 10 years from now, what words would you use to describe what it will look like?”

Jason Shaw, our ministry coordinator for social services, and Mike Jessop, a Bishopdale College student and former NZCMS intern, share their reflections on what motivated them to get involved in Hīkoi mō te Tiriti.

We are meant to journey together, learning from and encouraging one another – across cultures, ages and stages of our lives.

"The psalms are not a theoretical talk about God, rather a direct line of communication with him. Maybe that’s why many find it helpful to pray the psalms, because they give expression to what’s hidden deep inside us."

Due to the impact of secular cultural background and government influence, many Chinese I meet here in Marlborough are not familiar with Christianity.

Parihaka, founded in the late 1860s, stood as a beacon of peace during a time when conflict and land confiscations were tearing apart Māori communities.

Spring Camp this year was marked by an unexpected twist: heavy rain. But according to Brad, our youth enabler, not even the weather could dampen the spirits of the rangatahi. 

Being among over 5,000 participants from nearly every nation, united in worship and mission, felt like a foretaste of heaven.

"As a Christian I believe that God created this world. So it's pretty amazing being able to capture it and offer that as a service. The business brings a bit of light and hope to people."

If we have healthy families living on mission and supporting one another through the generations – not just within the family unit but including grandparents, aunties, uncles and the church family – then we can really make a difference in society.

If there's anything that youth need, it's that connection. It’s those people in their lives that believe in them, that they can talk to openly and honestly and not be judged or spoken down to, but actually heard.

He’s a gentle souled creative, and time spent with him revealed a nuggety depth to his person.

When we bless animals, we're echoing the divine blessing. We often forget that God not only blesses humans with the words "be fruitful and multiply".

The Op Shop Ball served as a runway for some truly stunning outfits, from funky jumpsuits and chilli costumes to ball dresses and suits.

The inspiration struck while attending a clubs day at Canterbury University. It was a fantastic way for students to engage with different clubs, and I thought, why not bring that concept to Nelson?

"We don't just want to have ‘mission’ as a programme or ‘social justice’ as an event, we ultimately want it as a lifestyle. But if you want it as a lifestyle, you have to embody it."

We’re trying to build a core group that will invite others, be a place that welcomes non-Christians, and grow from there.

I’ve just started as the new Regional Leader for Launchpad in Nelson, and I’m excited to say that we’re seeing a local resurgence after a decline over the years.

"I move, Mr President, that we do not use the word ‘God’ in the prayer book..."

I know that God is at work precisely because this is God’s work – healing, forgiveness and reconciliation is the family business!

This year, I want to call our attention to the reality that the spiritual temperature in our society is beginning to change, that spring is arriving, and there is a “harvest in the basket” waiting for us outside the walls of our churches!

St John’s College Trust Board is offering scholarships to help cover your study costs, from tuition fees to living expenses – and applications close soon.

I still remember when I was called directly by God to reclaim my Māori identity. He simply told me to “come home”.

"When I asked Bishop Steve what his vision was for this diocese, he said to me that it is to take 'church outside church'."

There are many challenges in our work, but also many opportunities for mission. Together, we’re supporting and training students to reach the 1.1 million students in the greater Tokyo region.

In our diocese, there are a few key people whose hard mahi make our annual synod happen. I spoke with two in particular, here in the Anglican Centre: Deborah Oliver and Renata van der Wal.

God, in Christ, is in the restoration business – and chooses to do it through human transformation.

There have been times in my journey where I’ve thought, "Does anyone else get this?" To be in a room where just about everyone else does get it – or at least they’re curious about it – was good for my edgy soul.

The moving service was attended by over 130 worshipers, with some people being moved to tears witnessing the candidates publicly affirm their faith.

Bishop Steve is delighted to announce the appointment of Rev Mark Johnson as the new vicar at Golden Bay Parish.

“Loaves & Fishes is more than just a place where people come. It's a place where people get to connect and share their lives.”

Friends, church members and colleagues spoke of Watiri’s gentle, warm and peaceful presence, and her consistent integrity both in public and private life.

“We acknowledge and take full responsibility for our failures to provide the safe, caring and nurturing environment those who have been in our care had a right to expect and to receive.”

She recalls with a chuckle that, as a seven-year-old, she pictured God like a big blue balloon stretched over the earth. Diana wondered in her young mind if she could scale a ladder sufficient in height to pop him with a fork!

In early 2023 the parish was contacted by Heritage New Zealand, inviting them to apply for funding from the David Luke Heritage Bequest.

"I particularly loved coming together as the diocese and just being so encouraged by sharing stories and hearing how we’re all working for the gospel with our ups and downs, our challenges and our persevering and our celebrations."

We wanted to bring together young adults in Nelson and help them make connections.

If someone is scratching my back, I’ll scratch theirs. As long as we are all scratching each other's backs, we’re all happy. But what about when don’t receive anything back? 

Parishes with earthquake prone buildings have to consider whether to fund the strengthening work for the buildings, or re-think and re-imagine what church might look like.

Jay’s talk ignited a spark among many to explore our rich missional heritage and look deeper into the value of a reconciled, bicultural church community. 

When Juliet says goodnight to Romeo she is saying that their parting is sorrowful because she will miss him – but why is it sweet?

As a Christian, I knew in theory that God is someone who sits outside of space and time, who can see the beginning from the end. But now I knew it as a reality. God knew what was going to happen in five months time.

I was lost and stuck. It lasted for about 10 years. I didn’t realise there was a term for it at the time, but I was starting to deconstruct my faith.

I’d never heard of a "human library" until I was contacted by Multicultural Nelson Tasman, asking whether I would be interested in being a part of one during the Multicultural Festival.

This winter both Anglican Care and Fifeshire will be partners in providing winter grants, with Anglican Care focussing on the older age group across the diocese.

"It is a huge privilege to be asked to lead in this way," said Archbishop Justin Duckworth, new senior bishop of the New Zealand Dioceses.

The singing was wonderful, the prayers very appropriate and moving, the bishop’s sermon very stirring, the faith of the people obvious. God was in the building – Jesus was claiming hearts. 

Fostering unity among the young people, youth leaders and youth groups has been a constant priority for me. It's a crucial part of being a follower of Jesus: to be known for our love for one another.

Coming in as a level 5 student, I was very much ready to just learn some fancy words to have under my belt if I needed one day. I wasn't so ready to let God touch my heart with all of those things. 

I found in preparing for the ordination service that God kept affirming so deeply that this commitment I was preparing to make was what I was made for and every way in which he'd journeyed with me led to this.

"We see people meeting with Jesus wherever they are in their ages and stages," say Gary and Phillipa, leaders of Messy Church in Motueka.

Jane explains the concept of “permanent agriculture” as a way of life following some important principles.

In the Nelson diocese, we sadly have one of the highest rates of child poverty at 18.5%. So what can we do about it?

There was a level of enthusiasm for worship, prayer, prophecy and fellowship that I’ve never seen before. 

We asked a few parishes to tell us about how their Easter celebrations went this year.