Motueka Parish is three but one – we have churches in Motueka, Ngātīmoti and Riwaka. Distinct but together. Yet not many know each other. So Emily and I wondered: how do we get them to hang out together without organising a service?
The Sharing Shed op shop not only contributes to parish finances, but serves the community of Cobden. I had a chat with Nicki Mora, who joined the around five years ago and has been a part of breathing new life into the faithful establishment.
What if God's call on your life is less about "going", but about "doing"? The same spirit that fell at Pentecost is with you in the school pickup line. In the office. In the cafe.
“In all three gatherings I found it validating and rather exciting to hear fresh stories of Jesus meeting people and some radical transformations. It really is a new day!”
For the third and fourth terms this year I invite you to pray for children and families ministries, leaders and volunteers in another parish. Each parish has been “matched” with one or two other parishes in an encouragement to pray for each other.
Every time a chant is sung or the organ is played, in a historic building like our cathedral, the ambience instantly changes direction, from secular to divine, from outward to inward.
Having run 100 kilometres alongside Rev Matt Watts in May, the bishop is beckoning others to join the mission in a crowdfunding-style campaign.
A group of youth leaders from our diocese travelled to Living Springs in Canterbury for The Abbey 2026. With the theme "Breathe", the weekend invited leaders to slow down, reconnect with God, and be equipped for sustainable ministry.
Surely as a provider of a community food service we would want more. More people coming along, a bigger presence, maybe a nice new shiny building heralding the importance of the work we do?
"We’re seeing people come to faith, new leaders emerge, and communities transformed. Ultimately, you can only point back to the fact that people have been faithfully praying."
The Emmaus training day on Saturday saw around 60 people from all across the Māwhera deanery gather to inspire each other in faith and ministry.
I've invited three of our clergy to talk about what they love about the Anglican tradition, and the unique ministry and missional opportunities it offers.
What should be our Christian response to Matariki? Should we see it as a pagan festival to be resisted, or is it something else – something maybe to be celebrated and taken on board?
A chat with a Motueka community pastor on the art of saying no, looking for God wherever you are, and how life is like a bike wheel.
You hear them preach. You take communion from them. You admire their funky-looking collar. But what exactly is a vicar, and what do they get up to after Sunday?
How pausing to study at Bishopdale College informed Sophie's faith, work and parenting for years to come.
"We live in a fast-paced world where lots of things are changing. It’s easy for people to feel bewildered and alone. As a result of isolation, our seniors are yearning for a sense of belonging."
A number of people asked how I was feeling about getting ordained, but the honest answer was I wasn’t too sure. But what I did know is how it felt in the two months leading up to the ordination.
Anglican leaders gathered for Nelson Waimea's first Emmaus day – a new, affordable leadership gathering format trialled, with two more to come in Greymouth and Blenheim next month.
"I just want everyone to meet Jesus because it’s all real. There are so many lost and broken people out there, and he just makes life better."
"Looking after older people is not only essential in ensuring their health, dignity and independence, it also honours their contributions to both family and society."
I’m always aware that Jesus was never particularly impressed by those who knew lots – the Pharisees, Sadduccees and scribes were often on the sharp end of his social commentary.
Nigel Irwin was commissioned on Sunday as minister-in-charge of St Christopher’s in Redwoodtown, Blenheim. I caught up with him to ask about his journey.
"I think the library can be missional in fostering spiritual growth and equipping people to better serve God. To be part of God’s mission is very satisfying for me."
I struggle to listen well. Yet over the last decade of being an Anglican priest, listening has become a critical part of living out my vocation.
