When severe weather cancelled this year’s Leadership Camp at Lake Rotoiti, the Bishops team quickly moved to create a two-day event at St Barnabas Church in Stoke. I caught up with Spanky Moore, one of the key organisers, to hear how the change came about and how it went.

How did you feel when the decision was made to cancel camp at Rotoiti?

Obviously, it was really disappointing. Camp at the lake has become a fun gathering for us. People love the banquet and the atmosphere. But with the rain warnings, we knew it was the right decision. No one pushed back—we all agreed it was necessary.

At the same time, we had guest speakers already coming, and Leadership Camp is one of the most important times for us as a diocesan whānau. So the challenge became: how do we adapt without losing the opportunity to gather?

What surprised you most about how the Nelson event turned out?

What surprised me most was that it still had that camp-like buzz. There was warmth, energy, and real engagement with what the speakers were sharing. I wasn’t sure how the room would feel without breakfasts together or sleeping in the same space—but I was really delighted by how much connection was happening. People turned up with that “camp attitude.”

Do you feel like the heart of Leadership Camp translated into the new format?

Yes, some really important parts still came through. We still had a great kids and youth programme, which gave it an intergenerational feel—complete with chaos, noise, and fun. We had mulled wine at supper, and people stuck around to chat and laugh. That sense of hospitality and relaxed connection was still there.
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Were there any standout moments for you?

Three things stood out. First, Oscar’s challenge to us about our comfort and what that might cost us as the Church in Aotearoa—that was timely and sharp. Second, seeing Sam Harvey emotionally moved while speaking about the power of prayer and people encountering Jesus—that vulnerability was really powerful. And third, the moment of praying out Mike Jessop and the Sherlocks as they head overseas. That felt like a beautiful picture of who we want to be as a diocese: receiving and sending, locally and globally.

The workshops were a real highlight. Each one was full and deeply engaged—whether it was leadership with Oscar, community engagement with Jason, or others. It showed the hunger people have to dig deeper into key areas of ministry.

It was also encouraging to see how many people joined us online from across the diocese. That reach is something we should definitely build on.

What do you think the quick shift says about us as a diocese?

We live in a world where we have to make hard decisions quickly, and I think this showed that our diocese can adapt. The team pulled together a full event in just 24 hours, and our people responded with openness and flexibility. That says we’re a church with a missionary spirit—we’re not stuck. We can roll with it if that’s where Jesus is leading us.

It’s not always going to be easy. But I think we proved something to ourselves: we’re capable of making meaningful things happen, even when the plan changes.