When you live on the Wild West Coast, warm dry spaces to connect with community are essential! Trinity Centre is a much-loved and well-used community space in Māwhera (Greymouth). The hall, lounge, and kitchen facilitate local community gatherings and shared life, which is vital in addressing the loneliness epidemic and social isolation that affects so many in Aotearoa.
Many groups, whānau, and organisations use this space. Our big Kids ’n’ Coffee group meets on Friday mornings—Trinity Centre is prepped, filled with light and toys, and welcoming for tamariki aged 0–4. Toddlers race round on little bikes in the hall, babies play on the mat in the foyer, and kids care for baby dolls in the crèche. Parents build friendships and support one another through the early years. Marge leads singing at mat time, and the team puts on a feast for morning tea!
The space is frequently booked for birthday parties, cultural celebrations, and gatherings after weddings or funerals. We recently hosted the national AGM for the Royal Federation of JPs in a very classy conference setup. During the week, multiple dance groups, the local table tennis club, and Poutini Waiora all make excellent use of the hall. The lounge and kitchen are also popular for smaller community meetings and training courses.
When Greg and I moved to Greymouth a year ago, we quickly saw what a taonga (treasure) Trinity Centre is—for the wider community and for the church’s mission. Holy Trinity parishioners had just completed major repairs on the church building, and we felt stirred to play our part in helping with the essential repairs to the hall, lounge, and kitchen roofs. These facilities are vital to the church’s ability to serve and connect.
Trail running was fairly new to us—when I arrived in Greymouth, I hadn’t run more than 12km! We wanted to put ourselves on the line and do something beyond what we were currently capable of, in order to raise funds for the Trinity Centre. So, we set a 2025 ultramarathon goal and began training: studying running physiology and nutrition, committing to strength training, and getting serious about running!
Since May 2024 we’ve trained consistently. Our fitness and endurance have grown immensely. This journey has been incredible—Jesus has used it to teach me about perseverance and joy in the long race of mission. We’ve had setbacks: COVID, a couple of injuries, but we’ve pushed through, running marathons, hill trails, and countless long runs. We’ve learned a ton about strength, balance, fuelling our bodies, and fitting training into family and ministry life. It’s also been a wonderful journey for our marriage and a great way to connect with locals.
So far, we’ve raised $4,600—and we’re inviting everyone to join us! On May 10th, we’ll be running a 54km South Island ultramarathon, all to raise funds for the Trinity Centre’s roof repairs. We’re calling it Race 4 the Roof.
Support Us:
Thanks for your encouragement and support. Together, we’re helping ensure Trinity Centre continues to bless Greymouth for years to come.
Blessings and joy,
Emily Holmes
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More articles in the
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
When you live on the Wild West Coast, warm dry spaces to connect with community are essential! Trinity Centre is a much-loved and well-used community space in Māwhera (Greymouth). The hall, lounge, and kitchen facilitate local community gatherings and shared life, which is vital in addressing the loneliness epidemic and social isolation that affects so many in Aotearoa.
Many groups, whānau, and organisations use this space. Our big Kids ’n’ Coffee group meets on Friday mornings—Trinity Centre is prepped, filled with light and toys, and welcoming for tamariki aged 0–4. Toddlers race round on little bikes in the hall, babies play on the mat in the foyer, and kids care for baby dolls in the crèche. Parents build friendships and support one another through the early years. Marge leads singing at mat time, and the team puts on a feast for morning tea!
The space is frequently booked for birthday parties, cultural celebrations, and gatherings after weddings or funerals. We recently hosted the national AGM for the Royal Federation of JPs in a very classy conference setup. During the week, multiple dance groups, the local table tennis club, and Poutini Waiora all make excellent use of the hall. The lounge and kitchen are also popular for smaller community meetings and training courses.
When Greg and I moved to Greymouth a year ago, we quickly saw what a taonga (treasure) Trinity Centre is—for the wider community and for the church’s mission. Holy Trinity parishioners had just completed major repairs on the church building, and we felt stirred to play our part in helping with the essential repairs to the hall, lounge, and kitchen roofs. These facilities are vital to the church’s ability to serve and connect.
Trail running was fairly new to us—when I arrived in Greymouth, I hadn’t run more than 12km! We wanted to put ourselves on the line and do something beyond what we were currently capable of, in order to raise funds for the Trinity Centre. So, we set a 2025 ultramarathon goal and began training: studying running physiology and nutrition, committing to strength training, and getting serious about running!
Since May 2024 we’ve trained consistently. Our fitness and endurance have grown immensely. This journey has been incredible—Jesus has used it to teach me about perseverance and joy in the long race of mission. We’ve had setbacks: COVID, a couple of injuries, but we’ve pushed through, running marathons, hill trails, and countless long runs. We’ve learned a ton about strength, balance, fuelling our bodies, and fitting training into family and ministry life. It’s also been a wonderful journey for our marriage and a great way to connect with locals.
So far, we’ve raised $4,600—and we’re inviting everyone to join us! On May 10th, we’ll be running a 54km South Island ultramarathon, all to raise funds for the Trinity Centre’s roof repairs. We’re calling it Race 4 the Roof.
Support Us:
Thanks for your encouragement and support. Together, we’re helping ensure Trinity Centre continues to bless Greymouth for years to come.
Blessings and joy,
Emily Holmes
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
