At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, a recent study group using Water from A Rocha’s Rich Living series became a springboard for deeper engagement with creation care. Organised by the Social & Ecumenical Action Committee, the group explored biblical reflections on water alongside local and global issues—from Hamilton’s water infrastructure to access challenges in Uganda. What began as weekly conversations around scripture and sustainability led to practical outcomes: supporting a bio-sand water filter for a Ugandan community, hosting a climate-friendly morning tea, and a growing commitment to become an Eco Church.

On 8 March 2025, members of the Kāpiti Anglican Parish set out on a unique local pilgrimage—tracing the Wharemauku Stream from its quiet headwaters to its mouth at the sea. Along the way, we paused to reflect, test water quality, and learn about the stream’s ecological and cultural significance. This journey deepened our sense of place and strengthened our connection with the whenua and wai that flow through our parish and community. Through learning about the history of the stream and its importance to the Puketapu hapū of Te Āti Awa, we also engaged with mātauranga Māori—acknowledging the depth of indigenous knowledge tied to this landscape.

In January, Pastor Paul Cossey from Motueka Baptist Church discovered WorkRide, a benefit programme designed to make e-bikes more affordable. WorkRide enables employers (including self-employed individuals) to cover the cost of a bike upfront, with employees repaying it through a salary sacrifice arrangement. The programme, which has IRD approval, removes many of the financial and administrative barriers that prevent workplaces from offering this benefit. Thanks to WorkRide, Paul was able to get an e-bike much sooner than expected, and with a significant saving on the overall cost. Now, Paul regularly turns up to visits and meetings on his bike, hi-vis and all!

We’re excited to welcome Diana Johnston to the Eco Church team as our new Christchurch-based Regional Coordinator! In her new role, Diana will be focusing particularly on churches based in the Christchurch region - supporting, encouraging, and equipping them as they explore what it means to care for creation as part of their discipleship and mission.

All Saints Anglican Church in Taradale, Napier has made space for a community recycling centre in their building. Taking advantage of being in a central and accessible place in their suburb, All Saints has partnered with Sustainable HB (Hawkes Bay) to create a recycling centre that is well organised, with well-labelled shelves and crates and even explanations of what happens to the materials that are collected!

As an expression of their commitment to care for the environment, the St Columba Havelock North Eco Group (SCHNEG) have launched an awareness and advocacy campaign focused on reducing the use of single-use plastics. The campaign invites eco churches to work together to promote awareness regarding soft plastics and responsible practices in recycling. This initiative not only helps protect the planet but also fosters a spirit of unity and responsibility — reminding everyone that caring for creation is a shared mission. Read on as the SCHNEG team outlines the issue and invites churches to join with them to take action.

St Paul's Symonds Street is on a journey to reduce the number of disposable cups they use on Sundays. One Sunday parishioners were presented with a string of disposable cups that stretched about 30 meters in length to help create awareness about the amount of waste that was being generated by using disposable cups.

The Hawkes Bay Eco church gathering on Saturday 22nd February showed that there’s a whole lot of energy for the Creation Care Kaupapa in the Hawkes Bay! 35 people from 8 different churches gathered to hear from several speakers about conservation and the what/why/how of being an eco church, as well as share with each other the joys and challenges they’re experiencing as they take steps on their eco church journey.

Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Te Taurapa – Southland to connect with churches and individuals passionate about creation care. It was a trip filled with deep conversations, theological reflections, and inspiring stories of churches living out their faith in practical ways. It was an incredible experience to talk about the care of creation while being surrounded by the beauty of God’s good creation. The setting of St Luke’s in the Bush reinforced the message that our faith must be deeply rooted in the land we inhabit.

I had the incredible privilege of being part of Festival One, which is a unique festival that celebrates faith, community, creativity and creation. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to lead two sessions titled “Eco Church – Why We Must.” Alongside these talks, I also led three reflective nature walks, inviting participants to step into creation with fresh eyes. We spent time in the bush, pausing to reflect on Romans 1:15 and considering how creation can reveal the heart of our Creator.

With over 1000 attendees from churches all over the country, it was a privilege to have the opportunity to hold an Eco Church workshop at the New Wine Festival held at Wairarapa College this January. Anna Baird and Steve Thawley from the Tribe Church in Masterton led the workshop with help from Eco Church Regional Coordinator Mo Morgan.

Lots of research, one afternoon, and $70 for timber and bolts resulted in a low-cost bike rack for St Paul’s Church, Kāpiti Anglican Parish.