Members of Albany Presbyterian Church recently explored the Fernhill Escarpment in Albany, guided by knowledgeable botanists who helped them discover the richness of Aotearoa’s native bush—from towering podocarps like rimu and kahikatea to tiny ground-cover plants often overlooked. The walk deepened participants’ appreciation of the natural world and reminded them that learning to love and understand creation is the first step toward caring for it.

On 1 March 2026, twenty Kāpiti Anglicans walked a Lenten pilgrimage from Kenakena through the Waikanae Estuary to Ōtaihanga Domain, reflecting on the deep roots of faith on the Kāpiti Coast. We remembered the witness of Te Āti Awa and the early church once built near Kenakena Pā, giving thanks for history, creation and shared fellowship on a beautiful autumn day.

Northcity Church in Christchurch is cutting power costs by harnessing solar energy. After installing rooftop solar panels on their warehouse building, the church now generates enough electricity over summer to offset winter heating needs—helping keep community spaces warm, welcoming, and more sustainable year-round.

St Philip’s Anglican Church in St Heliers is living out the Fifth Mark of Mission through practical creation care. From composting and beach clean-ups to installing solar panels, the congregation is reducing its carbon footprint and generating renewable energy for the benefit of future generations.

Inspired by the Eco Church idea, tamariki at St Heliers Presbyterian journeyed through Advent by rebuilding a koru each week from river stones, flowers, shells and recycled treasures gathered from their homes and neighbourhoods. This hands-on ritual connected the Christmas story with the beauty of creation in Aotearoa, inviting teamwork, wonder and a deeper awareness of God’s presence among us.

Five weeks in September were set aside to gently celebrate creation at Hemi Tapu. From green-decorated worship spaces and home-made communion bread, to kids’ church exploring trees, birds and worms, and community activities like a coastal wander and local wine tasting, the Season of Creation was marked by joy, creativity, and connection. By focusing on celebration rather than crisis, the parish laid thoughtful groundwork for deeper engagement with creation care in the seasons ahead.

St Peter’s Anglican Church in Kaikōura has been buzzing with life this season — from a joyful Blessing of the Animals service to flourishing gardens and community working bees. Read how the parish is nurturing people, place, and all creatures as part of their Eco Church journey.

After a decade of restoration work in Landsdowne Valley, South West Baptist has begun a fresh six-year planting partnership at Westmorland West – continuing its restoration story with new energy, new partnerships, and a hillside ready for renewal.

On a bright winter’s day, Cashmere Presbyterian Church began caring for a section of Ōhinetahi Bush Reserve on the Port Hills of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Supported by the Summit Road Society and the Student Volunteer Army, the church’s Eco Church team planted native trees and committed to ongoing stewardship — a shared act of faith, community, and environmental care.

What began as simple weeding and clearing has grown into something much deeper. On a warm Sunday morning in Whanganui, youth, families, and neighbours gathered for hands-on restoration—and found themselves building community, nurturing their faith, and practising kaitiakitanga together. Discover how a small gully regeneration project is transforming both the land and the people who care for it.

Around 20 people from eight local churches joined together in Napier to care for God’s creation through a beach clean-up. Volunteers collected everything from small plastics to large debris — even spotting a dotterel’s nest along the way. It was a warm day filled with teamwork, care, and connection, showing that local churches are ready to roll up their sleeves for the environment and the wellbeing of our shared home.

In October, young adults and youth ministry leaders from across Aotearoa gathered on Kamau Taurua / Quarantine Island for He Māhuri Tōtara, a weekend of reflection, learning, and connection with creation. Guided by mana whenua, we listened to stories held in the land, explored eco-theology, planted trees, and watched toroa soar over the harbour. It was a time alive with wairua — grounding, hopeful, and deeply moving.