Across September and October, Alexandra Corps joined churches across Aotearoa in celebrating the Season of Creation, reflecting on the theme Peace with Creation. The Corps community embraced practical care for the environment — from a Kids Church worm farm project to a community planting day at Eden Gardens — and joined fellow Eco Church, Alexandra, Clyde and Lauder Union Parish for outdoor worship in the gardens. Together, they expressed their ongoing commitment to caring for God’s creation.

During the Season of Creation, Taranaki Cathedral embraced the call to care for creation in creative and meaningful ways. From lamenting ecological loss to sharing a spring feast around a flower-lined table, the community discovered new expressions of hope, connection, and renewal.

During this year’s Season of Creation, All Saints’ Anglican Church in Dunedin demonstrated its ongoing commitment to caring for God’s earth through hands-on community action. Parish members joined with the Student Christian Movement to plant 145 native trees on a South Otago farm, helping regenerate native forest and restore riparian habitats. Later in the month, a smaller group took to Te Awa o Ōwheo (the Leith) for a local river clean-up, reflecting the parish’s deep connection to this waterway and its place in the church’s story. Together, these actions embodied All Saints’ vision of faith expressed through stewardship, community, and hope for creation’s renewal.

At the Napier Repair Café, there’s a wonderful buzz as volunteers and visitors gather each month to bring broken items back to life – from bikes and jewellery to well-loved household treasures. For Maree Diamond, from the Catholic Parish of Napier’s Care of Creation group, being part of the team is a joyful way to care for creation and connect with her community. Now in its third year, the Café continues to grow as a place of sharing, learning, and restoration – a reminder that small acts of repair can make a big difference.

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.

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.

Holding a photo competition during the Season of Creation this year was a great way for St Matt’s Anglican Church in Taitā to encourage people to explore God’s Creation in their local neighbourhood with new eyes.

At St Heliers Presbyterian Church to help enable their congregation’s Eco Church journey, an Environmental Justice team was formed and one of their first initiatives was hosting The Week. Edina Kuki reflects on The Week - three hour-long documentaries which was followed by a group conversation to debrief and process what’s been heard.

During the Season of Creation, Ruapehu Anglican Parish hosted a successful community working bee, transforming a wetland area adjacent to St. Mary’s Hall on Seddon Street in Raetihi. The initiative, aimed at rehabilitating the local environment, brought together 20 volunteers, including students from Ohakune Primary School’s William Pike Challenge programme.

Onewa Christian Community in Birkenhead hosts Repair Cafés 3-4 times a year, in conjunction with Highbury House, the Birkenhead Community Centre.  They enjoy the camaraderie and great atmosphere when mixing with the public. Most of the volunteers come back time and time again. Repairs are free but a koha is accepted for the morning tea, the proceeds of which are given to De Paul House in Northcote.

Since April this year, every Tuesday parishioners from St Andrew’s on The Terrace join representatives from other religious groups for a peaceful lunchtime protest on Parliament grounds. Holding placards that draw attention to the damning impact of fossil fuels, the weekly vigil is just one of several sustainable and environmentally sensitive  initiatives being undertaken by the parish.

Lower Hut Anglicans recently hosted a community open day in conjunction with Mountains to Sea to raise awareness of Opahu Stream. Visitors were able to take part in species identification, try their hand at sun photography and learn more about both the path and history of Opahu stream – to raise awareness of the stream and get others on board to commit to conservation efforts for our awa.