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.

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.

For Puanga this year, St Peter’s Anglican Church Whanganui created a worship service for all ages which was reflective and interactive, weaving elements of Creation Care into the liturgical flow of the service. Our service used a liturgy to take us on a journey of reflection. We had space to remember those who had passed, and a space to offer thankfulness for the year gone. Instead of a sermon, we split into kēmu/mahi toi (games/art), confession and reflection stations.