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A Rocha National Hui 2025

A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand
20 August 2025
This past weekend, the A Rocha Aotearoa whānau gathered at Living Springs in Christchurch to celebrate over 15 years of A Rocha mahi across the motu. The weekend included beautiful weather, plenty of coffee, good meals, inspiring conversations, planting 300 trees at Rāpaki, a beach clean-up, twelve PechaKucha presentations, three workshops, two keynotes from Jay Mātenga, volunteer recognitions, and a family gathered as one.
 
We are deeply grateful for the support from the Justice-Compassion Trust which was instrumental in making our National Hui (15–17 August 2025, Living Springs, Christchurch) a highly impactful and inspiring event.
 

The hui brought together long time A Rocha volunteers, supporters and leaders, members of church communities, and next generation leaders to connect and to explore eco-theology and creation care in faith-based contexts. Feedback from participants highlighted its significance:

“It was truly a wonderful weekend… The weekend reset my theology… reinvigorated me and certainly has inspired me to get involved with A Rocha in any way I can.”

“I was very warmly welcomed and felt very much at home, meeting some wonderful people – such high-quality Christians with a broad view of their role as disciples but also as custodians of God’s Earth.”

“One of the most inspiring events I’ve ever been to… deeply significant for me.”

“I’m still processing all that happened over the short time together, but suffice it to say it has been deeply significant for me. Thanks for setting up the opportunity. Time will tell what fruit will come from such an impact.”

“It was an absolute joy and a privilege to be with you all last weekend. I had a blast and the impact from the conversations I had will be long lasting and wide ranging, more than I can say.”

“Thank you for a most inspiring weekend.”

“Being challenged to think about my role in caring for God’s creation in light of my changing capabilities.”

“Experiencing the passion of those attending… the collaboration and connection to our iwi and local marae ka pai!”

“Highlights – where to start?! Stunning location/weather, amazing faithful people, seeing Saturn’s rings and one of Jupiter’s moon, hope filled korero, and the bellbirds!”

“Felt very encouraged & inspired by the whole weekend… enjoyed learning from others.”

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Here are some photo highlights from the weekend:

Shared by the A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand team — working to protect and restore ecosystems through community-based conservation, developing environmental leaders and taking practical actions.
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