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Our story
Our Beginnings
In 2004 Richard Storey returned to New Zealand, inspired from two years working with A Rocha Lebanon. Eighteen months later, Kristel van Houte returned from three months with A Rocha Kenya. Richard, Kristel and ten others formed an initiative group in August 2006 that created the vision for a national organisation. A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand was formally accepted into the international A Rocha family in April 2007, and held its launching conference in June 2008. A Rocha was registered as a charitable trust in 2008 with Richard Storey, Peter Wilcox, Nicola Hoggard-Creegan and John Flenley as founding trustees.
2007
The vision is born
A Rocha initiative group
2007-2009
A Rocha local groups formed
Local groups were formed in Christchurch, Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin.
2008
A Rocha Inaugural Conference.
A Rocha founder, Peter Harris visited Aotearoa NZ for this inaugural conference.
2008-2014
Te Kaakano Community Garden project, Waikato
First community project in partnership with Desert Springs Community Centre in Hamilton.
2009
Karioi Project began
The Karioi Project, a community biodiversity restoration project began on 10 hectares at the invitation of and in partnership with Te Whakaoranga O Karioi and local hapū.
2012
A Rocha Aotearoa NZ turns 5!
Chris Naylor, A Rocha International's Executive Director joined the celebration!
2012-2020
Makarora Madness Camps
Annual Makarora Madness camp in partnership with Scripture Union NZ.
2013-ongoing
KARIOI KIDS begins
After school environmental education programme for kids begins in Whāingaroa Raglan.
2013-2016
Community, God and Ecology course
A Rocha designs and delivers an eco theology course at Laidlaw College.
2015-ongoing
E3 Wilderness Journeys
Annual E3 Wilderness Journeys for senior high students in partnership with Scripture Union and Adventure Specialties Trust.
2017
First year of ōi chicks fledging!
Seven ōi chicks were recorded as fledged from the Karioi Project.
2017
A Rocha Aotearoa NZ turns 10!
2017
'Beyond Blame: Christianity and the Future of Creation' conference, Wellington
In partnership with NZ Christians in Science (NZCIS) and Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI).
2017-2020
Rich Living series
Rich Living small group study booklets produced covering topics - Climate Change, Water, Food, Waste and Transport.
2018
The Karioi story told in 'Pursuing Peace in Godzone: Christianity and the Peace Tradition in New Zealand'
Editors: Geoff Troughton and Philip Fountain, 2018
2018
'Creation and Hope: Reflections on Ecological Anticipation and Action from Aotearoa New Zealand' published
Editors: Nicola Hoggard Creegan and Andrew Shepherd, 2018
2018
Rich Living conference, Christchurch
In partnership with Cashmere Presbyterian Church, Grace Vineyard Church, and South West Baptist Church.
2018
Lausanne-WEA Oceania Creation Care Consultation - Tahlee, Australia
ARANZ leads six NZ young leaders
2018-2021
Hope Seminar, Christchurch
An annual conference in partnership with local Christchurch churches.
2019
The Karioi Project celebrates 10 years!
2019
Manaaki Ao Earthcare programme launched
In partnerships with Te Wananga o Papa Taiao Earthcare and Raglan Area School.
2020
Eco Church NZ launched
First four churches joined the journey in July 2020. First denominational partner joined in Dec 2020.
2020
First SUSTAIN Camp in Raglan
SUSTAIN eco camp developed in Whāingaroa Raglan (for Year 7-10) in partnership with Scripture Union NZ.
2021
Zero Waste Programme for Churches
Established partnership with Para Kore Marae Inc to deliver and support the zero waste programme for churches.
2023
360°carbon Aotearoa launched
Begin trialling 360°carbon Aotearoa with a number of churches.
2023
He Māhuri Tōtara launched
Pilot of He Māhuri Tōtara programme, an environmental leadership development programme in partnership with Wilberforce Foundation.
2023
New Eco Church team
© 2023 A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand
Charity registration: CC36274
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