Adventists actively serving their communities across New Zealand gathered in Rotorua from May 15 to 17 to strengthen their local ministry initiatives.
Run by ADRA NZ in partnership with New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC) ministries—Health, Discipleship and Hope Channel—this year’s Community Champions Conference was themed “Equipped to Serve”. More than 80 participants attended from across the country, representing churches from Christchurch in the South Island to Kaitaia in the far north.
The Community Champions initiative began during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the ADRA Love Thy Neighbour response when 37 Seventh-day Adventist churches across the country provided practical support to families experiencing hardship.
From its start as an emergency response in 2020, the initiative has grown into an ongoing network of church members involved in local community ministries. The conference first met at Tui Ridge Park in 2021, was held online in 2022 and returned to in-person gatherings in 2024 and 2025 before this year’s event in Rotorua.
According to ADRA NZ national program manager Sally Lavea, one of the distinctive aspects of this year’s conference was “hearing directly from those on the front line of community work”.
Traditionally run by ADRA and NZPUC ministries or guest speakers, this year’s workshops were mostly run by Community Champions with ADRA’s guidance.
“It was really powerful how the grassroots Community Champions were leading out after being equipped over these last five years, and seeing discipleship in action through what these champions are doing in their churches and communities,” Ms Lavea explained.
Sessions explored themes including “Serving from the Overflow”, “Saved to Serve” and “Community Service that Transforms Lives”, while also creating opportunities for participants to share resources, practical strategies and experiences from local ministry initiatives.
Participants represented a range of community ministries in their local churches, including community dining programs, street outreach, youth mentoring projects, community gardens, lawn care ministries, autistic playgroups and suicide prevention camps.
“We thank and bless all Community Champions and supporters for their faithful dedication to God’s mission,” said ADRA NZ CEO Tony Fautua.
