Inspiring Change
Hosted at Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre and streamed across the motu, the event drew a diverse group, including church leaders, community organisers, and sustainability advocates, all eager to learn and share their experiences.
Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha, Tumuaki of Te Taha Māori, kicked off the event with an inspiring keynote that resonated deeply with all present. She emphasised the interconnectedness of our environmental stewardship and spiritual responsibilities, reminding us that caring for creation is an essential part of our faith journey. Her discussion on Matariki, highlighting its role in remembrance and future aspirations, brought a profound cultural perspective to the sustainability dialogue. The enthusiasm she sparked was palpable and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Throughout the event, attendees participated in four sessions that provided practical strategies for implementing sustainable practices.
Session 1 “Why Para Kore: A Māori Perspective” by Arapera Ngaha
Session 2 “The Global Story of Plastic Recycling” by Lydia Chai
Session 3 “It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint” by Jenny Marshall
Session 4 “WASTE: Theology” by Nicola Hoggard Creegan.
Lydia, Jenny, and Nicola each brought unique perspectives to the table, offering valuable insights on topics ranging from community engagement to innovative ecological practices. Lydia’s presentation on "The Global Story of Plastic Recycling" was particularly eye-opening, revealing the hidden consequences of New Zealand's plastic waste exports. Jenny brought all her knowledge and experience from working with Waste Minimisation NZ and Ministry for the Environment in bringing a supremely practical and down-to-earth set of activities that should allow anyone to do more about creating less waste. Nicola tied it all together and reminded us why, as a Christian faith community, it is our responsibility to care for creation and encourage others in our communities to do the same.
The interactive sessions were a highlight, fostering interesting discussions and thoughtful exchanges of ideas. Attendees like Bruce Anderson appreciated the hybrid format, which allowed those living outside of Auckland to participate remotely. Bruce noted, “The hybrid format for the livestream was very helpful to someone like me who doesn’t own a car and lives outside of Auckland. I was able to join with others from my church to watch the event in our worship space.” This inclusive approach ensured that people could engage with the content, regardless of their location.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One participant shared, “The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain new perspectives on sustainability. I left feeling motivated and equipped to make a difference in my community.”
As the event concluded, it was clear that the journey towards sustainability is ongoing. Attendees were encouraged to take the insights gained and apply them within their own contexts, continuing the momentum of positive change. The event organisers emphasised the importance of staying connected and sharing successes and challenges with the wider community.
For those who couldn't attend, all the presentation videos, PowerPoint presentations and additional resources are available on our website at https://methodist.org.nz/mahi/climate-justice/cjwg-events/inspiring-change/. The event videos are uploaded to that site, providing an opportunity for everyone to benefit from the valuable content shared. We invite you to keep in touch and share your own experiences and feedback with us at cjwg.feedback@methodist.org.nz.
Together, we can inspire change and build a sustainable future for generations to come