Common Grace Aotearoa National Gathering Programme | 15-17 November 2024

Friday 15 November

4-5:00pm | Arrive to register, pitch tents and get settled into accommodation (if staying)

5:15 | Mihi whakatau

6:00 | Dinner

6:30 | Dessert 

7:15 | Evening prayers

8:00 | Whakawhanaungatanga | Mihimihi

9:00 | Fireside story | An extraordinary story of Christian activism in the cause of peace - Adrian Leason, Catholic Workers

Saturday 16 November

7:00 | Breakfast

8:00 | Kid-friendly Prayers

9:00 | Session 1

Welcome & worship

Why pursuing justice is a Christian vocation - Michael Toy, Public Theologian

How can the church honour Te Tiriti in this political moment? - Captain Hana Seddon, The Salvation Army

10:45 | Morning tea

11:15 | Session 2

Introduction to Common Grace Aotearoa campaigns & How can we respond to the Treaty Principles Bill? - Alex Johnston & Kate Day, Common Grace Aotearoa

12:15 | Lunch 

1:45 | Session 3

A Conversation about climate justice - Fala Haulangi (QSM), E Tū Union & Dr Olivia Yates, World Vision New Zealand 

2:50 | Toilet break + find your workshop

3:00-3:45 | 3 x Workshop options 

A Christian calling to non-violent direct action (NVDA) - Adam Currie, 350 Aotearoa

Tools for communicating about the Treaty, and countering misinformation among faith communities - Andrew Clark-Howard, Metanoia & Kate Day, Common Grace Aotearoa

Current worker struggles and the role of unions - Fala Haulangi, E tū Union 

3:45-3:55 | Move to your next workshop

3:55-4:40 | 2 x Workshop options 

Research and relationship based insider advocacy - Anna Cusack, Amnesty New Zealand

Ora tonu: Sustaining hauora, hope and action - Rev Silvia Purdie, Conversations Counseling

4:40 | Free time

5:30 | Dinner

6:15 | Kid-friendly Bonfire + protest song singalong 

7:30 | Free time

8:00-9:00 | Session 4
Worship + Biblical reflection

Sharing campaign causes + Intercessory prayer

Sunday 17 November

8am | Breakfast

9:00-10:00 | Session 5

Christians in politics panel 

- Rachel Boyack - Labour MP for Nelson

- Francisco Hernandez - Green MP

- Lawrence Kirby - Deputy Mayor, Kāpiti Coast District Council

10:00 | Morning tea

10:30-11:30 | Session 6

A conversation about peace and justice in the Holy Land 

- Andrew Clark-Howard, Metanoia

- Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab, Palestinian Christian Activist (via pre-recorded interview)

- Esmé Hulbert-Putt, Melody Cooper & Cole Yeoman, Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine

11:30-12:15 | Session 7

Wrap up of the weekend + feedback

12:15 | Packup

12:45 | Lunch + Mihi whakamutunga

2:00 | Ka kite anō au i a koutou!