Just Stories NZ

12/08/2026

From a mission project planted in the heart of Ōpōtiki, Oasis is emerging as a fresh expression of church focused on relationships, prayer, and community engagement. Led by Jared and Jess Suisted, Oasis seeks to create welcoming spaces where people can encounter God, grow in faith, and find practi...

06/08/2026

What was once an empty, forgotten building at Saint Kentigern is now 'The Shed' — a foodbank quietly offering a lifeline to hundreds of Auckland families.

The Shed started with a simple question: How could Saint Kentigern help? What followed is a quiet story of students, volunteers and social workers working together to make sure no family feels alone in hard times. 💛

Read their story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/theshedsaintkentigern

07/07/2026

Have you ever wondered how people find light in the darkest moments of grief? 💭

Good Grief Collective is a deeply human story of loss, resilience, and the gentle return of hope, reminding us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but learning to carry love in new ways.

Read the full story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/goodgrief

30/06/2026

What if church wasn’t just a place you go, but a community you live? In Ōpōtiki, Oasis is growing as a fresh expression of faith, centred on relationships, prayer, and real-life connection. With a new community hub and hundreds of local connections already formed, it’s inspiring a different way of being church today.

Read more about this unfolding story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/oasis-opotiki-mission-project

23/06/2026

Curious about a life shaped by faith, courage, and a passion for justice? Peter Matheson brought together activism, scholarship, and community in a way that still inspires today.

From peace marches to powerful ideas, his journey is both thought‑provoking and deeply human. Take a moment to explore his story and reflect on what it means to live with hope.

Read the full story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/petermatheson

04/05/2026

Finding your voice can change everything. Each week at Chartwell Cooperating Church in Hamilton, people from many cultures come together to practise English, build friendships and grow in confidence through conversation, kindness and laughter.

Discover how these language groups are creating belonging and justice through learning. Click through to read the full story.

30/04/2026

Whare Kai is more than just food. Born out of Covid and built on dignity, choice and community, this Whakatāne initiative has transformed food support from handouts into a powerful, people led network creating connection, opportunity and resilience along the way. ❤️🥕

Read how it’s changing lives across the Eastern Bay of Plenty here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/wharekai

28/04/2026

What started as one minister’s vision has grown into a movement transforming an entire community.

From a single idea to connect people with local support services, Have A Heart Charitable Trust now brings together thousands through festivals, youth programmes, mental health initiatives, and acts of everyday care.

There were doubts at the beginning, but today, nearly 4,000 people attend the annual festival, and countless lives have been impacted along the way. This is a story about connection, resilience, and what happens when a community comes together with purpose.

Read the full story and see the impact for yourself here:

Have a Heart is a Whakatāne-based community initiative started by Rev Chris Barnard to connect people with local support services and strengthen community wellbeing. What began as a church project has grown into an independent charitable trust delivering large community events, social programmes, a

24/03/2026

On Saturday mornings in Auckland, conversation is changing lives.

At St David’s Community Church in Hillsborough, KiwiTalk brings migrants and locals together to practise English, share stories, and build community. What started as a simple conversation space is helping people find confidence, connection, and belonging in Aotearoa.

For one migrant family from Sri Lanka, it even opened the door to volunteering, friendships, and a stronger sense of home.

Read the full story here:
https://www.juststories.nz/stories/kiwitalk

17/03/2026

What happens when young people encounter faith, culture, and community on a marae?

At Ōhope Marae, students from Presbyterian schools and churches across Aotearoa are stepping into a powerful experience of Te Ao Māori, Christian faith, and bicultural partnership. For many it’s their first time on a marae — and the impact is profound.

Participants leave with deeper faith, stronger connections, and a renewed passion for justice and reconciliation.

Read the full story here:
https://www.juststories.nz/stories/weavingfaithandcultureohopemarae