Just Stories NZ

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

10/03/2026

NEW STORY OUT NOW!

Each Sunday, Rev. Won Hyuk Joung and the .nz community gather with coffee, music, and open hearts. Students, professionals, rough sleepers and passers-by share conversation, prayer, and belonging.

What began as a simple outreach has grown into — a community built on presence, dignity, and love in the middle of the city.

Read the full story of how this unique faith community is taking shape:
https://www.juststories.nz/stories/belovedchurch

05/01/2026

From a young girl publishing poems in Invercargill to becoming one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential hymn writers, Shirley Erena Murray’s words reshaped how many people sing, pray and think about faith.

Across nearly 40 years, Shirley wrote hymns that spoke boldly into the world around her — addressing peace, justice, inclusion, environmental care, racism, AIDS, homelessness and more. Her work gave voice to progressive theology and helped congregations sing about real life, real struggles and real hope, using language that was inclusive, poetic and deeply human.

With around 400 hymns published and sung across the globe, Shirley’s legacy continues to inspire faith communities to imagine a more just and compassionate world.

Read the full story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/shirley-erena-murray-story

29/12/2025

Little things can make a big difference!

Through Presbyterian Support’s Family Works programme, small grants have helped children and whānau facing hardship with everyday essentials such as school uniforms, heaters, camp fees, sports shoes and more.

These “little things” are helping tamariki stay in school, take part in activities, and build confidence and wellbeing. Thanks to the generosity of The Tindall Foundation and Presbyterian Women Aotearoa New Zealand, this programme has now reached families across all seven Presbyterian Support regions.

Takihua takimano - together we can make a difference.

21/12/2025

At St Heliers Presbyterian Church in Tāmaki Makaurau, a small group of people meet each month to read books, share stories, and learn together. The result is the Tiriti Justice Book Club — a monthly space where people gather to read, reflect and wrestle with New Zealand’s history together.

Spanning generations and cultures, the group explores books that challenge familiar stories, amplify Māori voices, and open up deeper conversations about justice, responsibility and relationship. What begins on the page often carries into real life — strengthening connections, reshaping perspectives, and inspiring acts of solidarity.

This is a story about how learning together can become a powerful step toward justice.

To learn more, read the full story here: https://www.juststories.nz/stories/tiriti-justice-book-club

15/12/2025

Following on from the story we shared about Rev Dr Rutherford Waddell…

This article from Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, explores his life and legacy in more depth. It shows how his faith led him to stand alongside workers, challenge injustice, and help shape early social reform in Aotearoa.

Waddell believed the Gospel had something to say about fairness, dignity, and the way we treat one another; values that still speak powerfully today.

Read the article here: https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2w1/waddell-rutherford