L'Arche Kapiti

What is L’Arche

L’Arche was founded in 1964 by Raphael Simi and Phillipe Seux in Trosly-Breuil, a village in France. The first house was called “L’Arche”, a French word for ”the ark” in the biblical story of Noah and the flood. Word spread and young people from various parts of the world came to the community in Trosly to share their life with people with an intellectual disability. Some of these young people were inspired by the vision of L’Arche and founded a L’Arche community in other countries. In 1998 the L’Arche Kapiti community was established in Paraparaumu, New Zealand. Today, the International Federation of L’Arche consists of over 130 communities in more than 30 countries around the world. Each L’Arche community operates independently, but all are united in their commitment to the L’Arche Statement of Identity and Mission. About L’Arche Kapiti

L’Arche Kapiti is a faith community rooted in prayer and trust in God. Each community member is encouraged to discover and deepen his or her spiritual life and live it according to his or her particular faith and tradition. Our community is made up of about 60 people with and without learning disabilities sharing our lives together. We are situated in the beautiful Kapiti Coast about 50 km north of Wellington and we are the only L’Arche community in New Zealand. We celebrate the gifts of each person, whatever their abilities and disabilities. We like to be creative and responsive, finding new ways to give thanks for the gifts of each person. This can be through parties, services and just day to day life. We provide a strong sense of belonging. We like to be rich in fellowship and companionship, able to organise events (days of reflection, outings) together and in small groups. If you would like to donate to L'Arche Kapiti (registered charity), here is the link: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/larchekapiti