From the inception of NZ Christian Network (NZCN), I had significant involvement and worked closely with its national director, Glyn Carpenter. For a time, I chaired the NZCN Annual Meeting. Ecumenical work included a focus on the Auckland Church Leaders Meeting, National Church Leaders Meeting and the 2014 bicentenary of Christianity in New Zealand.
In 2016 a friend, Professor Felix Tan, who had been at AUT, was on staff at Excelsia College in Sydney, a Christian college aspiring to gain university college status. Excelsia was a sponsor of the well-known Sydney Prayer Breakfast and Felix attended that year. He was so impressed with the event, civic involvement and excellent Christian witness, that he contacted me and said that church leaders in Auckland thought about initiating such a prayer breakfast. As I was chair of the Auckland Church Leaders Meeting, I conferred with Glyn Carpenter and others, and about May 2016 we decided to launch the ‘Auckland Prayer Breakfast’. The original vision and intent were for an intentional and specific prayer across a wide variety of key city needs and challenges.
Familiar with event organising, I knew how much work was involved and wondered about deferring the inaugural event to 2017, but Glyn was determined we move ahead, and a date was set for 27th October 2016. NZCN organisation with Gayann Phillips and Robert Murray, and Glyn’s friendship with Pastor Sanjai Kandregula, meant we were soon able to form an organising team. Others who joined the oversight group at Glyn’s and my invitation were Greg Fleming, HRH Princess Se’uilikutapu, Dean Jo-Kelly-Moore, Warahi Paki, Pastor Kok Soon Lee, Won-Kong Bong and Pastor Tavale Matai’a. I had the privilege of chairing the organising committee.
We explored several venues, but it was considered a ‘neutral ground’ venue would be better than one of the larger church venues, especially to encourage the civic, business, and education communities to be involved. Pastor Sanjai Kandregula with his organising skills became ‘Event Director’ and Gayann Phillips and Robert Murray organised the booking system and promotional work to churches. The venue of the large North Lounge at Eden Park was chosen.
I undertook to approach a range of possible sponsors, Auckland City Council and members of parliament. Eventually, six sponsors were confirmed for the inaugural event: Auckland Church Leaders Meeting, Rhema Media, Bible Society of New Zealand, NZCN, World Vision and Christian Savings.
The oversight committee did excellent work shaping the programme to be ecumenically broad but mission and Auckland contextually focused. A wonderful variety of wise and knowledgeable Christian leaders, lay and ordained, led us in creative prayers. The first event attracted about 450 people and was a significant ‘success’ with a wonderful atmosphere. In my opening welcome, I made the following comments (taken from my notes), “Our breakfast is a Christian unity event and a multi-cultural gathering focused on praying for this great city of Auckland; where we live, its diverse people groups, and the challenges we have today and into the future.” We were especially pleased to welcome the new Mayor-elect, Hon Phil Goff, at the prayer breakfast. I further commented, “Mr Goff, there have been many prayers prayed here at Eden Park. Almost all have been directed at what is happening on the rugby ground! Today our prayers will be for many aspects of our city, including for you and your family, the Council and Local Boards …”
Under my chairmanship, the Auckland Prayer Breakfast was repeated in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Again, Pastor Sanjai Kandregula was the Event Director and Gayann Phillips worked with Robert Murray on the important booking and finances. Laidlaw College soon gave their support as well. With Glyn Carpenter’s retirement from NZCN early in 2017 Rev Dr Stuart Lange joined the oversight group.
A key aspect of the Auckland Prayer Breakfast from its inception was not only to enjoy Christian fellowship with many congregations and church organisations but to be a unique venue for interface with Auckland City Council and members of parliament of the region. Hon Simeon Brown was one of the early and strong supporters.
Early on, the vision developed for other prayer breakfasts in New Zealand and the inaugural Hamilton event was held in 2019 in Hamilton Gardens, initiated by Rachel Afeaki (a member of the NZCN Board) and Rev Frank Ritchie.
With our strong ecumenical commitment, we always prayed that other cities and towns throughout Aotearoa New Zealand would organise their own prayer breakfast events. So, it is a great delight for me to know of Wellington and Christchurch. Late in 2024 I had the privilege of being at the first Christchurch meeting of church leaders as plans were made to launch a Canterbury event in 2025. I very much look forward to attending, and I also commend the Auckland Prayer Breakfast as it approaches its 10th anniversary. Praise God!
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