by NZ Christian Network | 1 Aug , 2026 | Articles, Marriage and Family
Unquestionably, the state of marriages is a key factor in any society’s wellbeing.
In recent months, six Christian ministries (FamilyLife NZ, Focus on the Family NZ, Alpha NZ, Shining Lights, Family First, and New Zealand Christian Network) have been working together to plan and highlight pro-marriage initiatives in New Zealand.
The convener of the inter-agency steering group, Wynand Jacobs, writes: ‘We are thrilled to see unprecedented collaboration among Christian ministries for Marriage Week NZ (13-19 September). As part of this unified initiative, we are undertaking an ambitious goal: surveying 10,000 New Zealanders to get a true snapshot of relationships in our nation. Taking just 7 minutes, this anonymous survey will identify barriers to finding help and directly guide future support resources. The results will be shared during Marriage Week. Please add your voice today and help families flourish.’
Participate in the survey here, and share the link widely:
https://www.marriageweek.org.nz/#survey
by Esther Tredoux | 31 Jul , 2026 | Articles, GENERAL, Prayer Breakfasts
The second annual Christchurch Prayer Breakfast was held yesterday, 30 July, at the new One New Zealand Stadium. It was a partnership between the city’s church leaders (including Te Raranga) and NZCN.
It was a wonderful morning of worship, prayer, and unity, with approximately 380 people gathering from around 51 churches and Christian organisations.
The theme for this year’s Prayer Breakfast was “Do It Again, Lord”—a call to contend for a fresh move of God in our time and in our place. Our key scripture was Habakkuk 3:2: ‘Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known’.
Drawing inspiration from the Christchurch Coat of Arms—Fide Condita, Fructu Beata, Spe Fortis (‘Founded in Faith, Rich in the Fulfilment Thereof, Strong in Hope for the Future’)—we prayed into three key areas:
- Gratitude and thankfulness
- The social needs of our city
- The spiritual climate of Christchurch
Clint Ussher from The Well Church, who also serves on the planning committee, shared: ‘As we go through great changes in our city—ethnically, religiously, and socially—our foundations become increasingly important. The three phrases from the coat of arms provide faithful and prophetic prayer prompts: giving thanks for our foundation in the Christian faith, praying for the fruitfulness of that faith in our city today, and remaining strong in hope for the future.’
We were also delighted to welcome Rhema‘s Morning Show, The Brightside with Andrew and Becci, who broadcasted live from the event, helping share the heart of the Prayer Breakfast with listeners across the country.
The short NZCN video about the forthcoming NZ Christian Leaders’ Congress was shown, and Stuart Lange closed the gathering with a blessing.
We give thanks to God for His presence throughout the morning and are grateful to everyone who attended, served, prayed, and for our sponsors who helped make this gathering possible. May the seeds sown through our united prayers continue to bear fruit in Christchurch and beyond.
And, we look forward to our next two Prayer Breakfasts, Hamilton on 16 September and Auckland on 29 October.
by Dr Malcolm Falloon | 17 Jul , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul gives Timothy a striking instruction: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:1).
“First of all” speaks of priority. Before Paul discusses church leadership, false teaching, or public worship, he calls God’s people to prayer.
Notice also the breadth of these prayers. They are not limited to our own needs, our local church, or even our own denomination. We are to pray “for everyone,” including “kings and all who are in high positions.” Why? Because prayer reflects the heart of God himself. Paul continues, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (vv.3–4).
Prayer, gospel proclamation, and God’s compassion belong together. We pray because Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all” (v.6), and because God longs for men and women everywhere to hear the good news of his Son.
That gives us a healthy agenda for prayer in New Zealand. We certainly pray for revival, for the faithful preaching of God’s Word, and for the strengthening of our churches. But Scripture also teaches us to pray for the wider life of our nation—for those in government, education, health, business, justice, and every sphere of society. Like the exiles in Jeremiah’s day, we seek the welfare of the place where God has put us (Jeremiah 29:7), praying that our nation may enjoy peace and stability so that the gospel may continue to flourish.
Aotearoa New Zealand Prayer Breakfasts
This vision lies behind the Aotearoa New Zealand Prayer Breakfasts taking place around the country annually. These Prayer Breakfasts are organised in partnership with NZ Christian Network and key regional Church and Christian leaders. Believers from many churches, ethnicities, and denominations come together, not to advance one denomination or ministry, but to seek God’s blessing on our communities and nation.
Pray As One
It is also the vision behind Pray As One, the New Zealand Christian Network’s weekly online prayer gathering. Every Monday evening from 8.00–9.00 pm, believers from across Aotearoa gather on Zoom to pray for our nation. Each week we hear from a guest who helps shape our prayers before we divide into small groups to pray together. We pray for our regions, for Christian ministries, for our political leaders, and above all that God would bring many people to the knowledge of the truth through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The disciples once asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” That remains the prayer of every generation. May God continue to teach us to pray—not only for ourselves, but for our nation and for the advance of his gospel.
by Dr Stuart Lange | 3 Jul , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity and Social & Moral Issues, Christianity in New Zealand, The Church
In the last couple of weeks, there has been some public concern about words spoken in a video by Bishop Brian Tamaki on Facebook. Asserting that in India the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has fostered a purge of Christians and church burnings, Brian Tamaki said: ‘I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat’.
Was Bishop Brian really advocating what he said? Is it possible he was just speaking rhetorically, tongue-in-cheek, and in effect asking: ‘How would they like it if we did here what they do to our fellow Christians over there?’
Inevitably, however, Mr Tamaki’s words came to the attention of leaders of New Zealand’s Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities, who expressed considerable alarm – as did Race Relations Commissioner, Dr Melissa Derby. They felt that his words contributed into a growing and disturbing wave of prejudice and hostility towards Indian and other immigrants, which upset many and made them feel less safe. They also feared Brian Tamaki’s words could dangerously prompt someone to take his suggestions literally, and then to act on them. Obviously, that would be a highly tragic outcome, and counter-productive in all respects, both here and overseas.
In response to all this, a number of points…
1. As Christians, we firmly believe in the one true and living God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), as revealed in Christ and the scriptures. We do not need to feel threatened by those who hold to other religions, or to none. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, and to share the love of God in Jesus with everyone, both in word and in action.
2. Jesus calls his followers to love others, not to take revenge. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love those who hate us, and to seek reconciliation and peace. Vengeance is not endorsed by Jesus.
3. The largest religious allegiance in New Zealand is Christianity. But New Zealand has never been a wholly Christian nation. Christians in New Zealand are now a minority. Our society is a pluralistic and increasingly secular society, allowing freedom of religion (or non-religion) to everyone. If this country becomes more Christian again, it will above all be a work of the Spirit of God.
4. From a Christian perspective, cultural, ethnic, and religious minorities are all welcome in New Zealand, and should be treated with respect and goodwill. We are all human beings, we are all made in God’s image, and we – or our ancestors – were all migrants from somewhere else.
5. Christian faith transcends culture. The largest faith community in New Zealand is Christian, and Christian faith is held here by people of every ethnicity and culture. Many migrants (including Indians) who come to New Zealand are themselves strongly Christian. Many other immigrants to New Zealand come to faith in Jesus. Love and friendship shown by Christians can often be part of that.
6. It would be great in New Zealand if both Government and media paid much more attention to violence and injustice towards Christian communities in multiple overseas countries, if they advocated on their behalf, and if they made it significantly easier for persecuted Christians to enter New Zealand as refugees.
As Christians, members of New Zealand’s largest faith community, we need not only to love God and have great zeal for his honour and glory, but also to love our neighbours, showing God’s love in Christ to all.
by NZ Christian Network | 23 Jun , 2026 | About Christianity, Articles, Christianity and Social & Moral Issues, Christianity in New Zealand
The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading, and is now in the Select Committee phase. The Bill requires the language in New Zealand legislation to recognise that a woman is an ‘adult human biological female’ and a man is an ‘adult human biological male’. A similar Bill has now passed into law in the U.K.
Submissions close very soon, on Thursday 2 July 2026, at 11.57 p.m.
We recommend that Christian people make a submission in SUPPORT. Please ensure that any comments you make are clear, considered, and respectful in tone. Submissions which are hostile, or which demean others, or which could easily be construed as ‘hateful’, are counter-productive. Use your own words, as cut and paste submissions carry much less weight.
The preamble to the Bill states:
‘This Bill ensures clarity and consistency in New Zealand law by defining “woman” as “an adult human biological female” and “man” as “an adult human biological male”, with corresponding definitions for “male” and “female”. By establishing these definitions in the Legislation Act 2019, the Bill provides a clear and biologically grounded meaning of “woman” and “man” across legislation’ and that ‘The purpose of this amendment is to uphold legal certainty, protect the integrity of sex-based rights, and ensure that language in law reflects biological reality. This definition will apply in all contexts where the terms “woman” and “man” are used, unless explicitly stated otherwise in specific legislation.’
The Bill itself (which is very short) amends the Legislation Act 2019 with two new clauses:
3Principal Act
This Act amends the Legislation Act 2019.
4New section 13A inserted (Meaning of woman or female)
After section 13, insert:
13AMeaning of woman or female
In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—
(a)
woman means an adult human biological female; and
(b)
female means a human biological female.
13BMeaning of man or male
In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—
(a)
man means an adult human biological male; and
(b)
male means a human biological male.
The Bill reflects the undeniable reality that there are two biological human sexes, male and female, and that the language, interpretation and application of legislation should fully respect that common reality and not distort it.
The Bill does not, however, affect in any way the right of people to self-identify with a ‘gender’ that differs from the sex they were born with (and implicitly recognises that right).
This law would help protect women from the obvious danger of biological males who self-identify as women being permitted in such contexts as girls’ and women’s changing and bathroom facilities, women’s sports’ events, women’s emergency accommodation, and women’s prisons.
More broadly, the proposed law could help protect in New Zealand important freedoms of belief and expression. In recent years, the increasing tendency in this country has been for law and policy to be seen through the lens of gender ideology, in which biological sex is unhelpfully conflated with chosen ‘gender’. This has led to ideologically-driven interpretations of the Human Rights Act (1993) and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (1990), interpretations which pose a growing risk towards everyday freedoms of belief and expression of many people.
This Bill is not about ‘hating’ transgender people, as some claim. Nor should it be. From a Christian perspective, we are called to love others, and no one should be hated.
If enacted, the Bill would not restrict the existing rights of people who identify with a gender that differs from their biological sex to live their own lives how they wish, and – if they want – to access hormonal or surgical interventions. But in a just and free society, such a way of seeing things should not be imposed on everyone else, in either language or in law.
The Bill is limited in its scope, but we think it is very reasonable.
Submissions can be made here.
by Dr Malcolm Falloon | 6 Jun , 2026 | Articles
Few phrases are used more often today than “culture wars”. Depending on who is speaking, the term may refer to debates about gender identity, freedom of speech, religious liberty, family life, sexuality, education, or national identity. Christians are often told that these issues are distractions and that we should focus on more practical concerns such as the economy, housing, or healthcare.
Yet many of the issues described as “culture wars” concern fundamental questions about what it means to be human. They touch the nature of marriage and family, the raising of children, freedom of conscience, and the relationship between the individual, society, and the state. These are not trivial matters. At the same time, Christians should be careful not to become captive to the culture wars themselves.
A healthy society depends upon more than governments and markets. It is sustained by families, churches, schools, charities, businesses, and countless voluntary associations that help shape character, responsibility, and social trust. Christians have good reasons to care when these institutions are weakened or marginalised. Public debates about culture often reflect deeper questions about the kind of society we are becoming.
However, there is another danger. In recent years some commentators, influencers, and political movements have adopted Christian language and symbols as markers of cultural identity rather than expressions of living faith. Christianity can become a badge of tribal belonging, a way of signalling opposition to progressive ideas, or a tool in wider political struggles. Christians should resist that temptation.
The Church does not exist to provide religious branding for political movements, whether on the left or the right. Our calling is to bear witness to Jesus Christ, in submission to Scripture and with a settled commitment to biblical faithfulness. While Christians will often participate in public debates and may hold strong convictions on moral or political matters, our primary identity is found in Christ himself.
The challenge, therefore, is neither withdrawal nor obsession. Christians cannot ignore questions that affect human flourishing and the common good. But neither should we allow outrage, social media algorithms, or ideological loyalties to shape us more deeply than Scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship. Faithful engagement begins with the authority of God’s word, not with the talking points of any cultural or political tribe.
The Gospel calls us to speak truthfully, act courageously, and love our neighbours. We should engage the issues of our day thoughtfully and faithfully, but always remembering that our ultimate task is not to win a culture war. It is to bear witness to the Lordship of Christ in the midst of it.
