The Diocese of Palmerston North’s Justice, Peace, Development and Ecology Commission (JPDEC) has welcomed participants to the first two sessions of Thriving in this Land, a three-part series developed by Common Grace Aotearoa. The programme invites Christians to reflect on how faith calls us to respond to some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges, including honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, addressing climate change, and responding to economic hardship.
The first session, held on 19 August, explored the Christian legacy of the Clapham Sect and the historical connections that helped shape the formation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Participants also examined the Crown-Māori relationship from the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal through to the present day, reflecting on both progress made and challenges that remain.
Attended by around 45 people, the evening prompted thoughtful discussion and reflection. Presenters Helen Simmons, retired Massey University lecturer, and Dr John Waldon, Research Development Advisor (Māori), provided valuable insights into the deeper meaning of Te Tiriti and the partnership it envisaged between Māori and the Crown.
The second session, held on 26 August, focused on climate justice. Through presentations, videos and expert interviews, participants explored the science of climate change, its impacts on communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, and the practical actions that can help reduce emissions and protect those most affected by climate-related challenges. Many were surprised by the scale of New Zealand’s contribution to global emissions and challenged to consider what a faithful Christian response might look like.
For those unable to attend, a range of online resources from the Treaty justice session are available online (see the videos below).
The final session, Economic Justice: Poverty and the Cost of Living, will be held on Tuesday, 9 September, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Te Rau Aroha, the Catholic Diocesan Centre, 33 Amesbury Street, Palmerston North. The session will examine the realities facing many New Zealand families and consider how Christians can respond to growing economic pressures with compassion, justice and hope.
All are welcome. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Mary Eastham at maeastham23@gmail.com.