Welcome to Eco Church Aotearoa!
Nau mai ki Hāhi Tautaiao o Aotearoa!

Church communities across Aotearoa New Zealand actively caring for God’s earth as an integral part of their mission.

About Eco Church Aotearoa

Why should our church become an Eco Church?

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360°Carbon Calculator for Churches

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Eco Church Action Planner

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Zero Waste Programme for Churches

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Latest Stories…

Featured

From study to stewardship: St Andrew’s journey with the Rich Living - Water resource

At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, a recent study group using Water from A Rocha’s Rich Living series became a springboard for deeper engagement with creation care. Organised by the Social & Ecumenical Action Committee, the group explored biblical reflections on water alongside local and global issues—from Hamilton’s water infrastructure to access challenges in Uganda. What began as weekly conversations around scripture and sustainability led to practical outcomes: supporting a bio-sand water filter for a Ugandan community, hosting a climate-friendly morning tea, and a growing commitment to become an Eco Church.

Discovering Wharemauku: A parish pilgrimage with their local stream

On 8 March 2025, members of the Kāpiti Anglican Parish set out on a unique local pilgrimage—tracing the Wharemauku Stream from its quiet headwaters to its mouth at the sea. Along the way, we paused to reflect, test water quality, and learn about the stream’s ecological and cultural significance. This journey deepened our sense of place and strengthened our connection with the whenua and wai that flow through our parish and community. Through learning about the history of the stream and its importance to the Puketapu hapū of Te Āti Awa, we also engaged with mātauranga Māori—acknowledging the depth of indigenous knowledge tied to this landscape.

Choosing to ride: A small shift with a big impact

In January, Pastor Paul Cossey from Motueka Baptist Church discovered WorkRide, a benefit programme designed to make e-bikes more affordable. WorkRide enables employers (including self-employed individuals) to cover the cost of a bike upfront, with employees repaying it through a salary sacrifice arrangement. The programme, which has IRD approval, removes many of the financial and administrative barriers that prevent workplaces from offering this benefit. Thanks to WorkRide, Paul was able to get an e-bike much sooner than expected, and with a significant saving on the overall cost. Now, Paul regularly turns up to visits and meetings on his bike, hi-vis and all!

Introducing Diana Johnston: Our new Christchurch-based Eco Church Coordinator

We’re excited to welcome Diana Johnston to the Eco Church team as our new Christchurch-based Regional Coordinator! In her new role, Diana will be focusing particularly on churches based in the Christchurch region - supporting, encouraging, and equipping them as they explore what it means to care for creation as part of their discipleship and mission.

Read other STORIES

What People Are Saying…

“I think it is great that we can be an Eco Church and that we have the Eco Church network. It is an important network to support each other and to hear ideas about how other churches do things. I feel that Eco Church is breaking down barriers between churches - it doesn't matter what denomination you are from or how you worship, we are all working together to make a difference in our communities and our world.”

— Eco Church advocate / kaihāpai

“It's a much-needed initiative and restores care for God's creation at the heart of our faith. Christians should be leaders in environmental issues. The challenges to live more sustainably are huge but unavoidable, so here's a chance to demonstrate we care for the whole ecosystem.”

— Eco Church denominational partner

"All of us—whoever and wherever we are—can play a part in changing our collective response to the unprecedented threat of climate change and environmental degradation.

Caring for God’s creation is a spiritual commission requiring a response of commitment. This is a critical moment. Our children’s future and the future of our common home depend on it."

— A Joint Message for the Protection of Creation (Season of Creation 2021)
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Pope Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury

We work collaboratively and in partnership with local Aotearoa churches, denominations, organisations, creation care groups, individuals, and with the A Rocha worldwide family.