Peacemakers Retreat Centre: A place to retreat and connect with God, self, and others
By Shannon Ancrum
Photos: ©Shannon Ancrum
Situated on 15 acres of land held in a trust, Peacemakers is a tranquil space, with stunning stars on a clear night and birdsong at dawn. Peacemakers Trust began in 1988 with three families and two singles. The three families put all of their own money into the place, and the Anglican Church gifted some finance. The Trust acknowledges these pioneers and their hard work and is grateful for this sacred space we call home. Today we run a retreat centre for groups, singles, debriefing, and spiritual direction. It is a space where people experience sacred peace and healing. We grow our vegetables and fruit for all year round scrumptious eating.
The retreat house sleeps up to 18 comfortably and is used by a variety of individuals and groups.
The property has a Rongoa where you can sink into the stillness of the bush and watch Piwakawaka, tauhou, and tui play around the solar powered water feature. Sometimes you may even see a sleeping ruru.
The Labyrinth is a space of meditative walking, where you will feel the breeze on your face and the sun on your back. In autumn you can savour golden guavas from the tree at the centre.
The three kaitiaki of the land Andrew, Susannah and Shannon have lived in intentional community here for 8 years and have recently been joined by Joshua.
We all have a deep love for the land and follow the principles of permaculture. We are committed to planting natives and nurturing the orchard and food forest. Anyone is invited to join us for our volunteer days to experience the property. Friends from Northgate Baptist in Silverdale have joined for these days as we have a close connection with this church.
In 2025 we are providing opportunity for others to experience the joys and challenges of living in community while learning eco-theology and permaculture, contemplative practices, and offering service in the local Parakai / Te Awaroa (Helensville) community. If any of these topics interest you please get in touch with Shannon.
Beauty
By Shannon Ancrum
Rises all around us.
The rising sun, the rising moon, the risen Jesus,
rising to greet the day no matter what it holds.
Rising with a body able to stretch, to move.
Even to feel the ache of tired muscles, sore joints.
It proves I am alive.
To see beauty, to feel beauty, to know it and smell it.
Beauty in all its forms.
Warm sun on my back, cool breeze across my face.
Birdsong, rich symphony of the skies,
resplendent in texture and timbre.
Clouds across the blue in so many forms.
Fluffy puffs, grey bottomed storm bringers, blotting out the sun,
white towering columns capturing sun’s rays,
transforming into flame.
Masterpiece hung on sky-wall
Backdrop for feathered beauty,
whose flashes and flits catch my eye.
All draws my heart to wonder
At the beauty of it all.