Takapuna Methodist Church and the Puriri Centre on a journey towards sustainability
By Rev Peter Norman, Takapuna Methodist Church
Originally published in Touchstone Magazine, July 2024, Methodist Church of New Zealand | Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa
Participants at a Zero Waste wānanga at Takapuna Methodist Church sort rubbish. The “Arotakenga Para | Waste Check" initiative, is a significant step in the parish’s commitment to reducing waste.
Takapuna Methodist Church and the Puriri Centre are engaged in a journey towards sustainability that honours the profound interconnectedness between humanity and te taiao (the environment).
In Korero Mai: Earth Our Parish, Te Aroha Rountree eloquently puts it, "I am the environment, and the environment is me," highlighting the spiritual interconnectedness of God’s creation through the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga.
This guardianship is not just about stewardship but intergenerational sustainability, woven into the whakapapa (genealogy) of creation itself, emphasising our reciprocal responsibilities to nurture and sustain each other across generations. This is our tiriti with God as a community of creation.
As part of the broader initiatives of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, particularly the Climate Justice Decade, our local efforts align with the first two years of the national Zero Waste programme. Our recent "Arotakenga Para | Waste Check" initiative, is a significant step in our commitment to reducing waste and safeguarding our environment as a key element of our spiritual and community practices.
Vision and Mission
Our vision to cultivate compassionate, creative and connected communities is deeply rooted in a mission that respects and integrates the sacred bond between our spiritual life and environmental stewardship. This is guided by principles from Auckland's climate plan, Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring our efforts are aligned with both local and broader indigenous perspectives on environmental care.
Eco Church Movement and Environmental Advocacy
Participating in the Eco Church movement, the Puriri Centre enhances our capability to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable leadership and innovation. Our advocacy for eco-friendly practices supports policies that protect natural resources and reduce carbon footprints, embodying true environmental kaitiakitanga.
Zero Waste Wānanga with Expert Insights
A Zero Waste wānanga at our church earlier this year included sessions led by environmental experts who brought valuable perspectives and training to the community. Rebecca Webb, A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand | Eco Church Regional Coordinator, discussed the principles of Eco Church, reinforcing the role of faith communities in environmental stewardship.
Programme Training Specialist, Paul Murray, elaborated on the kaupapa of Pare Kore and the waste hierarchy, guiding participants on practical steps to minimise waste and enhance sustainability practices. He also provided an encouraging report on the outcomes of the wānanga, highlighting significant advancements in our waste management strategies including:
Improved sorting and disposal practices leading to a reduction in general waste.
Increased recycling rates, especially for paper and cardboard.
Effective redirection of food waste to composting systems or for use as animal feed, reducing landfill dependency.
Conclusion
Our initiatives align closely with the strategic goals of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa and exemplify how faith communities can lead by example in the guardianship of earth’s resources. We are not merely protectors of the environment; we are part of it, and it is part of us, establishing a sacred covenant with God as a community of creation.
Together, these efforts strengthen our ongoing commitment to preserving the legacy of our ancestors for our mokopuna, embarking on a sustainable future with open hearts and committed actions, rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga and our sacred responsibilities as a community of faith.