As someone who is still relatively new to Aotearoa New Zealand and only recently a Kiwi, I’m aware that I’m still learning what to make of Waitangi Day — our national day, marking the 1840 signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

From what I observe, it’s less a celebration of national pride (like Independence Day in the US or Bastille Day in France) and more a day marked by reflection and, at times, tension.

Many New Zealanders value the idea that our nation was founded by treaty rather than conquest, the recognition of Māori as tangata whenua, and the belief that injustice can be named, challenged, and addressed rather than ignored.

‘An Attitude of Gratitude’

This is a phrase I’ve started using with my family. When things don’t go our way and we’re tempted to complain or get grumpy, we remind each other to choose an attitude of gratitude, to thank God instead for the many ways he provides, cares for, sustains, and remains faithful to us.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are repeatedly called to give thanks:
“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

Imagine someone could watch your life like a movie - but the whole thing was on mute.
No sound.
They couldn’t hear what you were saying; they could only observe what you did.

What do you think they would conclude about you?

By the way you use your time, the way you spend your money, the way you share your possessions, would it be clear that you trust in and serve the Lord Jesus?

I’m not usually one to get overly excited about New Year’s resolutions. But I am deeply committed to growing in my knowledge and love of Jesus. And so I don’t want to waste the opportunity a new year brings to set some goals, refresh some habits, and refocus on what matters most as we head into 2026.

The apostle Paul puts it like this:

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10)

So have you thought about how you want to grow as a follower of Jesus this year?

I hope you have had a joyful Christmas and have been able to enjoy some rest as the year comes to a close.

It was great at our Christmas services to be reminded that Jesus, even as a baby, is the only one worthy of our worship. He alone is the saviour king sent from God to rescue his people.

What a joy it was to sing together at our Carols services over the weekend - and to see so many visitors join us as we proclaimed our joy at Jesus' coming! 

Huge shout out to all the hard work put in behind the scenes to bring these two beautiful services to life - everything from arranging, rehearsing, planning, buying extra sound cables, hauling stages, precariously hanging bunting, baking gingerbread, to staying late to vacuum and more. It was a privilege to see so many people serving with humility and joy to make a big deal of something so worth celebrating.