Our small national office based in Auckland has dual roles: a commitment to resourcing and assisting our Baptist faith communities and regional Baptist Associations as we collaborate on gospel renewal to people and places; as well as being the base for our National Leader and their team who offer leadership in the following areas:
Operations and finance
Providing support with a variety of church and faith community administrative, operational and finance matters, such as employment and terms of call of church staff, property, accounting, compliance, insurance and legal issues. This work is led by the Operations and Finance Director. See the Administration section of this website for more information.
Te Pouarataki mō te hīkoi (Treaty guide)
Working in partnership with our National Leader providing a Māori perspective and leadership to the Support Centre in order to best fulfil our commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As we continue our Treaty journey together, Te Pouarataki mō the hikoi (Treaty guide) is a significant role as we work towards a greater level of partnership with and participation from Māori within our Support Centre and the ministry and mission of our movement.
Leadership co-ordination
For nearly a century leadership training and development has been an important part of resourcing Baptist churches in New Zealand and investing in our future. New Zealand Baptists have a variety of leadership development and training areas and these are co-ordinated on behalf of the 250 faith communities through the role of the Leadership Co-ordination Director at the support office. Find out more at the Leadership Hub.
Strategic projects
From time to time particular focus is directed towards areas that need high levels of attention to detail and the co-ordination of external expertise. Leadership in this area is provided through the support office and National Leader’s team. An example of this is the ongoing work with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.
Communication
Working with the National Leader and alongside the Regional Leaders, our small comms team works to effectively develop and co-ordinate the national communications and media strategy for the Baptist Churches of New Zealand. The Baptist NZ app and baptist.nz website continues the nearly 150 years of newspaper and magazine content, and is the best way to keep up with articles, news and stories, podcasts and videos from and for the people in our 250 churches and faith communities who identify as Baptist in New Zealand. Contact details for the Communications Director are on the Contact page. Find out more general communication info here. Download our app here.
Social impact
This facet of our leadership team is yet to be developed.
Latest articles
Ngāi Iriiri Māori merch!!
Ethical streetwear founder from our Baptist Māori community designs merch representing Māori in the Baptist context. Pre-order yours now!
What a treasure! Former pastor reconnects with memorable photo
New Zealand’s oldest former Baptist pastor visits Carey Baptist College in search of an award-winning photo in which he features.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Vice President
What does the President of the Baptist Union do, what attributes are we looking for, and how to submit a nomination?
Carey’s new Principal
We are pleased to announce the appointment of this senior leadership role in the Baptist Union of New Zealand.
Baptist legend receives King’s Service Medal
Merrilyn Withers is recognised for her services to youth and the Baptist movement with a King’s Service Medal.
This is gospel renewal: Retirees running youth groups and Easter camp encouragement
Four stories of gospel renewal from our local Baptist churches that remind us God is always at work, everywhere.
My everyday encounters with God
Writer Rachael Ayres on her wonder-filled early encounters with God.
Are you our next Children and Families Catalyst?
The Baptist Union of New Zealand seeks a Children and Families Catalyst to provide visionary leadership and strategic guidance for our He Rito initiative.
Southern Eastercamp 2025
Youth and leaders share their highlights and reflections from Southern Eastercamp.
The rubbish truck and the gospel
How can we communicate the gospel in a language New Zealanders can easily understand?
Carey Principal recommendation
We are pleased to recommend the appointment of the next Principal of Carey Baptist College.
Pondering: “Don’t mix politics and the pulpit”
An OPINION piece by a Baptist Minister sharing why he is an advocate for Tiriti justice.
Increase in church attendance and baptisms
There has been an increase in attendance and baptism numbers in New Zealand Baptist churches.
A call to prayer
Join us at 5PM on Sunday 25 May in a nationwide moment of prayer, lifting up a generation in need of hope, healing, and Jesus.
Champion of children: Jean Morley (nee Williams), 1943–
Jean was an international leader in Children’s Bible Ministries and was jointly responsible for training scores of children’s workers in New Zealand and overseas.
Mercy: Walking towards the awkward
As we follow the example of Jesus, how might we respond to others, asks Denise Tims.
Tumuaki-ā-motu – National Leader vacancy
Expressions of interest are open; please pray for this in your local churches.
Enrolments now open – Ngā Pou Amorangi 2025–2026 Intake!
Develop your servant leadership skills utilising concepts, values, knowledge, and more from Te ao Māori.
Easter invitation fosters ‘a little heaven’ at Oamaru rest home
Rest home opens its doors to church kids for an egg-citing game...