Our archive seeks to acquire, preserve, manage and make accessible to everyone, archives collected from the family/whānau of New Zealand Baptists. It is a rich archival resource for better understanding the New Zealand Baptist community and provides a framework for exploring the collected memory of our individual, local, and national New Zealand Baptist identity. The collection includes archives from Baptist churches, Missionary Society (NZBMS, now Arotahi), Regional Baptist Associations, Baptist Community Ministries, Carey Baptist College, and groups currently or formerly part of the Baptist Union of New Zealand.
The archive is housed at the Ayson-Clifford Library at Carey Baptist College in Penrose, Auckland.
The contents of the archive can be searched using the library online catalogue. For more information go to the library webpage about the archive.
The New Zealand Baptist newspaper
For 135 years, the New Zealand Baptist served as the official monthly publication of the Baptist Union of New Zealand connecting the members of each local church. Held at the New Zealand Baptist Archive, the New Zealand Baptist remains an indispensable account of Baptist life on these islands. As the longest continuing religious periodical in Aotearoa, it is a significant historical resource for wider Christian history in New Zealand.
The Digital Baptist
Since 2010, the digitised records of the New Zealand Baptist have been available as the Digital Baptist and is a fully word searchable catalogue of the Baptist newspaper in its full run, right from 1876-2011.
The Digital Baptist is currently available online via a National Library of New Zealand archive of the former Baptist Research website. It is freely available as PDF files that can be downloaded – click the button below (we are grateful to the National Library for providing this service).
The Baptist magazine
In 2011 The New Zealand Baptist transitioned into to a bi-monthly magazine format until 2021. Digital versions of these are not yet available online, but much of the content is on the current Baptist NZ platform (this baptist.nz website and the Baptist NZ app).
Baptist content today
From 2022 a new way of connection and communication began with the Baptist NZ app being the central depository of content, which feeds the baptist.nz website, and Baptist NZ on Facebook. We also collate this content in a bi-monthly printable newsletter for local churches to print out for their people who are not online – a bi-monthly email newsletter is also sent out highlighting the printable newsletter and the last two months of contact – this can be subscribed to at the footer of this webpage (the white button “Sign up to our newsletter”).
Latest articles
Pondering: Dancing in the dragons’ jaws – bringing gospel renewal to New Zealand’s foreign policy
What might New Zealand’s foreign policy look like if it, too, was influenced by gospel renewal?
Volunteers – empowered and engaged
Here’s what mainly Ministries has learned over 35 years. We hope it inspires and equips you.
Arnie Hall gets the call
How do you finish well, and what does it take to begin again? Pastor of Nelson Baptist Church Arnie Hall shares his journey of pastoral…
What is the collective noun for Baptists?
Be a part of a global gathering of Baptists in Brisbane 2025...
Elijah Brown is coming to town!
Baptist World Alliance chief executive Elijah Brown is visiting New Zealand in October.
Arotahi update: What’s happening in Bangladesh
An update on Arotahi’s relationship with, and presence in, Bangladesh.
Support our public servants
Our public servants work hard for us behind the scenes. Let’s support them with prayer.
Pondering: About place – a reflection on living intentionally without walls
How living intentionally and in a specific place is transforming us, a bit about the fragmentation of private land and walls, and what some of…
The Lord’s Prayer in te Reo Māori
This ‘Try-lingual’ version of the Lord's Prayer is designed to be read in English and te Reo Māori, with actions to make it all-age friendly.
Kupu for your kete: Resources for Māori Language Week
Helpful online language resources for learning and celebrating te Reo Māori.
From the President: August in Auckland and Northland
Susan shares encouragements found in her visits to Baptist churches in Auckland and Northland.
Salt of the earth: A normal household
A childhood encounter with a conflicted fisherman shows the difference between tasting that the Lord is good and taking refuge in him.
Baptist Student Network: Connecting, supporting Christian students
The Baptist Student Network helps connect our young people into Baptist churches in other cities and offers accommodation and support.
Changes ahead for John Tucker and Carey
Change is ahead for both Dr John Tucker, our college Principal, and Carey Baptist College.
Tribute to Kiingi Tuuheitia, the Maaori King
From the National Leader of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Te Haahi Iriiri o Aotearoa, and Te Pouarataki moo te Whiikoi.
The passing of our Maaori King
We are sad to learn of the passing of our Maaori King Tuuheitia Potatau VII.
In-tensional: A Way Forward for the Church
An Anglican archbishop and a sociologist pastor unpack the urgent need for church renewal in the face of unprecedented challenges.
A special focus on Bangladesh and Tripura
An update on the political situation and flooding + how you can pray and support flood recovery.
From the President: Being Baptist – better together
Susan’s highlights from the five regional hui this year.
Winners of the Baptist NZ photo competition 2024
We’re delighted to announce the winners! They tell us about their photos and the local ministries they chose to split their prize with.