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
Anzac Day reflection 2024
Remember, lest we repeat our mistakes, writes Sam Schuurman in this Anzac Day reflection.
5-star biblical preaching
For the fifth of people in our Baptist churches listening to podcasts, here’s a new one containing biblical preaching, and it has a 5-star rating!
Outdoor worship services
Ilam Baptist Church brings their worship services out into God’s creation – An interview about the inspiration, the experiences, and the learnings.
Lessons from the 1880 Arrowtown Chinese settlement mission
How can the stories of the Arrowtown Chinese gold miners challenge and inspire multicultural ministry in our church today?
Charles Mail: Healthy faith communities
Journeys to baptism that began at eCamp 23 | Over 100 attend free English class bringing gospel renewal in Christchurch | Influencing change for people…
Unexpected adventure
Jen's pivot into ministry with doctors and medical students and an upcoming opportunity for Christian health workers and students to connect and be inspired.
Upper South’s new Children & Family Ministry Coach
Get to know Steph Wood, the new Children & Family Ministry Coach for the Upper South Baptist Association.
Charles Mail: Proclaiming Jesus
Thank you Easter Camp volunteers! | Celebrating culture with the Karen community | My day at Easter Camp | Baptist attendance statistics | The Baptist…
Getting to know…Rod Robson
Rod is the Chair of the Baptist Assembly Council and Sole Pastor of Opawa Baptist Church, Christchurch.
Charles Mail: Living
Charles invites four Baptist leaders to reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – our Lord and our Saviour.
From the President: Madness in March
Having decided to visit as many churches and leaders as possible, our Baptist President has had a packed month. She reflects on her time with…
Your faith community needs YOU
Do you like to write? Can you capture a story? For nearly 150 years Baptist churches in New Zealand have been sharing articles, stories, news…
The Baptist NZ photo competition
Sponsored by Christian Savings. First prize: $1000...
Charles Mail: Our invitations
A prayer for Easter camps | Motueka baptisms | Karen Baptist Churches' culture night | Responding to the Ministry of Disabled People announcement | More…
Believing your worth with Sarah Beisly
Upcoming event for women in the South. Worship, teaching, inspiration, spotlights, comedy, food, and plenty of connection.
30 Around 30
Around 30 thirty-year-olds (or close enough) gathered to dream, discern and listen together about the Baptist movement...
The dreams of Baptist Māori: Hui 2023
The Iriiri Māori session of our 2023 Hui last November was called He Koronga Maatou – We have a dream.