New Zealand Gospel Companions
October 17th - 24th, 2026
An invite only journey to explore Christian generosity, redemptive impact, and cross‑sector collaboration in one of the world’s most inspiring places.
New Zealand is a land of striking beauty, snow-capped mountains, wild coastlines, fertile valleys, and deep indigenous story. Yet beneath the breathtaking vistas lies another story: one of a society navigating the realities of life after Christendom.
While demographically similar to many Western democracies, New Zealand is further along the road of secularisation. For Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and organisations, this has meant grappling with how the good news is lived out and shared in a culture that often sees itself as “beyond” the Gospel.
In response, a movement has emerged. Inspired by historical models such as Wilberforce’s Clapham Sect, networks of leaders have been forming across sectors, finance and real estate, education and politics, music and the arts, media and social services. These collaborations are marked by a commitment to bring a redemptive imagination to their industries, shaping culture and serving communities in ways that bear witness to Christ.
Offering
This journey invites you to experience New Zealand’s natural splendour while entering into conversations and encounters with leaders at the forefront of gospel-shaped innovation. Together with fellow gospel patrons, philanthropists, and investors, you will explore three interwoven themes through guided discussions, immersive site visits, and cross-cultural exchange
A Modern Clapham
Faithful Networks for Global Impact. For more than a decade, a group of faith-driven philanthropists, business leaders, and practitioners have been gathering in New Zealand. Their vision has been animated by the story of the Clapham Sect, ordinary men and women whose shared faith sparked extraordinary global change.
In New Zealand, there is an opportunity to model what it is for the Gospel to serve and renew a society and its institutions in the twenty-first century. As a small country, we are a seedbed for experimenting in ways that can benefit larger nations.
On this tour, you will meet with members of this network, explore how such movements can shape the cultural landscape, and consider how international partnerships might expand the reach of this redemptive vision.
Redemptive Real Estate and Land
Home is more than shelter. In Scripture and in human experience, it is the place of belonging, rest, and community, the soil where lives flourish. It’s how we come to understand and know the embodies God who is Christ, it is the place we love our neighbour, and from which we care for God’s creation. In New Zealand, the Home Foundation and its partners are pioneering ways to reimagine housing, development, and investment through a theological and redemptive lens.
Through conversations with practitioners and site visits, you will see how real estate can be reframed as a vehicle for justice, hospitality, and community renewal, and how land and capital might be stewarded for kingdom purposes, and truly demonstrate the Good News.
The wider Gospel work in NZ
Across the country, Christian leaders in diverse sectors, education, finance, media, the arts, social services, are engaging with the challenges of a post-Christian culture. Together they are asking: how might we bear faithful witness in this time? How can our organisations embody the Gospel, not only in outcomes, but in the very way we lead, partner, and serve?
On this journey, you will hear from these leaders, witness their initiatives, and join in the shared discernment of how such models might inspire and inform Gospel work in your own context.
Destinations and Experiences
Queenstown
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In the beautiful South Island, tucked into the Southern Alps. Enjoy alpine scenery, lake cruises, a game of golf at the home of the New Zealand Open, along with wineries and luxury spas.
Taupo
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Lakeside serenity with a world class golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Situated at Lake Taupō in the central North Island, take in the stunning scenery, geothermal wonders and enjoy cultural immersion.
Rotorua
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A 5 star wilderness retreat set in 2500acres of pristine bushland in the Bay of Plenty, North Island. Take in our Māori heritage, geothermal marvels, horse riding and restorative experiences.
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Experience a journey across New Zealand’s destination locations. You can expect:
Locations: Queenstown, Taupō, and Rotorua as the main bases.
Format: Opportunity to explore local destinations, facilitated roundtables, cultural encounters, site visits, and unhurried dinners
Group size: An intimate cohort to encourage meaningful connections.
Dates: October 17-24th 2026.
Price: 8,500 USD per person (price estimate excludes flights, local activities)
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This journey is designed for leaders who want to connect faith with philanthropy and impact:
Christian philanthropists & investors seeking to align generosity with global impact.
Donor-advised fund (DAF) holders looking to explore new opportunities for cross-border giving.
Family office principals shaping long-term legacy and community outcomes.
Faith-driven founders, executives & CEOs eager to learn from peers in an international context
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This journey is more than a trip — it’s an opportunity to grow in faith, connection, and vision. Participants will gain:
Space for rest and reflection: consider opportunities and collaboration away from the busyness of everyday life.
Faith-centred frameworks: consider generosity and philanthropy in today’s world.
Global relationships: peers and Christian leaders who share a commitment to redemptive impact.
Place-based inspiration: be inspired by Aotearoa’s unique culture, landscapes and initiatives.
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TrustBridge Global exists to unlock the full potential of generosity by connecting givers with causes across the world. With a vision to see resources flow freely to where they are most needed, TrustBridge provides a trusted pathway for donors to support ministries and projects with lasting impact.
Kaiārahi
The Kaiārahi Trust was launched in March 2020, focused on empowering generous Kiwi individuals and businesses. Kaiarahi in the Māori language means “Navigator” or “Coach” and was established to help philanthropists navigate what can be an isolating journey
Founded over a century ago, as New Zealand’s largest Christian College, Laidlaw has been shaping men and women to live with wisdom, courage, and compassion in every sphere of life. Rooted in the gospel and committed to the human flourishing, Laidlaw equips students to bring hope, leadership, and transformation to churches, communities, and the world.
Home Foundation exists to see everyone in New Zealand thrive in a safe and secure home. Bringing together housing, impact investment finance, construction, and community partnerships, the Foundation is pioneering solutions to break cycles of homelessness and create places where families can flourish for generations to come.
Hepara brings together Christian entrepreneurs and leaders for authentic community, spiritual formation, and shared purpose. Through intimate gatherings and new regional communities, it helps people live out their calling with courage and faith.
Venn Foundation invites New Zealanders to think deeply, live faithfully, and serve wisely. Through high-quality events, courses, and resources, they inspire people to engage with Scripture and Christian tradition - shaping homes, churches, workplaces, and society for the glory of God in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Partners
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Dr. Roshan Allpress
Roshan is the CEO of Laidlaw College. He holds degrees in History from Canterbury and DPhil from Oxford, with research interests in the history of social and cultural reform, evangelicalism and religious reform, the origins of philanthropy and humanitarianism, and intersections of theology and political economic thought.
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Israel Cooper
Israel is a co-founder and trustee of Home Foundation Group, where he champions innovative housing solutions that meet real community needs. With a background in property and mission-driven enterprise, he brings together partners across the housing ecosystem to deliver social, economic, and spiritual impact.
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Rev. Dr. Lyndon Drake
Lyndon Drake bridges the worlds of high‑finance, theological scholarship, and servant leadership. Once a vice president at Barclays trading interest‑rate derivatives, he now serves as a Research Fellow at Oxford focused where he completed his second PhD in Hebrew Bible/Old Testamaent. His current research focus is on AI, ethics, and Indigenous theology, following years as a Māori Anglican Archdeacon where he raised millions in grant funding and catalyzed transformative ministry across New Zealand.
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Rev. Dr. Nathan McLellan
Nathan has an economics background with a PhD in Christian ethics alongside being and ordained Anglican minister. He is interested in leadership, community formation and the relationship between politics, economics and the Christian faith. His passion leads him to help others develop a sound and deep understanding of the Christian faith and the way it relates to all aspects of life.
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Paul Bolte
Paul brings to TrustBridge his entrepreneurial background, strong networking, people, systems, and number skills. For the 11 years prior to joining TrustBridge, he was the Founder, President & CEO of Bartercard USA and CEO of Bartercard New Zealand. He has led teams of over 150 people and client bases over 20,000. Paul is a past Chairman of the Global Board of Directors for the International Reciprocal Trade Association.
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Kay Hiramine
Kay Hiramine is a recognized leading global business advisor who has operated in eighty countries over his thirty-year career working with multinationals, governments and NGO’s. He has advised clients in the green finance and Climate Tech market, working with a global network of banks, institutional investors and family offices
Register your interest by April 30th
To find out more about this opportunity, please enter the details in the form and check the box confirming you are happy for us to contact you about the Faith and Philanthropy trip to New Zealand.