Ngā Here - The Many Connections
Over the years I’ve noticed that there are a lot of us who can see that our planet is a bit broken and that how we live as a people in Aotearoa is a bit broken too - and we’ve got some pretty big questions.
Questions about what the Bible might have to say about the way we live and care for creation. Questions about how we can deeply connect with the world around us and each other. Questions about why the church seems so useless when it comes to caring for God’s creation. And questions about how Māori and Pākehā can learn from each other, and grow together.
So if you’re keen - I’d love to invite you to come along on this crazy, beautiful, journey with me, Waiora Te Moni, and Dr Andrew Shepherd - as we explore Ngā Here - The Many Connections that exist between creation, the Bible and living in Aotearoa.
Ngā Here - The Many Connections is a project funded by The Wilberforce Foundation. Produced by James Beck, with Creative Direction from the Revered Spanky Moore. Our Music was created by Chris Williams - check him out on Spotify. Artwork by Tepene Marsden.
Ngā Here - The Many Connections
Haerenga Tuawhā - Part 3 - Sanctuaries, Arks, and Possibility
In Central Otago, James, Waiora, and Andrew meet Anna Yeoman, a writer and conservationist whose unexpected love for geckos and skinks grew into years of volunteering, research, and eventually a book. Together they visit Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary near Alexandra, a predator-free haven where endangered lizards have a fighting chance at survival.
Anna introduces them to some Otago skinks and then the team reflect on the story of Noah’s ark and God’s ongoing commitment to life and flourishing. Even in the midst of extinction threats and human-modified landscapes, the sanctuary becomes a living parable — a reminder that God has not given up on creation.
You can explore more of Anna’s work in her book Geckos & Skinks of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā Here: the many connections between Creation, the Bible, and living in Aotearoa.
