God Is at Work. You’re Invited Into the Story.
Around the world, God is moving through ordinary people who pray, give, go, and serve. Hold the Rope helps you discover the stories—and find your place in them. Read More
MISSIONS IN
New Zealand
God is moving in New Zealand
The State of Missions in New Zealand
New Zealand presents a distinctive missions setting shaped by Māori Christian history, strong Pacific ties, and one of the world’s most secularized English-speaking societies. 28 unreached people groups remain, representing about 460,000 people; South Asian, general is the largest listed community. The strongest opportunities combine locally led discipleship, thoughtful evangelism, and practical service rooted in credible church relationships.
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5.2M
POPULATION
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0%
CHRISTIANS
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99%
LITERACY
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28
UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS
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South Asian
general
LARGEST UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP
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460K
UNREACHED POPULATION
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Wellington
CAPITAL CITY
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Auckland
Christchurch
Wellington
LARGEST CITIES
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New
Zealand
Dollar
CURRENCY
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Temperate maritime climate, with mild coasts, wetter western regions, and colder alpine conditions.
CLIMATE
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English
Māori
PRIMARY LANGUAGES
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Hinduism
LARGEST UNREACHED RELIGION
Explore New Zealand
By Project
Explore by Category
Bible Translation
English and Māori Scripture are accessible; discipleship must connect biblical truth with everyday New Zealand life.
Church Planting
Church planting can reach secular cities while strengthening Māori, Pasifika, and immigrant-led congregations.
Disaster Relief
Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Education
Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Gospel Access
About 460,000 unreached people live across New Zealand's 28 UPGs, with South Asians the largest listed group.
Human Trafficking
Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Medical Missions
Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Orphans & Vulnerable Children
Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Persecuted Church
Freedom of worship is strong; advanced secularization makes credible discipleship the more urgent challenge.
Poverty & Justice
Churches can support Māori communities and households burdened by housing costs through locally led service.
Unreached People Groups
Millions still have little or no access to the gospel in their language and culture.
Active Projects across New Zealand
Global
God Is at Work. You’re Invited Into the Story.
Around the world, God is moving through ordinary people who pray, give, go, and serve. Hold the Rope helps you discover the stories—and find your place in them.
Global
Who Will You Invite to Grab a Rope?
Missions was never meant to be a solo adventure. Invite your family, friends, small group, or church to discover what God is doing and join you in holding the rope.
Global
Missionary? Let Us Pray for You.
You’re on the front lines. We want to stand behind you. Join Hold the Rope to share your story, prayer needs, and ministry with people ready to pray and engage.
Resources for Your Journey (Coming Soon)
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Prayer
Guides -
Mission
Strategies -
Research &
Reports -
Training &
Equipping -
Videos &
Podcasts -
Missions
Agencies
A History of God's Faithfulness in New Zealand
Samuel Marsden preached at the Bay of Islands in 1814; Māori evangelists soon carried the Gospel widely, and later churches became active in Pacific and global mission. The movement’s lasting strength has come as national pastors and believers assumed responsibility for ministry. The next chapter will be strongest when local churches disciple their own people and engage secular New Zealanders and diverse Auckland communities with biblical clarity and cultural wisdom.
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Early Beginnings
Samuel Marsden preached at the Bay of Islands in 1814.
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1900s
Māori evangelists soon carried the Gospel widely, and later churches became active in Pacific and global mission.
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Independence Era
Māori evangelists quickly carried the Gospel beyond the first mission stations, giving the movement early local ownership.
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Modern Movement
Recent mission increasingly includes secular New Zealanders, Māori partnership, Pacific communities, and global immigration.
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Today
New Zealand's next missions chapter joins secular evangelism, Māori partnership, and outreach to growing South Asian communities.
Be a part of what God is doing in New Zealand
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