Easter Wonderland Brings Joy and Wonder in Khandallah

Nearly 200 people came together on Saturday for Easter Wonderland at St Barnabas, Khandallah – a vibrant celebration hosted by Onslow Anglicans.

With a creative twist on the classic tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the event brought the joy of Easter to life through fun, fantasy, and community spirit. A dedicated team of 20 volunteers transformed the church into a whimsical world full of colour, laughter, and connection.

Families and friends enjoyed a wide range of playful activities – from an epic scavenger hunt through the church building to the Red Queen’s Throne photobooth, a Mad Hatter-style tea party role-play, and flamingo croquet. Children giggled through a giant tea bag toss and hunted for Easter eggs tucked beneath oversized tree roots. There was even a fairy garden playground! Guests also enjoyed treat bags, hot drinks, and a classic sausage sizzle. But the live Petting Zoo was by far the most popular.

“This is my first time at one of your events,” said Thom, a new local who arrived early to help set up. “My family insisted we check it out – and they were right. The celebration vibe is just magic!”

Grace (15), a St Barnabas Youth Group co-leader, shared: “Our youth group made food and treat bags the night before. It was a lot of work, but doing it together was so much fun – and rewarding.”

Co-vicar Rev Andy Hickman reflected on the event’s wider impact:
“Conversations with our multicultural neighbours have shown how important festivals and street-party-style gatherings are for building connection. It’s clear that people in our northern and western suburbs of Wellington deeply value these opportunities to come together.”

“As a Christian community, we’re noticing growing trust with our neighbours. People know who we are, and they’re starting to understand why we’re here – to add value, to share joy, and to walk alongside our community. We’re seeing lives open up and hearts turn towards belief as relationships deepen.”

Onslow Anglicans live out their core values of Worship, With, Welcome, Wider through the four P’s of mission: Prayer, Presence, Proclamation, Persuasion. Events like Easter Wonderland are made possible thanks to the wonderful support of local schools and the Khandallah Tarikākā Library, who help promote and partner in community connection.

The Easter journey continues with a Good Friday service at 7 pm at 35 Box Hill, Khandallah. Everyone is warmly invited.