Last Chance to host a “Table Talk”
With just two weeks until voting begins, Common Grace Aotearoa is giving a final push for churches and communities around Aotearoa to gather for Table Talk conversations about the upcoming Māori wards referendums in local body elections. These conversations create a much-needed space for open, respectful dialogue—grounded in listening, learning, and prayer.
Recently, St Peter’s Anglican Church in Whanganui hosted conversations, bringing people together to explore what Māori wards mean for their local councils and communities.
These gatherings capture the heart of Table Talk: moving beyond the noise of politics and instead listening deeply to trusted sources, to one another’s perspectives, and to the Spirit of God. They show what is possible when people of faith choose to talk with grace and respect, and to learn together.
A growing movement
More than 100 churches and community groups have already signed up to host a Table Talk. The goal now is to reach 150 conversations before voting begins—a milestone that would represent hundreds of Christians engaging with these important issues.
There’s still time to host a conversation in your parish. The resources are designed to help groups explore with courage, compassion, and a commitment to justice, trusting that open conversation is a crucial step towards a more just and equitable Aotearoa.
👉 Explore the Table Talk resource here.
Meet Dr Alistair Reese
One of the key contributors to the Table Talk resources is theologian and historian Dr Alistair Reese. His scholarship on reconciliation and Pākehā identity, along with his reflections on post-colonialism and prophetism, bring depth and wisdom to the kōrero.
Part of his sermon from the Waitangi Day Dawn Service 2024 is included as a starting point for discussion, offering rich insights into how the gospel calls us to seek reconciliation in Aotearoa.
Show visible support
For those who would like to take a further step, signs in support of Māori wards—bearing the words “Decide Together, Thrive Together”—are available to display at home or at church. These placards draw from the well-known Together for Te Tiriti movement and are a simple yet powerful way to show solidarity with this kaupapa.
For those who feel uncertain about encouraging a voting choice, a more general Together for Te Tiriti sign is also available.
How you can help if you’re not in a referendum area
If your region isn’t holding a Māori wards referendum, you can still help build momentum:
Forward the resource to friends, pastors, or leaders in other areas.
Share the webpage directly with groups you know: www.commongrace.nz/maoriwards.
Post on social media with a personal note about why Christians should engage in this conversation, linking to the campaign video from church leaders.
A hopeful vision
It’s deeply encouraging to see hundreds of Christians preparing to engage in these referendums thoughtfully and prayerfully. Together, we can model what it means to listen well, speak with grace, and seek a future where Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti share decision-making for the good of all.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Could your church be one of the next to host a Table Talk?
