The New Wine festival in Wairarapa isn’t just a weekend—it’s a cherished tradition for Anglican whānau across our Diocese.

This year’s gathering brought together inspiring leaders like Bishop Justin Duckworth, Rev. Jay Ruka, and others while offering a mix of worship, teaching, and unforgettable whānau fun. From the Diocesan pizza oven to kids’ water slides, New Wine strikes a beautiful balance between spiritual retreat and joyous celebration.

Bishop Justin has attended many New Wine festivals and argues there’s no better way to start the year.

“As leaders and Jesus followers, we are formed by the habits we have in place. How many of us start the year with a retreat? We really should, but do we? Taking a retreat forces us to focus on God for the year ahead.

“The content was diverse, encouraging and challenging. I happen to think this was one of the best. Lydia and the team can be proud.

“Several of our Anglican whānau were leading from the front which was good to see too,” he said.

Justin spoke from the stage and cooked hundreds of pizzas with the Diocesan pizza oven.

“We even ran out of the Bishop’s special chilli oil,” he said.

Cindy Newport from Lyall Bay Community Church mixed with groups from Tawa, Whanganui and other parts of the Diocese.

“Andy and I had the privilege of attending New Wine 2025 this past weekend, an event that has been a cherished tradition for us since our teenage years,” she says.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to connect within the wider church community across Aotearoa, offering powerful moments of worship, inspiring speakers, and plenty of fun for all ages.

“One of the standout aspects for me this year was connecting with AYM, an incredible group of young leaders who played a key role in organizing Kids Zone, Cutting Edge, and Firewire. Their dedication and energy were truly inspiring.

“The festival featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Rev. Jay Ruka, Rev. Spanky Moore, Rev. Alison Robinson, Bishop Justin Duckworth, and Joseph McAuley, who all delivered thought-provoking content that will equip us for the year ahead.

“Our 7-year-old had an absolute blast with the kids' programme, enjoying bouncy castles, trampolines, water slides, late-night movies, and the highlight—an enormous ice cream sundae!”

If you’re considering a meaningful and joy-filled way to start the new year, we highly recommend New Wine. Registrations for 2026 are now open with significant early bird rates. It’s a perfect opportunity to bring your family and church group along for an unforgettable experience.

See www.newwine.org.nz for more information.