Beth Coates is the Operations Advisor at the National Support Centre.
Our annual National Hui is fast approaching at the beginning of November. This is a time of prayer, discernment and celebration as all of the churches within the Baptist Union meet together. In 2026, we will be hosted by Golden Sands Baptist Church in Papamoa from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 November.
As the Baptist Union, we are marked by our desire to associate together, and to discern the voice of God as a collective. Together, we discern what we believe is God’s will for the Baptist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. National Hui provides the opportunity to have these conversations and to make decisions. It is more than a conference; it is a family gathering. It is a relational highlight for so many as we take time to reconnect with one another and celebrate what God is doing across our movement.
This year’s Hui is themed around ‘Til Kingdom Come. This is an invitation to lift our eyes to the vision of God's Kingdom and to discover afresh what it means to live as Kingdom people, concerned with reconciliation and hope. We’ll also be welcoming a new General Director of Arotahi, President and Vice-President of our Union, and new members of our Councils and Boards.
Our National Hui is not just for pastors and church staff. Each church is encouraged to send at least three delegates to represent their congregation. If you are interested in attending National Hui, we encourage you to talk to your pastor about your options for attending. We want to see a wide cross-section of our Baptist whānau represented, from elders and senior pastors through to youth and children’s leaders, church administrators, Carey students, and interested congregants.
Early-bird tickets are still available until Thursday 10 September, so now is the time to register if you’re considering attending. If you’re under 35, are wanting to attend virtually, or can only make evening sessions after work, there are ticket types available for you.
Each year, we receive feedback from attendees who reflect on the depth of relationship that they experience, and of coming away with a greater sense of their part in God’s big plan. Our team at the National Support Centre, alongside the team at Golden Sands Baptist Church, is looking forward to welcoming you to National Hui very soon.
To find out more and to register, head to hui.baptist.nz.
