Young people taking action for our climate

At Southshore Spit Reserve, Ōtautahi Christchurch

At Unsworth Reserve, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Young people from youth groups and churches in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland came together on 14 June 2025 for the Good News Project, two inspiring restoration events as part of this year’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. Coordinated by A Rocha’s Eco Church team and supported by World Vision and the respective conservation project partners and local councils, the events brought the gospel to life through practical environmental action.

In Christchurch, A Rocha teamed up with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, where participants planted native trees and helped restore an ecologically significant area near the estuary. James from A Rocha explained, “God invites us to care for his creation, and that’s what we’re doing. This is part of our spiritual practice, part of what we’re called to be.”

In Auckland, young people rolled up their sleeves for hands-on conservation mahi at Unsworth Reserve with support from Upper Waitematā Ecology Network. The A Rocha team led the planting event where 750 native plants found new homes. Millie, one of the organisers, reflected on the day: “Youth have got off their phones and have come together to get planting, and we’ve been having a really awesome time.”

Side by side, young people dug holes, spread roots, and cared for seedlings, their hands muddy and their spirits joyful. They named their trees and shared laughter, all while expressing a deep sense of responsibility and excitement to nurture the land for future generations.

For many involved, the planting was more than an environmental effort — it was a spiritual practice. One participant shared, “It’s really cool to get here in the dirt, feeling like this is part of our spiritual practice, part of what we’re called to be.”

Beyond the local planting, the Good News Project helped highlight the connection between local care and global impact. Participants learned how rising sea levels and climate change are threatening Pacific communities, particularly in the Solomon Islands, where gardens are flooding and food security is at risk.

“We in New Zealand don’t live in a silo—we are connected by our oceans, not separated by them,” Joel, World Vision Youth Ambassador said. Planting trees here became a powerful way for youth to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of climate change, demonstrating how local actions have global significance.

As the day’s planting wrapped up, hope was tangible—in the air, and in the soil. One young person summed up the spirit simply: “I think Jesus would be proud of us.”

The Good News Project aims to inspire youth from all walks of life to be good news for creation and good neighbours in their local communities. By combining environmental action with biblical reflections on justice and stewardship, the project offers a powerful way for young people to explore how their faith speaks to the challenges of climate change and food insecurity. The Good News Project continues to inspire communities to live out faith through tangible care for creation. Every tree planted is a seed of hope, rooted in whenua.

Watch the highlights from the two events below and be encouraged by the hope and action young people are bringing to their local environments.