Matariki Camp has quickly become a highlight of the year for the Youngies—and this year’s edition – our third – was the best one yet. Held over the Matariki public holiday (which marks the Māori New Year) we gathered together to worship, fellowship, and have a whole lot of fun.

Huge thanks to Nina and co. for organising such a great camp. This year we were split into three teams each with their own team name, bandanas, and flags. We competed in team challenges and games, with the crowd favourite once again being Ki-o-Rahi—a traditional Māori game combining elements of rugby, netball, and tag, where teams either try to score tries or hit the central target. It always gets the blood pumping!

It was awesome to see Saints from across Aotearoa make the trip—and as always, we encouraged our Aussie whānau to come join us too.

Over the course of the weekend, nine young brothers got up to share the Word—some for the very first time. The theme for the camp was Stars, inspired by the Matariki constellation (also known as the Pleiades), which signals the Māori New Year when it appears in the dawn sky.

A recurring message through many of the talks—three of which referred to Psalm 8—was how incredible it is that the Creator of the vast universe would be mindful of us. It’s humbling to realise that while we are like dust, He wants a relationship with each one of us.

Another powerful thread was about how God provides for all our important needs. As Spirit-filled people, we’re reminded there’s nothing to be anxious about when we know the One who holds it all together.

A special shoutout to Jordan, whose thought really stood out: he compared the bright-but-brief burn of cardboard to the material success of the world (flashy but fleeting) while the Lord is like a steady log on the fire: long-lasting, true, and constant.

Matariki Camp 2025 was full of fun, inspiration, and fellowship—just what we needed to push through the mid-year slump. Looking forward to seeing even more of you there next year!