A table with room for everyone
Connecting open, inclusive, and progressive Christians across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Generous conversations, open dialogue, and deep connection.
The Open Table NZ hosts annual gatherings (with guest speakers and workshops) around New Zealand for people drawn to a generous, thoughtful Christian faith - one that makes room for diversity, questions, and compassion.
Our first National Gathering was held in Auckland in 2026. We are now planning another Auckland event for May 2027, as well as other events around New Zealand.
Seeking Safe Space
Drawn to Jesus but feel out of place in rigid or exclusionary settings.
Inclusion & Justice
Value justice, equity, and genuine inclusion in your engagement with faith.
Room for Questions
Hold honest questions, doubts, deconstruction, or evolving beliefs.
Connection Over Debate
Looking for genuine community and relationship rather than ideological arguments.
Past Guest Speakers & Workshop Hosts
Collaborators and contributors from across Aotearoa
David Allis
Social Justice Entrepreneur
Jeff Caleb Odhiambo
Presbyterian Minister
Andy Dickson
Anglican Priest & Podcaster
Michael Frost
Theologian
Steven Goulstone
Baptist Pastor
Caleb Haurua
Māori Theologian
Cathy Marston
Counsellor & Leader
Stu McGregor
Baptist Minister & ArtistAuckland 2026 National Gathering
In 2026, The Open Table NZ hosted its very first event—a landmark National Gathering in Auckland. Over 230 people came together from all across Aotearoa to share open dialogue, deep reflection, and generous community. The overwhelming positive feedback confirmed just how vital these safe, inclusive spaces are.
Explore the Auckland 2026 Gathering230+ Attendees
Connecting progressive faith voices across Aotearoa
Upcoming Events for 2027
Building on the momentum of our first national event, we are excited to continue growing! Our next major gathering is scheduled for Auckland in May 2027, with additional regional gatherings being planned across New Zealand.
View 2027 Gatherings & DetailsAuckland Gathering
May 2027 • Details Coming SoonFeedback from the Auckland Gathering in 2026
Direct reflections shared from our Auckland gathering
"I wanted to be around other open-minded thinkers who prioritise gracious communication and relationship over 'debating'. I also wanted to feel not so alone in my deconstruction... I really enjoyed feeling amongst 'my people'—an environment where I didn't have to explain myself."
"It is rare to find a space as collectively embracing, honest, safe and earnestly faithful as Open Table. The way everything was lead with a real sense of 'we all have a seat at the table' was beautiful to me."
"It was beautiful and awesome to be together with other spacious thinking Jesus people - and to have such a fantastic array of interesting workshops to participate in."
"We were given permission by example to come as we are and express our unique mix of honesty, doubts, experiences and musings from the journeys we've each been on."
Past Workshop Topics
- Faith, Culture, Identity & Rainbow Belonging
- Faith & Politics in Aotearoa
- Parenting After Certainty
- Queer Faith & Healing
- Toitū te Tiriti: Being Treaty Partners
- Trauma-Informed Communities
- Rethinking Church & Faith Communities
- Whakapapa & Relational Being
Want to Help Build the Table?
To make Auckland 2027 and these regional gatherings a reality, we need local hands, hearts, and minds. If you want to see this community grow in your area and are interested in helping out, please reach out and let us know:
- Your location: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Taranaki, or elsewhere!
- How you'd like to help: Event planning, hosting/hospitality, facilitation, tech/AV, music, admin, or general volunteering on the day.
Even if you simply want to express interest in helping shape what a local hub could look like, we would love to hear from you.
Pass It On: Help Us Grow
Word of mouth is how the Open Table community grows. If you have friends, family, or colleagues navigating the edges of faith who would value an inclusive space for thoughtful conversation and honest doubt, please consider sharing this page with them.
They can also easily subscribe to stay updated on future events by joining our list on the contact page.