2026 National Gathering
In June 2026, The Open Table NZ gathered in Auckland for an evening and day filled with questions, generous conversations, and deep connections.
Somervell Presbyterian Church • Remuera
Our inaugural national gathering in Remuera brought together 230 people from across Aotearoa for thoughtful faith and open dialogue, with the true highlight being the rich, unhurried conversations that unfolded over shared meals and in the foyer.
"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, and to see what others are thinking and talking about. I really enjoyed feeling amongst 'my people' (though I don't mean that to sound like everyone else becomes 'other'! Just an environment where I didn't have to explain myself)."
Highlights & Reflections
Reflections from those who joined us in Auckland
"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 honoured every person in the room and the stories and journeys they represented."
"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. Thank you!"
"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. This inevitably created opportunities for connections in conversations throughout the event too."
Workshops
Workshop topics and attendee reflections
Workshop Topics
- Alofa in practice: Faith, Culture, Identity and Rainbow belonging
- Attachment & Spirituality
- Diverse Bodies, Faith and Flux
- Faith & Politics in an Election Year
- Information Overload - Supporting Young People in Navigating Nuance
- Parenting after certainty
- A Place Where I Belong: Genuine Inclusion
- Queer Faith: Holding Identity, Healing, and Hope
- Reflections on a modern sexual ethic
- Sex and Desire After Purity Culture
- Staying true while staying - pastoring across differences
- Toitū te Tiriti. How can we be Treaty Partners?
- Trauma-Informed Churches: Acknowledging and Responding to Trauma in Our Communities
- Unicorns at the Edge: Third Space as Transformative Encounter
- Viva la Revolution: How Do We Follow the Radical Jesus and Change Our World?
- What’s the point of church? Can we shape it differently?
- When life unravels and doesn't make sense; the wrestling with our faith that follows
- Whakapapa; a foundational core for relational being
- Writing Psalms: Creative writing as a form of prayer
"FANTASTIC! 10/10. Pro facilitator who knew her stuff incredibly well. Great balance of input and conversation."
— Sex and Desire After Purity Culture"Outstanding - this workshop captured the spirit of Open Table... the most thought-provoking workshop."
— Unicorns at the Edge"I enjoyed this so much... I was DEEPLY moved by what other people in the workshop shared."
— Writing Psalms: Dear GodThe Open Table Hosts
Our Panel of Workshop Facilitators and Guest Speakers
David Allis
Social Justice EntrepreneurFrom engineer and missionary to minister, Bible College Principal and house church leader, David’s journey has been anything but boring. Currently a business owner and charity leader, he is often described as a "social justice entrepreneur." David is a dedicated advocate for rainbow equality and the poor, firmly believing that even with a gold card in his wallet, the work of changing the world is just getting started.
Jeff Caleb Odhiambo
Presbyterian MinisterJeff is an ordained priest / minister at Somervell Presbyterian Church in Tāmaki Makaurau. He is more into orthopraxis than orthodoxy. Jeff loves engaging in courageous conversations over good coffee. He is a die hard Arsenal and Chiefs (KC) fan.
Andy Dickson
Anglican Priest & PoetAndy Dickson is an Anglican priest at All Souls Church in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). He is the host of the Down to Earth Conversations podcast, a children's author and a spoken word poet.
Michael Frost
Theologian & Podcast HostMichael Frost is a New Zealand theologian, host of the In the Shift podcast, and co-leads the Edge Kingsland church community in Auckland.
Steven Goulstone
Baptist PastorSteven Goulstone is a Baptist pastor and co-host of The Changes Ahead podcast with Cathy Marston, dedicated to building just, inclusive faith communities. Outside of ministry, he enjoys quality coffee and revisiting the Star Wars galaxy for its timeless themes of hope and rebellion.
Caleb Haurua
Māori TheologianCaleb Haurua is a Māori theologian, one-time podcaster, sometimes activist, often-crying NZ Warriors fan. His work and passion sits at the intersection of whakapapa, language reclamation, and decolonising Christian spirituality.
Cathy Marston
Faith Community LeaderCathy Marston has trained in theology, counselling and pastoral supervision. She co-hosts The Changes Ahead podcast. After 10 years of youth pastoring with her husband at a Baptist church she has been leading an intergenerational faith community for 25 years. She is curious about a spirituality that befriends our reality and loves honest conversations around a good coffee.
Stu McGregor
Baptist Minister & ArtistStu McGregor is a Baptist minister at Cityside Baptist in Tāmaki Makaurau. His faith is his bedrock while his beliefs are in flux. He is an avid Tiriti advocate and also a potter, painter and poet (and appreciates alliteration apparently). His most prized possession is an old electric bar heater from the 1960s.
Additional Workshop Facilitators
(and more...)
Petra Zaleski
University Chaplain
Sophia Nobbs
Youth Minister
Glen Bennett
MP
Craig Watson
Diverse Church - Awaken Aotearoa
Dr Ruth Lawson-McConnell
Counsellor, LecturerFeedback from the Gathering
Categorized survey feedback from attendees
Overall Experience
-
"It was beautiful and awesome to be together with other spacious thinking Jesus people who didn't have to sing, or listen to long monologues."
-
"Overall very good with wonderful speakers and a great opportunity to connect with other people from all over the country."
-
"An utterly amazing collection of people and incredible workshop facilitators. Well done!"
-
"I left feeling such a sense of peace and connection."
Workshops & Electives
-
"FANTASTIC! 10/10. Pro facilitator who knew her stuff incredibly well. Great balance of input and conversation."
-
"Outstanding - this workshop captured the spirit of Open Table... the most thought-provoking session."
-
"I enjoyed this so much... I was DEEPLY moved by what other people in the workshop shared."
-
"Fantastic range of electives and practical topics addressed with nuance."
Community & Belonging
-
"I felt safe, heard, and seen in ways I haven't experienced in traditional church settings for years."
-
"Connecting with others who are walking similar paths made me realise I'm not alone on this journey."
-
"The openness and lack of judgement was refreshing. It felt like true community."
Videos
Watch recorded sessions and highlights from the Auckland Gathering
The Open Table NZ 2026 Opening Session
Watch the recorded Friday Evening Session from the inaugural national gathering.
Things He Said — Andy Dickson
Watch "Things He Said", a powerful spoken word piece by Andy Dickson.
Resources
Access workshop handouts, presentation slide decks, and downloads
Unicorns at the Edge
Third Space as Transformative Encounter.
Dear God by Gendi
Writing Psalms: Creative writing prompts and poetry handout.
What’s the Point of Church
Presentation slides exploring alternate church shapes and expressions.
Future Gatherings Across New Zealand
Building safe, progressive, and welcoming faith spaces across Aotearoa.
Auckland National Gathering 2027
We are excited to announce our next major national gathering in Auckland!
📍 Auckland (Venue & Details TBC)
Further program details and registration information will be announced soon.
Exploring Regional Gatherings
We recognize that travelling to Auckland is a significant commitment. To foster local, grounded communities, we are actively exploring regional gatherings in:
Interested in seeing a gathering in your region? Help us make it happen below!
Want to Help?
To make Auckland 2027 and our upcoming regional gatherings a reality, we need local hands, hearts, and minds. If you want to see this community thrive in your area, we’d love to hear from you.
When getting in touch, please let us know:
- Your location: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Taranaki, or elsewhere
- How you'd like to help: Event planning, hospitality, facilitation, AV/tech, music, admin, or general volunteering