Purpose:

To advance the ‘Kingdom mandate’ of Biblical Justice. See text from Amos 5:21-24 below.

Amos 5:21-24 (NKJV and NLT)
21 The Lord says: “I hate all your show and pretense - the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
22 I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. 
I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.
23 Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 Instead, let justice roll down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream”

What:

A one day symposium convened by LeadershipWorx and Te Whānau Pūtahi to learn and discuss how we can address some of the issues of injustice. How to build a fence at the top of the cliff and reduce the ambulance work at the bottom.

Who:

Open to anyone who wants to understand and/or is working in this space.

Date:

• Friday 6th September 2019 at West Hamilton Community Church, 27A Rifle Range Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton. Hosted by Michael and Kimberley Hewat.

Time:

• 9am - 3.00pm

Cost:

• $50.00 per person. This includes coffee's, lunch and notes.

Topics: (subject to minor changes)

1. The Bible with Alan Vink
2. Social housing with Nic Greene - GM, Habitat for Humanity
3. Thinking ethically and sustainably with Dr Murray Sheard
4. Education for children with no or little support from home. 
5. Community Transformation with Dave Timms, Randwick Park, Auckland.

Format:

A one-day symposium. The content is a mix of keynote talks, conversation, Q&A, showcasing 3-4 justice initiatives and networking.

Speakers:

Nic Greene

• Talk One: An overview on the need for housing and the impacts of sub-standard/ unaffordable housing on communities.
• Talk Two: A solutions based response and call to action.

Bio

Nic is the General Manager of Habitat for Humanity (Central North Island). In this role Nic is responsible for the direction of New Zealand's largest and most diverse Habitat affiliate. Current operational responsibilities include the delivery of Progressive Home Ownership housing, a Home repair program, a rental portfolio with a particular emphasis on housing for the elderly and a chain of ReStore second hand shops.

Nic is also a graduate of the Community Leadership Foundation , he lives in Hamilton with his wife Naomi is a keen photographer and self-proclaimed computer geek.

Dr Murray Sheard

• Talk One: Thinking (and Living) Ethically and Sustainably

Old ways of thinking have brought us to the brink environmentally, and our social support is under threat. Thinking well and living well are needed more than ever if we are to create a world where justice rolls down. How can we examine the way we think and live so that our lives are lived in partnership with Christ in reconciling, healing and restoring?

• Talk Two: Global Justice: Where’s the World Heading?

You’ve heard of the “State of the Union” speech, right? Murray will take us on a whirlwind tour of the ‘State of the World’. We’ll look at some of the big issues in international development and some exciting new thinking about what is needed and how to get there, given the perilous state of the environment and ongoing global poverty.

Bio

Murray Sheard is CEO of cbm New Zealand, an international development charity focused on addressing the needs of some of the world’s most marginalised people – those living with disabilities in poorer countries. Prior to this, Murray worked at Tearfund, where the team he lead brought the Ethical Fashion Guide to New Zealand. He has a background in social enterprise, education, and international development, including stints living in London and Jerusalem working in anti-corruption. Murray was the chairman of A Rocha the Christian conservation network in NZ until recently. He is married to Joy and they have a wee baby called Finn.