After more than 50 years of serving from rented offices and shared spaces, International Needs New Zealand has reached a very special milestone in our story: we now have a permanent home of our own.
Earlier this year, we were incredibly grateful to purchase our new office at 470 Ōtūmoetai Road, Tauranga, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of one of our donors.
For us, this is about much more than owning a building. After 52 years of ministry, having a place we can finally call home is a significant moment for International Needs NZ and an exciting step into the future.
As we settle into our new space, we have been reflecting on the many people who have been part of the International Needs story. From Ray Harrison, whose faith and heart to serve those in need helped establish International Needs NZ 52 years ago, to the staff, volunteers, churches, donors and supporters who have faithfully carried that mission forward.
We are deeply thankful to God for His provision throughout every season and incredibly grateful to everyone who has prayed, given, served and believed in this work over the past five decades. This milestone belongs to a much bigger story and community of people committed to seeing lives transformed and communities changed.
A home for the future
Having a permanent home gives International Needs NZ greater stability as we look to the years ahead. It provides a base for our team to continue supporting our partners around the world, connecting with supporters here in New Zealand and growing the work of International Needs.
It also gives us an opportunity to keep our long-term operating costs in New Zealand as low as possible, so more of our resources can remain focused on what we are here to do – partnering with local communities to bring lasting change.
We also hope our new home will become a welcoming place for our supporters, volunteers and wider community to connect with us and the work they make possible.
Following the incredible generosity that enabled us to purchase the property, approximately $180,000 remains on the mortgage. Our hope is to clear this remaining amount and own our new home outright, further reducing our ongoing costs for the future. Since announcing the purchase of our building to our donors, we have received over $40,000 to contribute towards bringing down this mortgage balance. We are so grateful for the generosity of our donors, and for the prayers and support that are covering us as we transition in this time. If you wanted to give towards our building fund to help bring this balance down further, you can do so here.
We are so pleased to have reached this new chapter and look forward with gratitude, faith and excitement to all that lies ahead.
We will be having an official building opening event in earl 2027, so keep your eyes peeled for a save the date in the coming months…