Manaaki tia
support + care
Our programmes
The Found serving in the community: manaaki tia - to support, take care of, give hospitality to, protect, look out for, show respect, generosity and care for others; by way of programmes and events that serve and meet needs in the community and beyond, locally and internationally.
Serving our local and international community is a big part of who we are as a Church family. You'll find people who call The Found their home Church actively involved in our community, on boards, committees, coaching, cooking meals, parent helping at school, involved with the arts, youth, environment and so much more.
That's who we are, we're the roll up your sleeves kind of people, the help where it's needed and love unconditionally kind of community.
Ps Andrew and Alana Waples are passionate about our Church meeting real needs with real and sustainable solutions. Believing that both a personal investment and a Church response to those needs is of great value; to the individual as a volunteer and to meeting needs in the community and beyond.
Now that we have our own space at The Hangar, we are making these spaces available to the community to use - this is very exciting. To enquire about hiring our Community Spaces please click here.
As a Church we also run a number of events that help bring people together, support families and organisations, both locally and beyond.
All of these amazing things are made possible with the generosity of our Vision Builders - the people who sacrifice time and resource to build the Kingdom, build the community and beyond.
What we do
Kids Night In / Parents Night Off for Local Primary Schools
Working with our local primary schools, The Found, with the help of YWAM Queenstown, provide an extremely affordable night of fun for children to attend, whist offering a night off for parents, who may not normally be able. Many families do not have childcare or support, so this night offers an opportunity for a bit of breathing space, in our well known time-poor schedules, to help strengthen families. These events are run at no cost to the school, in fact, all proceeds from the affordable entry and food sold go directly to the school as a fundraiser, to also relieve pressure from parent volunteers, The Found covers all the costs. The Found (C3) has run Kids Night In / Parents Night off for Remarkables Primary School and Kingsview Primary, and are available to run them for other schools throughout the year by request.
Baskets of Blessing - Meals and Baskets
A gift of love when words just aren't enough. Our Church whānau have been involved with Baskets of Blessing since 2014 and Ps Alana was part of the team for 6 years and was on the founding board of trustees established in May 2019. Our Church has contributed over $15,000 during this time through Vision Builders giving - this was an incredible blessing in the establishment of Baskets of Blessing in our community, and it continues to be a wonderful charity providing gifts and meals for people in a time where words just aren't enough. For more information on Baskets of Blessing, visit their website.
Sunday Funday
On Easter Sunday, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and at Christmas we put on big community services on Sunday people to bring their flatmates, friends and families along to join in the fun, food and celebration.
Combined Churches Worship Night
With the Wakatipu Ministers Association, The Found takes a leading role in organising combined worship for the wider Church community of the Wakatipu and the Lakes District. We 100% support working together with the other Churches in our area and enjoy every aspect of event management for this gathering.
Glow Party
On the night of October 31st, The Found and The Salvation Army co-hosts a Glow Party for the community as a fun and safe alternative to Halloween. Other Churches are also welcomed as this has previously been run as a combined effort.
Four Twelve - High School Youth Group
The Found and The Salvation Army, along with a number of other Churches in the community run a high school youth group for years 9-13 on Wednesday nights 7pm-9pm. Youth offers a safe and fun space for young people to build relationships, confidence, develop their own faith in a safe environment with great discipleship mentors.
Red Frogs Central Otago - Queenstown-Lakes
Some of our incredible volunteers are also involved with Red Frogs at our local events such as Winter Fest and New Year Eve. Check out their Facebook Page.
C3 Cambodia
The Found has made a controbutions to C3 Cambodia through C3 Auckland. There are three C3 Churches in Cambodia, these churches operate in very poor areas and have a large focus on bringing the next generation into church and included in a loving community. The average age of the church congregations is around 14 years old, and the Pastoral team are all young adults, so our support is vital to seeing these churches succeed.
C3 Cambodia also run the organisation Kids Rescue Cambodia, helping provide schooling, aid and protection for children who would otherwise be working in the rubbish dumps and worse.
C3 Thrive Lautoka, Fiji
We have donated to C3 Fiji for emergency relief and to support the build of their Church and community hub, so they can continue to meet real needs in their community. Have a look via their Give A Little Page.