SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Highlighting changes and transformation in our organisation
Wellington, New Zealand – 30 January 2024
In response to the dynamic challenges the economic climate presents, Bible Society New Zealand announced a transformative journey to ensure our mission’s enduring impact. Today, we share pivotal changes that will shape our path towards a sustainable future with our esteemed members, partners, and the wider community.
Key Changes:
- Office Consolidation: After more than 30 years, the Bible Society offices in Wellington will close their doors by 31 March 2024. All services will seamlessly transition and consolidate at 6 Kellow Place, Wiri, Auckland, becoming our new, centralised head office.
- Store Closures: On the same date, three Manna stores in Mt Roskill (Auckland), Whangarei, and Nelson will be closed. This decision stems from acknowledging that sustaining these retail operations has been financially challenging for some time. Additional closures of Invercargill, Gore and Hawkes Bay stores will follow by 31 May 2024.
Prayerful Deliberation: These decisions have resulted from long and prayerful consideration. We recognise the profound impact on our team members affected by these changes and the communities we serve and carry this responsibility with the utmost empathy and understanding. Making these changes has become a challenging yet inevitable step to ensure the continued vitality of our mission.
Invitation to Partnerships: We extend an invitation to the churches and potential business partners who share our vision. If you want to acquire any of the stores, please contact us. Your involvement could be crucial in preserving the essence of these community spaces, albeit Bible Society New Zealand can no longer financially sustain these operations.
Continued Commitment: While retail challenges prompt these changes, our commitment to serving our customers and stakeholders remains resolute. We will continue to operate through our e-commerce and fulfilment centres, ensuring accessibility to our resources and services. We encourage you to continue your faithful support in this regard.
Navigating Forward: As we embark on this transformation journey, we extend our gratitude to our members, partners, and communities who have been the heartbeat of Bible Society New Zealand. Together, we are charting a course toward a future where our mission remains vibrant and impactful.
Contact Information: For further inquiries, expressions of interest, or to share your thoughts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lawrence Sami, Director – Finance, Planning and Resources., at any time at +64 22 120 6607 or email: lsami@biblesociety.org.nz
In the spirit of resilience and unity, we appreciate your unwavering support as we navigate these changes together.
Faithfully,
Neels Janse van Rensburg
Group Chief Executive Officer
OUR STORY
Although Bible Society has been around since 1846, we became a group when Manna Christian Stores became part of the mission in 2017. This divine appointment saw two mission-hearted organisations, both rich in history join forces, interweaving their mission, passion, and purpose to become one. Together, we build on the work of those who have gone before us, spreading the gospel, aiming to place a Bible in every empty hand to reach and fill empty hearts everywhere. We are driven by one conviction: we believe that when people get to know Jesus Christ through God’s Word, lives change for good, and that is why our mission is to make the Bible accessible to everyone and to encourage interaction with it.
EMPTY HANDS
BIBLE POVERTY
Availability, affordability and accessibility of Scripture in the language of the reader.
EMPTY HEARTS
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
How people read, interact, meditate, apply and respond to Scripture.
EMPTY MINDS
BIBLE LITERACY
How people understand and interpret Scripture.
1.5 Billion people do not have access to the Bible in their own language – and for others, it is a sad reality that the Word of God is simply out of reach for them, either due to costs or simply because it is just not available. YOU can make a difference…
1.5 Billion people do not have access to the Bible in their own language – and for others, it is a sad reality that the Word of God is simply out of reach for them, either due to costs or simply because it is just not available. YOU can make a difference…
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
How people read, interact, meditate, apply and respond to Scripture.
BIBLE LITERACY
How people understand and interpret Scripture.
BIBLE POVERTY
Availability, affordability and accessibility of Scripture in the language of the reader.