Successful Australian event is coming to New Zealand

12 July 2026

A conference that has helped energise the faith of thousands of young people in Australia will host its first New Zealand event in Christchurch next October.

The Ignite conference was first hosted in Brisbane in 2001, drawing 116 delegates. It has attracted crowds of more than 1200 in the years since, and expanded to Sydney in 2019 before hosting its first regional gathering in June, with almost 400 young people gathering in Darwin.

During the Sydney conference this past weekend, it was announced that Christchurch will join the list of Ignite host cities, with the event scheduled for September 30 to October 3.

Christchurch Bishop Michael Gielen and a small contingent of Christchurch diocesan staff were at the conference, helping learn more about what lies ahead.

“We are so blessed and excited to be hosting Ignite in Christchurch next year,” he said.

“I see this as an opportunity of grace for those who will attend – particularly our young people and young adults. I encourage you now to plan to gather with me over those days.”

Bishop Michael and others from the Christchurch Diocese have attended Ignite in New South Wales this weekend. Next year, the successful event will come to New Zealand for the first time and be hosted in our Diocese.

Mike Stopforth, director of the Bishop’s Pastoral Office in Christchurch, said the diocese has been in discussions with Ignite’s leadership since late last year, after the possibility of expanding to New Zealand was proposed.

“After considering the development and growth of our local youth ministry and discerning what might be effective for our diocese, the decision was made to commit to Ignite in 2027,” he said.

Mr Stopforth said having more than a year to prepare will help ensure the diocese can build up to what will be a wonderful event.

In recent years, Ignite has expanded to include sessions for children, as well as families.

“We are excited about what this gathering will provide for the faith of all who attend from our diocese and throughout the country,” Mr Stopforth added.

Ignite executive director Kym Keady said the annual event has been a catalyst for growth in youth groups and in parishes across Australia. It has also helped to identify and develop new leaders.

“Many people ‘come out of the woodwork’ and put their hand up to serve, and this has helped parishes and schools grow as well, she said.

“Since opening it up to all ages and stages, we have seen many families transformed for good and with stronger relationship and faith.”