Willow Park Christian Camp at Eastern Beach in Auckland recently celebrated 90 years of camping ministry with a carnival and afternoon tea.
Willow Park Camp Manager Michelle Willis says the carnival was promoted to their local neighbourhood, and they were joined by some students from nearby Macleans College who helped them run the carnival. “It was a lot of fun, and we were able to offer everything for free—rock climbing, bouncy castles, ice cream, coffee, sausage sizzle, and more.”
LifeChurch Manurewa Pastor and CCCNZ Board Member Ane Ponifasio took her mum along to the carnival, “it brought back one of our earliest memories as new migrants to New Zealand in 1983 when our family of seven were invited to Easter Camp. Mum told me that the Kemp family from Howe St Chapel had sponsored us so we could go.
“Over the past 40 years, our church has held many camps at Willow Park, and it has been a place where people have encountered Jesus and experienced spiritual renewal.
“Willow Park Christian Camp is significant for us — a place woven into our family’s story and faith journey. Our visit reminded me of the legacy it carries: a sense of belonging, the kindness of strangers, the relationships formed over the years, and deep appreciation of God’s people who serve and keep the vision alive.”
Michelle says the carnival was followed by an afternoon tea for staff (past and present) and other guests.
“The attendees were all people who have worked, served, or been involved with Willow Park over the years. It was especially meaningful to have Russell Burt and his father, Howard Burt, with us (pictured above, Howard is in the light blue, Russell in dark blue). Russell spoke about his family’s long history of serving and bringing church and kids to camp, and he shared about the more than 1,000 ‘salvation’ cards he has kept over the past 30 years from young people who made decisions for Christ during camps. That was a really special moment.
“We saw so clearly how God orchestrated everything coming together—perfect numbers for tickets and food, beautiful weather, and a smooth-running event from start to finish. In total, around 300 friends of Willow Park and members of the local community attended the carnival.”
Willow Park is part of the Te Maru family of Christian Camps in New Zealand, for more info check out: www.temaru.org.nz
