The Story of
ADRA New Zealand

For 30 years, ADRA New Zealand has walked alongside families in Aotearoa, the Pacific, and Asia — bringing justice, compassion, and love wherever it is needed most.

Humble Beginnings

In 1994, ADRA NZ was little more than a vision and a few faithful people willing to act. Our first director, Allan Fletcher, believed so deeply in the mission that he sacrificed half his own salary to employ another staff member, ensuring ADRA could keep going and reach more families. With limited resources but great determination, our early projects began — including reforestation initiatives in Cambodia and small, local community partnerships in New Zealand.

Those first steps were small. But they laid the foundation for three decades of impact.

Growing into a Movement

From those beginnings, ADRA grew into the humanitarian arm of the Adventist Church — and a trusted partner for communities far beyond church walls. With the support of churches, government partnerships, and thousands of generous donors, ADRA expanded into the Pacific and Asia, launching projects in education, livelihoods, clean water, and disaster response.

By the 2010s, ADRA’s Church Partnership Programme had empowered over 50 church-led community projects across New Zealand. From food banks to mentoring programmes, churches became local hubs of hope. Internationally, ADRA’s reach extended into Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, and beyond — working with families to grow food, access education, and recover from disasters.

Stories of Change

Behind every statistic is a person with a story.

Like Elena, a single mother of four in Timor-Leste. She joined an ADRA savings and loans group and borrowed $130 to buy an oven. With it, she began baking bread to sell at her market. Today, she can feed her family, send her children to school, and even save for the future. “The profits I make have helped me to cover our daily needs,” she told us.

Or a New Zealand mother who joined an ADRA-supported community garden. What began as a way to grow vegetables became something even greater — a place of belonging. Through tears, she said, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen my son smile.”

In moments like these, generosity becomes hope.

Serving in Crisis

When disasters strike, ADRA has been there. In Vanuatu after cyclones, in Papua New Guinea after earthquakes, and in New Zealand during COVID when hundreds of families received emergency food support through our Love Thy Neighbour campaign. With each crisis, ADRA’s presence has meant families don’t face hardship alone.

Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years

ADRA NZ’s story is still being written. The challenges families face today — poverty, disasters, inequality — remain urgent. But the vision is strong: to continue as a movement of justice, compassion, and love for decades to come.

That’s why in 2025, we are launching the “Give 30 for 30” Appeal. To celebrate 30 years of service, we are inviting every supporter to give $30 for 30 years of impact. Together, we aim to raise $75,000 this October to ensure ADRA can be ready to respond to disasters, strengthen families, and build healthier communities for the next 30 years.

Your Part in the Story

From Allan Fletcher’s faith at the beginning, to Elena’s bakery in Timor-Leste, to gardens in New Zealand — ADRA’s story has always been about people stepping forward. Ordinary people giving what they can, so that others may have hope.

Now, you are invited to be part of this story.

Together, let’s celebrate the past. Together, let’s prepare for the future. Together, let’s ensure families in New Zealand, the Pacific, and Asia can thrive for generations to come.