Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children. We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church. We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children.

We will respond without delay to concerns, disclosures or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation. We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust. We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.

We are committed to the safety of vulnerable people, including children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with identity and mental health challenges.

We seek to embed the safety of vulnerable people in organisational leadership, governance and culture. We seek to ensure that physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing for all involved.

We are committed to ensuring that all our volunteers and staff are appropriately screened and trained. Any person appointed to a leadership role with children will have completed:

• A signed agreement to our Working with Children Code of Conduct.

• A Working with Children Application including reference checks 

• NZ Police Vetting

• Training in how to keep children and vulnerable people safe.

It's important that everyone in our community, including children and young people, are informed about their rights, and participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. Added to this, we want families and communities to be informed and involved in promoting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people.