An historic gathering on social action
A national seminar on social action was held on 1-2 November at Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í. The gathering brought together a range of participants: Counsellor Tessa Scrine on her final visit to New Zealand as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors; all seven Auxiliary Board members; representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, Audrey Aumua and Huti Watson; members of both Regional Bahá’í Councils and Regional Institute Boards; institute coordinators; and friends with experience in social action initiatives at the grassroots.
Hosted by the North Island Bahá’í Council, which worked collaboratively with a team from the South Island Council and members of the two Regional Institute Boards, the seminar provided space for reflection and collective learning. Fourteen case studies were presented from across the country, illustrating a spectrum of endeavours—from modest neighbourhood initiatives to more structured community-based projects.
Counsellor Tessa Scrine provided the opening remarks and took the opportunity to remind participants that Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is about spiritual transformation, expressed in transformation materially. She reflected that all aspects of human life are being transformed, and that our efforts in social action must remain animated by spirit, just as the gathering began with soul-stirring devotions, our actions must also be infused with the same light.
During the course of the 2-day programme, participants explored how the training institute is the foundation from which capacity for social action emerges. Discussions touched on the relationship between the three protagonists—the individual, the institutions, and the community, and how each plays a distinct yet interconnected role in advancing civilisation.
The seminar examined social action as a spectrum, an organic ecosystem where every effort, however small, contributes to a collective movement of transformation. From junior youth service projects and maara kai initiatives, to collaborations with schools and community organisations, the examples illustrated the unifying power of the Word of God to inspire meaningful action. Participants also reflected on how nurturing qualities such as trust, humility, and genuine friendship within the framework of the institute process allows social action to grow naturally and coherently from the grassroots.
As the seminar concluded, hearts were filled with gratitude for Counsellor Scrine’s many years of loving service to Aotearoa and joy at the recent appointment of Mr Jeffrey Sabour to the Continental Board of Counsellors.
Featured Photo: Participants of the New Zealand Social Action Seminar at Te Whare Akoranga, 1–2 November 2025. Present are Counsellor Tessa Scrine on her last visit to NZ as a Counsellor, all 7 Auxiliary Board members, two National Spiritual Assembly representatives, members of both Regional Councils, members of the Training Institute Boards, institute coordinators and others who came to share their experience of social action unfolding at the grassroots.
