Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to the Conference
Where is it?
Awaken Maranga Mai 2025 is being held at Somervell Presbyterian Church in Tāmaki Makaurau (497 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland).
How do I get there?
By Bus: Somervell Presbyterian Church is located on two bus routes, the 65 (from Point Chevalier to Glen Innes) and 75 (from City to Glen Innes). These buses come every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, but are less frequent from 7pm to late. Public transport in Auckland can be paid for using a paywave credit/debit card.
By Train: Somervell is a 20 minute walk from the Greenlane train station on the Southern and Onehunga lines. Trains will be running during the conference weekend until 9:30pm each night, when buses replace trains. Public transport in Auckland can be paid for using a paywave credit/debit card.
By Car: Somervell is also located 5 minutes drive from the Greenlane motorway exit. There is limited parking onsite and this will be reserved for people with accessibility requirements (Please email us at awaken@diversechurch.co.nz to request this). However, there is some free street parking around the church a short walk away.
Other Forms of Transport: If you wish to bike or scooter to the conference, we will have a secure place for you to lock up your bike/scooter and plugs available if you need to recharge.
How do I get tickets?
Head to our ticket page!
If you’re a student, community services card, or gold card holder, we have discounted concession tickets available.
I can’t make it this year, will you be recording sessions?
Yes! Our keynotes will be recorded. Depending on the availability of AV equipment, some workshops may be recorded. Check out our website after the conference and make sure you’re on our mailing list to get notified!
Where can I stay?
There are a variety of accommodation options available near Somervell Presbyterian Church.
For a budget-friendly option, we have booked dorm-style accommodation at Bassett House, a 10-15 minute walk from Sommervell. The cost for this is $90 per person for both Friday and Saturday night.
If you need more accommodation recommendations or you would like to enquire about staying at Bassett House, email us at awaken@diversechurch.co.nz
Financial Support
I can’t afford to get to Awaken - can you help me?
Please fill out our scholarship form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Due to flights getting expensive close to the time, we will not be able to cover booking flights for attendees after the 7th March but may be able to help with other costs.
Can you provide accommodation for me?
We have booked shared accommodation at Bassett House, a short walk from the church. To find out more, email us at awaken@diversechurch.co.nz
Will Awaken be relevant for me?
I’m a pastor, what can I expect to get out of Awaken?
If you’re a queer pastor, welcome! We are so glad you will be joining us for Awaken. Come and meet with fellow members of our community to worship, connect, and learn together. We know how challenging being a queer pastor can be so we hope Awaken will be a time of encouragement, refilling, and refreshment for you.
If you’re coming along as an ally, as a pastor Awaken offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the rainbow Christian community and explore how faith and identity intersect. This conference is designed to create a safe space for rainbow Christians while also raising awareness of the struggles they face. We aim to educate pastors, youth workers, and other allies so that you can better support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
At Awaken you will have the opportunity to hear rainbow people sharing their lived experiences. You’ll also be invited to deep dive into expansive theology and explore how faith and gender/sexual identity intersect; offering valuable insights that can guide your pastoral care, ministry, and advocacy within your community. Awaken is a place to learn, grow, and be equipped to serve your congregation (and beyond) with greater empathy and understanding, we can’t wait to have you join us!
I’m an ally, what can I expect to get out of Awaken?
First, thank you for showing up and standing with rainbow people of faith—your allyship makes a real difference. Awaken is a rainbow Christian conference designed to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ Christians while also raising awareness of the struggles they face and equipping allies with the knowledge and tools to offer meaningful support.
As an ally, you can expect to hear powerful stories from rainbow people sharing their lived experiences, explore the intersections of faith and identity, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. You’ll also learn practical ways to be an active ally—whether in your church, workplace, or everyday life. Awaken is a space to listen, learn, and grow in your support for rainbow Christians.
I don’t call myself Christian, am I still welcome?
Absolutely! Awaken is a space where you are welcome—no matter what you believe or don’t believe. We know that many people have had complicated, painful, or uncertain experiences with faith, and we want this to be a place where you can question, explore, and think for yourself without pressure or expectation.
Whether you’ve stepped away from the conventional church, felt pushed out by it, or are simply unsure where you stand, you belong here. Our hope is that, regardless of your beliefs, you will find community, connection, and a space where your story is honoured.
Wellbeing and Safety
What if I don’t know anybody?
Nau mai, welcome! We operate a buddy system so please reach out via socials or to awaken@diversechurch.co.nz and we’ll connect you – either to someone who has been before, someone in Tāmaki Makaurau, or someone from your region!
I’m under 18 - can I still attend Awaken / Maranga Mai?
Yes! Please email us at awaken@diversechurch.co.nz. Some elements of the programme are R18 (e.g. the Sexual Ethics workshop and some of the optional evening activities). You’ll also need an adult buddy for your accommodation and during the conference, as well as parental permission.
I’m disabled, what does accessibility look like at Somervell Presbyterian Church?
We want Awaken to be as accessible as possible, and we’re committed to doing what we can to support your needs.
The main floor of Somervell, where most of the conference will take place, is wheelchair accessible. The basement floor is also wheelchair accessible, but it is accessed via an outdoor driveway with a relatively steep gradient. There are accessible bathrooms on both of these levels.
Unfortunately, the upstairs level is not wheelchair accessible and contains one workshop space. If you’d like to attend a workshop that is scheduled upstairs, please let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure it is moved to an accessible location.
For those with hearing aids, the main auditorium is equipped with a T-loop and Bluetooth connectivity. We also have a quiet space available for anyone who needs a sensory break.
Disability parking is available at the venue—please contact us if you would like to use it. If you have any other accessibility needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out so we will do our best to accommodate you.
I’m trans, non-binary, gender diverse and/or questioning my gender, how can I connect with other people that understand my identity?
We’re so glad you’re here! At Awaken, we recognize the importance of connecting with others who understand and affirm your identity. To help create these connections, we’re hosting a pre-conference get-together specifically for anyone who’s trans, non-binary, gender diverse, or questioning their gender. It will be a relaxed opportunity to meet others over food and conversation.
If you’d like further support, we have a dedicated conference support team (spot them in their special lanyards) to connect you with someone from the organising team who is gender diverse, they will be happy to chat with you about your identity or help connect you with other gender diverse folks.
We’re also hosting the Authentically Us: Stories of Gender Embodiment and Faith Panel, where trans and gender diverse individuals will share their lived experiences of navigating both gender diversity and faith. It’s a space to learn, reflect, and connect with others who share your journey.
There’s a lot going on for our community at the moment, how do I keep myself safe?
We know that recent anti-rainbow and anti-trans protests in Aotearoa have made it feel unsafe to be visibly queer or trans in some spaces. If you’re feeling worried about your safety or being outed, please know that we take your concerns seriously and are doing what we can to create a space where you feel secure and supported.
There will be photography at Awaken, but if you prefer not to be photographed, we have special lanyards available to make that clear. If you’d like, we can also connect you with a buddy for the event so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If at any point you feel unsafe or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to approach a member of the organising team—we are here for you. Your safety and well-being matter, and we want Awaken to be a place where you can be yourself without fear.
At the Conference
What's the plan?
You can find all of our events and workshops here.
Is the worship at Awaken inclusive?
Yes! At Awaken, we recognize that worship can be a deeply personal experience, and for many rainbow people, it can also be complex or even triggering. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can engage in ways that feel right for you.
Our worship is designed to be fully affirming of all identities. We have taken care to ensure that keynote speakers and workshop presenters share this commitment to inclusion. In our services, we use gender-neutral pronouns for God, honouring the diversity of ways people relate to the Divine.
We also acknowledge that not everyone may feel comfortable participating in worship. If you’d prefer a quieter space, we have a designated area where you can step away, as well as a support team available to offer care and connection. However you choose to engage, you are welcome just as you are.
Where can I go if I need a break?
We know that conferences can be a lot—mentally, emotionally, and physically. For many queer people, engaging in faith spaces can bring up complex feelings, and sometimes, you just need a moment to step away. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, need a sensory break, or simply want some quiet time, we’ve got you covered.
There will be a dedicated quiet space available for anyone who needs a retreat from the busyness of the conference. If you’re looking for more intentional support, we also have a separate space for counselling and spiritual direction.
Our support team will be on hand throughout the event, wearing special lanyards so you can easily identify them if you need someone to check in with. However you’re feeling, you are welcome to take the time and space you need.
Will there be resources or merch available to purchase at Awaken?
Yes! There will be a range of books, merch, stickers, and other resources available for purchase at Awaken. In particular, we’re excited to have books from our keynote speakers, Brit Barron and Steff Fenton, available for sale. Whether you’re looking for something to deepen your faith journey, a way to show your pride, or a meaningful keepsake from the conference, there will be plenty to explore.
We can’t guarantee that EFTPOS will be available so bring along some cash if you think you might like to purchase any resources.
Still got questions? Email us at awaken@diversechurch.co.nz
