What’s the name about?

Our name has significance for us and what we believe God is calling us to do and be.

Kānuka is a plant that is closely related to manuka, but is different in one important respect.  Other plants grow under its shelter and thrive because of the shade and shelter it provides.  We see ourselves as being here for the church in Canterbury, helping with property management, property development and financial advice.  Our hope is that the churches that we partner with will get a greater return from their physical assets such as land, buildings and finance – and be freed up and empowered to do the work of ministry that God has called them to in their neighbourhoods and communities.

Hopestill is a reference to Hopestill Pillow, the first women missionary sent overseas by Oxford Terrace Baptist Church in 1887, who tragically died in Kolkata in 1895.  However, she left a legacy of being innovative and taking risks in the service of God’s mission which inspires us still.

Where did we come from?

We grew out of OTBC, who have experienced significant growth since the earthquakes in their property portfolio.  The expertise required to administer long term commercial leases, growing regular and casual hiring of their facilities, run a café, administer a significant number of residential tenancies, associated maintenance, and further develop their site was beyond the expertise of a volunteer church property committee.  They also had a vision of themselves as a church for the churches, serving the wider Baptist world in our region.

Who are our people?

Our board:

Grantley Judge, CCC Contracts Manager

Jenny Boshier, Chemical Engineer, and environmental advisor