About Orama
Orama Christian Community is located in Karaka Bay, at the northern end of Great Barrier Island. The Community was established in 1963 and was subsequently established as a trans-denominational, Christian Trust.
Today Orama is a service oriented Registered Charitable Trust that cares deeply for people and through its Christian motivation and unique setting, facilities and programmes seeks to positively influence people as they receive rest, restoration, challenge and training.
Orama is a name synonymous with restoration, training and equipping people in New Zealand for fifty years. Over five decades thousands of people have been positively impacted by their time at Orama and have gone on to fulfil significant roles in the church, Para-church and in society throughout New Zealand and internationally. That work of positive transformation continues at Orama today.
Many people have stated that Orama, nestled on the shores of Karaka Bay hs a special quality that creates opportunity to promote profound spiritual experience. Orama has a rich history where many people young and old, have gained hope and new vision for the future through their experiences here.
The Orama Mission:
To express an authentic Christianity through community, impacting lives by:
- Sharing hospitality that welcomes both strangers and friends
- Renewing spiritual, emotional and physical well being
- Equipping people to impact and lead their communities
The Environment
The Orama property is 230 hectares (600 acres). The main centre lies in a natural coastal valley, opening onto a beautiful bay. This is surrounded by a small amount of pastureland, with most of the property being regenerating indigenous bush and mature trees. Great Barrier Island is renowned for its bio-diversity and Karaka Bay is home to a small flock of protected Pateke (Brown Teal), with kereru (NZ wood pigeon), banded rail, North Island kaka (brown parrot), and a range of wading birds present in increasing numbers. It was from a specimen discovered on this property in 1974 that the chevron skink was identified as an endangered, sub-species.
The Kotuku Reserve
A large portion of the Orama Property falls within the Kotuku Reserve. The Kotuku peninsular has been established as a bird sanctuary and is maintained by a large predator proof fence and a predator control programme. This programme is operated by the Glenfern Trust and Orama cooperates with Glenfern and a number of other neighbours within the reserve to ensure the continuation of this important work.
Environmental developments
As a remote island community Orama provides its own essential infrastructure. As part of its environmental concern Orama has recently installed a state of the art sewage treatment plant, chemical free water treatment plant and is currently engaged in a programme to reduce our dependence on the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Looking ahead to 2011
This year has seen the continuation of our effective partnership with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) providing wilderness experiences, outdoor education and leadership development.
The Prophetic Art School lead by renowned artist Graham Braddock and Orama Trustee and artist Robert Mitchener, training and developing today’s Christian artists, first run in 2010, and the next course is scheduled for September 2011.
The Community Development Course, a new 3 month course for those interested in exploring missional Christian community. The course covers practical skills and deeper relational aspects of community living along with a "total immersion" experience of living and working in the Christian community at Orama.
Summer camps
are a key feature on the Orama calendar. There will usually be three camps with inspiring New Zealand or international speakers assisting us to provide an experience of rest, refreshing and inspiration for many families and individuals.
Retreats
for couples and family nurture, 12 step groups, guided prayer and other special themed events are planned or hosted throughout each year.
Community
Orama is a living functioning community, maintaining aspects of worship, prayer, teaching and ministry through Sunday and mid week services, daily devotions and pastoral care that is accessible by community members, course participants and visitors alike.
Wider community involvement is supported by hosting a weekly neighbour night, a shared meal followed by sports and fun activities for families.
Orama is committed to positively impacting people, enabling growth, development and the achievement of potential. Respect for the special environment at Orama expressed through improving sustainability and minimising our footprint. We are convinced that this is a vital and important work that is contemporary and relevant today.