Learn about Unity of New Zealand

‍A welcome from our Board

‍If you are new to Unity or don’t know Unity of NZ yet, we look forward to hearing from you and meeting you online or in person. Email us to receive a welcome pack and/or our weekly newsletter.

Unity members come from a range of backgrounds — from other faith traditions or none. We share an interest in the revelation of God or Spirit or Truth or Wholeness or Oneness (or …) in the physical world and beyond it. That’s what the word ‘metaphysics’ points to. We don’t preach about sin, ‘the devil,’ or having to be saved (or found — we don’t think we were lost). Our focus is on thinking positively, affirming our oneness with Spirit (use the language of your choice), exploring and putting into practice spiritual principles that are ancient and yet as relevant for us as they ever were.

In Unity we’re all students. Learning all the time. Talking, debating, laughing together and giving each other support through conversation and prayer that lifts us up. Not begging prayer: Unity prayer affirms the good we know is ours.

Unity’s rich history in the wider New Thought movement is a remarkable and enduring legacy founded on affirming prayer and positive teaching. Welcome to a movement that is committed to realising the presence that is the unity of all.

Unity has been active in Aotearoa New Zealand for nearly 60 years.

An era of transformation

This is an exciting time for Unity worldwide as the international organisation makes changes to the structure that supports ministries like ours.

These changes provide lots of opportunities for Unity groups to evolve and share their unique strengths. We’ll remain independent and autonomous even as we benefit from the new partnering model.

Nau mai haere mai, welcome.

‍Greg Morgan, Board chair

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  • Unity in Auckland formally began meeting under Claire Bunting’s leadership in July 1967. Unity established itself nationally in 1968. In 1973, Unity of NZ registered as a charitable trust. Over time, a number of leaders and ordained ministers would serve Unity congregations and Silent Unity. Rhonda Joy Gola became spiritual leader of Auckland Unity in 1997.

  • After operating from a succession of locations, Unity & Silent Unity purchased an Avondale property to serve as headquarters. In 2000 Rhonda Joy Gola became a Licensed Unity Minister serving Unity in Auckland. Rev. Rhonda received a certificate of ordination as Unity Minister in 2003. She also continued as Director of Silent Unity & Daily Word NZ.

  • Unity sold the Avondale property in 2005 and rented a building in Mt Albert Road. In 2007 the ministry celebrated 40 years in NZ, with Rev. Sky St John and Rev. Laura McAfee Gaut as guests. That year the ministry began printing Daily Word in Auckland (in time, for Australian distribution also). Over the years notable guests from around the world spoke in NZ, and Rev. Rhonda served on Interational groups. 2017 marked 50 years of Unity in this country.

  • In 2020 Rev. Rhonda retired as Unity minister for NZ but served as volunteer director of Silent Unity & Daily Word for a further year. Lindy Burton, as chair, steered Unity through the Covid period. Rachel Wotten and then Jacqui Berry served as Director of Silent Unity. Rev. Rachel became NZ’s Unity minister in 2024, and was ordained that year. She served until being appointed to a senior role at Unity World Headquarters in 2025.

  • Jacinda Faloon-Cavander became chair of the board in 2024 (also on the board: Daisy Larkin, Gayle Barbery, Colleen Brennan). In August 2025 Jacinda resigned from the board and Dr Greg Morgan became chair. Bonny Brown also joined the board in 2025.