Peacemakers is a place to connect with God, self & others. Discover a tranquil place of healing, grace, hospitality, sustainability, and love.
We are a learning community open to diversity living aware of thin places where God surprises us constantly.
We invite you to come as you are and experience the unforced rhythms of grace.
We are contemplatives exploring silence and solitude and communal gatherings with heart, mind, soul, body, and Spirit.
Life is a process of emptying and letting go of being in charge. Opening to ourselves and each other we hear new stories of things we thought we knew.
As we listen more than we speak we watch the weaving of each thread making the whole, joining us all together as one.
We look forward to greeting you.
Also available in the area are the Parakai hot pools and a nearby township that boasts a supermarket, cafes, and restaurants. If you need a caterer we can recommend local services, just ask us for their menus.
Our Story
Our story begins in 1988 when Peacemakers Trust began with three families and two singles. The three families put all of their own money into the place, and the Anglican Church gifted some finance. The Trust acknowledges these pioneers and their hard work and is grateful for this sacred space we call home.
These three families established gardens, fencing, and restored the old villa to its former glory for the ministry to ‘at risk youth.’ One family lived in the villa with the youth.
Two more houses were built, and the other families moved into these. All supported the youth work doing various tasks.
Over time families moved on, others came.
Our historical villa was built by Captain Fordyce for his two sons and their families.
In 2012 people living here established the beautiful ‘ngahere rongoa’ a medicinal garden of native trees with the vision of one day having teaching spaces for the use of our indigenous wisdom. We are using plants from here now for ourselves.
In 2014 the Trust decided on more inner renovations creating a more user-friendly space for people wanting single and small group retreats.
Today we run a retreat centre for groups, singles, debriefing, and spiritual direction. It is a space where people experience sacred peace and healing. We grow our vegetables and fruit for all year round scrumptious eating.
Our Trustees
Andrew Connolly
Andrew lived at Peacemakers in 1988 as a single along with the original three families. Then went overseas living in the slums of Manila with Servants. Andrew has a Masters in Counselling and has worked as a counselor with men, young men (10+) and their families since 2002. He qualified as a Spiritual Director in 2014 and enjoys running men’s retreats
Find out more about Andrew at Counselling Creatively
Susannah Connolly
Susannah is a creative contemplative. Living at Peacemakers gives her the sacred space to offer Spiritual Direction/Debriefing and creative counselling.
She loves to nurture creative spaces around the property and offers these as healing spaces. Horses are her companions in all of the above at times. She loves Leunig, David Whyte, and Mary Oliver poetry. It’s all really about God is how she tries to live out life.
Find out more about Susannah at Counselling Creatively
Ron Rolston
Ron is a counselor and with experience in working with men and couples. Until Dec. 2018 he was a senior counsellor and Elder mentor for Man Alive. Ron brings wisdom and compassion to the work of Peacemakers. He is on the executive of New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association and has the mandate of bringing more synergy with Te Tiriti O Waitangi for the association. Ron is also a registered marriage celebrant and, with his wife Lilian, runs marriage and relationship programmes. They also provide debriefing services. They have 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They love relaxing with family on their shared lifestyle block in Henderson Valley.
Lilian Rolston
After an eclectic selection of careers, including nursing, midwifery and real estate sales, Lilian brings a great depth of understanding of human needs and relationships. The many years spent in Italy, as well as the cross-cultural aspects of work in New Zealand, have also added to her ability to communicate with folks from different walks of life.
Volunteering
We welcome volunteers at Peacemakers. There is always gardening, weeding and cleaning to do and in some seasons other jobs may be available. Home handyman skills are appreciated as well.
Accommodation is sometimes available if you are flexible with dates.
Some retreatants or groups are able to volunteer for an hour while they stay and tie this in with their retreat kaupapa which we really appreciate as well.
Please enquire through the contact page.
