On 2 September 2026, the Bible Society of New Zealand (Bible Society New Zealand -BSNZ) celebrated its 180th anniversary—a remarkable journey in terms of the legacy and blessings it has produced. BSNZ was founded on 2 September 1846 and is the third-oldest organisation in New Zealand.
BSNZ’s CEO, Neels Janse van Rensburg, began the anniversary celebration video by acknowledging God’s faithfulness throughout BSNZ’s many years of service:
“Throughout the BSNZ’s 180-year mission, God has consistently worked faithfully through His Word. Generation after generation has come and gone; through the changing times, the lives of many people have been transformed by the message of hope found in the Bible, both in New Zealand and through the BSNZ’s overseas ministry.”
Support from the Fellowship (Fellowship)
As part of the celebrations, various Bible Societies from around the world sent video messages of congratulations to BSNZ to mark this occasion and to express their gratitude for BSNZ’s support, both past and present.
On behalf of the United Bible Societies (United Bible Societies-UBS), the Secretary-General of the UBS, Rev. Dirk Gevers, also sent a video message of congratulations and conveyed a message of support, blessings and gratitude for the achievement of this historic milestone.
“For 180 years, the work carried out by BSNZ, both domestically and globally, has been truly remarkable in providing the enriching and life-transforming message of God’s Word to everyone.
Recently, we reflected on the role of BSNZ in the publication and development of the book Identity Identified, a New Testament specifically designed for young people, which has brought great blessings and good to Catholic churches and the wider Catholic community, and has even reached the hands of two Popes.”
An Opportunity to Raise Funds for the Future
BSNZ is seizing this moment to encourage supporters to donate towards the future of Bible ministry in New Zealand. This significant milestone provides the perfect opportunity to launch a campaign regarding the organisation’s future mission sustainability.
On their official website, they have expressed their gratitude and thanks for the support of their loyal ministry partners:
“For 180 years, God’s people throughout New Zealand have been praying, giving and serving so that more people might encounter the Word of God. These faithful supporters of the ministry have helped spread the Word of God throughout New Zealand and to all corners of the world.”
This anniversary also serves as a reminder to the current generation to continue supporting the Good News ministry:
”Today, the New Zealand Bible Society continues this ministry through its mission: the translation, printing and distribution of the Bible, as well as efforts to bring people closer to the Holy Scriptures, so that they may access God’s Word in a language and format they understand. There are still many people who are eagerly awaiting it. The next chapter is now in our hands. You can support us today easily and securely via the online donation form or *internet banking*. Your generosity can help provide Bibles and Scripture resources to those who are still waiting for the opportunity to encounter God’s Word.”
The Success of the Good News Ministry in New Zealand
BSNZ has carried out so much remarkable work over the past 180 years, both in New Zealand and overseas. This Bible Society has achieved many significant milestones in the last decade, including the first publication of a Māori-language Children’s Bible, the publication of the Māori Bible in new formats and editions for the Cook Islands, the first-ever publication of the Bible in the Tokelau language, the launch of the Māori Audio Bible project, and support for the development of the ‘Identity:Identified’ programme.
On the global stage, BSNZ is a key and major contributor to UBS’s ministry, and many countries are better equipped to carry out the Good News ministry thanks to the support and guidance provided by BSNZ.
In the spirit of fellowship and partnership amongst Bible societies worldwide, let us join together in prayer for their continued success and well-being.
Freely adapted from: ubscommunity.org
