Celebrating Next Gen

The energy and impact of Next Gen ministry across The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa is plain to see. A recent report highlights and celebrates the territory’s ongoing commitment to journeying with children and young people as they discover their place in the movement today.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson is particularly thrilled to be part of what God is doing in and through Next Gen in this season.

‘I’ve witnessed firsthand the energy, creativity and faith of our young people, and it’s both inspiring and encouraging to see. Next Gen are stepping forward with courage and joy, and not only participating but leading. I’ve seen young people pray with conviction, serve with compassion and dream boldly about the future of The Salvation Army.’

Precious treasure

In the report, Next Gen Coordinator Lieutenant Alana LePine explains that the information presented is so much more than a list of events and statistics.

‘Every story and statistic point to a life seen, heard, included and contributing. The faith, creativity, leadership and courage of our children and young people continue to shape who we are and how we serve.’

At the heart of the Next Gen team’s approach and call to action is Tino Taonga, which means ‘precious treasure’. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that our children and young people are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. In te ao Māori, this means they are born with mana; in Fiji, they are a blessing; in Tonga, they are tapuaki (blessings) and koloa’ia (treasures); and in Samoa, they are born with fa’aaloalo—honour and reverence woven into the fabric of family and village life. The next generation of our four nations are Tino Taonga—precious treasures.

Like Janine, Alana emphasises the importance of creating space for young people to influence, shape and lead in The Salvation Army today.

‘We know that when we invest in young lives and make room for them to participate we see the most meaningful and lasting change. Spiritual, mental, physical and social transformation grows when we walk alongside children and young people as true partners in mission.’

Advocates and ambassadors

Two people who exemplify what is included in the report are courageous young women, Vanessa Opie and Molly Sheridan. Vanessa is the territory’s youth ambassador for modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) and has completed the Modern Slavery Response Certificate through Booth University College (Canada) and is now working to deepen understanding and inspire action across the movement.

‘I applied to be part of this programme because I wanted to better understand the issue: something I knew existed but hadn’t fully grasped in terms of its scale or proximity. I felt a strong desire to learn more, raise awareness and contribute to meaningful change wherever I can. I believe in standing up for what’s right and this programme has equipped me with the tools and knowledge to do that more effectively.’

Molly is the territorial girl advocate to the Social Justice Commission and was a delegate at the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York last year.

‘I engaged in panels, presentations and networking events focused on uplifting women and girls globally. Topics ranged from domestic violence to period poverty, and I returned with valuable insights, actionable ideas and many hopes and dreams—including advancing our women’s ministries and supporting young women through injustice.’

Young people across the territory are encouraged and supported to train in areas they are passionate about and to develop as changemakers and leaders.

‘Their voices are shaping our mission, reminding us that the next generation are not waiting in the wings—they are already at the heart of our movement,’ writes Janine.

Shared mission

Tino Taonga is for all expressions of The Salvation Army where children and young people are present. This means that not only are children and young people taking part in camps, discipleship gatherings, service projects, sport and music events, but during 2025, nearly 50,000 young people found support and connection through The Salvation Army’s Community Ministries services.

‘These numbers represent lives, stories and futures shaped by compassion,’ affirms Janine. ‘This is faith expressed in justice, presence and love. This is the shared mission of us all.’

Another expression of shared mission is The Salvation Army’s Housing Services that provide safe, short-term accommodation and support for people in need. ‘Sadly, many of those accessing our services are young people,’ reports Housing Services Director Mark Limmer.

A particularly noteworthy and innovative example of transformational social housing is Kotahitanga, a unique expression of The Salvation Army in West Hamilton and home to 71 families of different sizes, shapes and stages of life. With a large multi-purpose hall, basketball court and playground, children and young people are the central focus of the village.

‘What makes us unique isn’t our buildings or programmes,’ explains Mission Officer Captain Cass Henderson. ‘It’s a sense of living side by side and journeying together through the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s parents having the support of a village, while our tamariki (children) grow up together. It’s our elders passing on wisdom and knowledge, while receiving help and awhi (care) from our young people. It’s true intergenerational community with shared experiences—and all of the ways that God works within that.’

Whether it’s combined youth services in Fiji, holistic community outreach in Tonga, literacy programmes in Samoa or adventure-based learning in Aotearoa, the territory is embracing the vision of Tina Taonga.

‘This is Tino Taonga,’ affirms Alana. ‘This is us actively living out our calling to care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power. With hope and gratitude, we move into the future ready to champion, support and journey with the treasures among us.’