Vaughan Park Retreat Centre

03/06/2026

⏳ Don't leave it too late.

Applications for the 2027 Vaughan Park Resident Scholarship Programme close on 31 July 2026.

If you've been considering applying, now is the time.

Apply on our website today.

11/05/2026

Over the first few months of 2026, Vaughan Park has had the privilege of welcoming three remarkable scholars in residence as part of our Vaughan Park Scholarship Programme.

From theological reflection and research, to writing, study, and vocational renewal, each residency brings a unique contribution to the life and spirit of this place.

We extend our sincere thanks to:

• Rev. Dr. Ellen — exploring how the values of love, hope, and faith can be translated into language accessible to wider audiences in today’s world.

• Gillian Cameron — poet and former public servant, continuing work on her poetry collection *The Light on our Way*, grounded in themes of hope, justice, creation, and divine love.

• Sainimili Nabou — PhD candidate researching how Indigenous Fijian cultural knowledge can help reshape early childhood education policy and practice.

One of the quiet joys of Vaughan Park is witnessing how this space continues to provide room for rest, reflection, learning, creativity, and deeper exploration — something increasingly rare in today’s busy world.

We remain deeply grateful to all those who continue to support and believe in the vision of the Vaughan Park Scholarship Programme.

Applications for the 2027 Vaughan Park Scholarship Programme are now open, with applications closing on 31 July 2026. To find out more or apply, please visit our website.

05/05/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Vaughan Park Resident Scholarship Programme.

Each year, Vaughan Park welcomes ministers, scholars, writers, artists, and researchers seeking dedicated time and space for theological study, reflection, writing, and creative work within a peaceful retreat environment overlooking Long Bay, Auckland.

The Scholarship Programme offers:
• Private ensuite accommodation
• Full catered meals
• Access to chapel, library, gardens, and beach
• A quiet space for focused study and reflection

We welcome applications from both lay and ordained applicants from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

Applications close: 31 July 2026.

For further information, or to apply online, please visit:
https://www.vaughanpark.org.nz/scholarship.html

19/04/2026

May 1st marks World Labyrinth Day, and also the one-year anniversary of the opening of our own labyrinth — a space that so many guests and visitors have come to enjoy.

With uninterrupted views across Long Bay Beach, there is something truly grounding and restorative about walking this beautiful labyrinth.

Join Sonya Lyn, the designer and builder of our labyrinth, on Saturday 2nd May as we Walk as One at 1 — part of a global wave of peaceful intention.

All are welcome.

04/04/2026

🌿 He is risen.

This Easter Sunday, we pause to reflect on a story of hope —
of light breaking through darkness,
of new life where there once was loss.

At Vaughan Park, we are reminded daily of the quiet beauty of renewal —
in the changing seasons, in the rhythm of the sea,
and in the people who come here seeking rest, reflection, and connection.

May today bring you a sense of peace,
a moment to breathe,
and a reminder that hope is never far away.

However you are spending your Easter —
with loved ones, in quiet reflection, or out in nature —
may it be filled with grace and gentle joy.

Happy Easter from all of us at Vaughan Park.

02/04/2026

🌿 Good Friday Reflection 🌿

Today we pause.

Good Friday invites us into stillness — a moment to reflect on sacrifice, love, and the depth of grace that carries us, even in the hardest seasons.

At Vaughan Park, we are reminded that this day is not only about sorrow, but about hope. A quiet hope. A faithful hope. The kind that holds steady, even when the path feels uncertain.

May this Good Friday offer you space to breathe, to reflect, and to be gently reminded that you are held — in love, in grace, and in something far greater than ourselves.

From all of us at Vaughan Park, we wish you a meaningful and peaceful Good Friday.

24/03/2026

🎄 Win Christmas by the Sea 🎄

Would you like this view for Christmas?

We’re so excited to launch our Vaughan Park Christmas Raffle — giving you the chance to win a 7-night stay at Clare House, overlooking Long Bay Beach.

🌊 23–30 December 2026
🏡 Sleeps 7
🌿 A full week to rest, reconnect, and celebrate

Whether it’s family, friends, or a quiet Christmas escape… this is something truly special.

Every ticket helps us continue to care for Vaughan Park, including much-needed upgrades to our facilities, so we can keep offering a place of welcome, rest, and reflection for all who come here.

🎟️ $25 per entry | 3 for $70

👉 Enter via the link in the comments below

24/02/2026

Prayer and Contemplation – 2026

You are warmly invited to join us on the second Friday of each month at 11:00am in the Ruatara Chapel at Vaughan Park.
This is a quiet hour of contemplative prayer with icons — a gentle space to pause, breathe, and be still.
All are welcome. There is no need to book.
Gatherings are facilitated by Revd Dr Jacky Sewell, an Anglican priest and theological educator, musician and singer, gardener, artist and retreat leader. Her family heritage of Palestinian and Russian Orthodoxy fuels her prayer life and spirituality. Now semi-retired from teaching theology, Jacky offers contemplative prayer and retreats.

We look forward to welcoming you.

17/02/2026