The latest project from the Tikanga Pākehā national youth team is APTUS, a project that weaves performing arts and faith together at a three-day annual theatre camp centred on Christian and youth-led themes.

APTUS 2025 was coordinated by National Youth Coordinator Rev Lorna Gray with help from Diocese of Christchurch and Diocese of Nelson Ministry Educator Renata van der Wal. It saw the first 14 young people from Nelson, Christchurch and Wellington Dioceses take part in a pilot programme at Woodend Christian camp in Christchurch between 11-13 July. 

APTUS, which loosely stands for "Anglican Performing arts Training for US" is a new initiative for Anglican youth aged 14–20 who enjoy the performing arts. This year's three-day start-up camp included storytelling, improvisation games, vocal work, dance and choreography training as well as time brainstorming and devising for the final performance at St Barnabas Church in Woodend. 

Rev Lorna Gray was delighted with results of this July's pilot programme. 

"The vision was to weave God into the centre of  performing arts and use these skills to create a message that shares Jesus, and the first APTUS did that very clearly."

This year's APTUS performance theme was loneliness, an issue for many isolated young people, not least the generations that saw the Covid-lockdown era in the middle of their childhood or teens.

Lorna said the process of preparing the piece on loneliness helped build the little community at the first APTUS.

"People shared their stories, there was prayer and worship weaved across each day, and the entire performance created for worship on the Sunday was built on a scripture passage fitting our theme: Revelation 3:20."

Ahlia Eden-Calcott, who travelled from Greymouth to attend, experienced it as a welcoming, supportive and encouraging place. 

"I found being in a space of creativity that was also a space of God and worship really helped me feel that God could be found in spaces like that.

"Seeing the adults there who follow God with creative careers inspired me, seeing how my passion in the arts could one day inspire other people." 

Lorna hopes Aptus will continue and begin to provide a different kind of Anglican youth network across the motu, centred on praying, brainstorming and performing together.

Lorna says that regular in-person events like APTUS are still as important as ever, especially for young people. 

"Jesus did life with people. That’s what young people need: real relationships. When they’ve got a skill, they often find people outside the church to help them grow in it. So let’s make sure there are places inside the church where they can do life with others who love Jesus."

"APTUS is one of those places. It’s designed to support everything already happening in local churches and dioceses and help young people grow in their gifts and leadership."

APTUS is now confirmed to return to Woodend Christian Camp in Christchurch from 17-19 July 2026. It will cost $175.00 per person to cover accommodation and catering. For more details go to: Anglican Youth Aotearoa