BUILDING TRUST & INTEGRITY
WE ARE THERE TO HELP
ABOUT US
CHRISTIAN OVERSIGHT AND ACCREDITING TRUST (COAT)
We exist to serve and strengthen Christian churches, trusts, and camps across New Zealand. We are a charitable organisation dedicated to helping faith-based entities thrive by supporting excellence in governance, compliance, and safety.
Our core mission is to equip your board and leadership with the tools and frameworks needed for strong oversight, including compliance with the Charities Act, Health and Safety legislation, and the new Care and Safety laws that will be in action shortly.
At COAT, we focus on two main areas of growth and governance:
1 - Organisational Governance certification: (COAT)
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Accreditation – helping your church or trust meet best-practice standards.
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Governance support – improving oversight and risk management.
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Care and Safety – ensuring your people and places are protected.
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Capacity building – strengthening your ministry’s ability to operate with integrity and sustainability.
2 - Personal / Leadership review and growth (SHEPHERDTM )
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SHEPHERD Assessment - Providing a complete personal or 360-degree evaluation for Christian Leadership
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Personal assiance sessions
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Group reviews for Christian leadership teams
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Eldership / Pastoral and team dynamics.
We work alongside your leadership to reduce risk, build confidence, and help shape standards for the wider faith-based sector.
GOVERNANCE
Governance in Christian charities involves faithful stewardship of people, resources, and purpose according to biblical values, legal, and ethical standards. It ensures the organisation remains true to its mission, maintains integrity, and operates transparently and responsibly before God and the community. Trustees exercise wisdom, integrity, and humility, seeking unity and Christ-centered leadership. Effective governance clarifies roles, manages finances, handles risks, and complies with New Zealand’s Charities Act and regulations. Ultimately, governance embodies servant leadership, safeguarding trust and ensuring the organisation’s work is sustainable, impactful, and Christ-honoring
CARE
Care in Christian charities reflects Christ's heart by prioritizing people, showing compassion, dignity, and genuine concern for those served, those who serve, and the wider community. It fosters environments where safety, wellbeing, and respect are non-negotiable, and where staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries feel valued and supported. Care is demonstrated through ethical practice, responsible resource stewardship, and a commitment to do no harm—guided by love, justice, and humility. In New Zealand, care also means honoring cultural diversity, recognizing whānau, and respecting Māori as tangata whenua. By embodying Christlike compassion, Christian charities become trustworthy, relational, and transformative places of service.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Health and safety in Christian charities is both a legal obligation and a way to love our neighbors. It involves protecting and supporting everyone—staff, volunteers, visitors, and beneficiaries—so they can participate safely. Charities must take reasonable steps to identify and manage risks, follow the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and create a culture where people feel comfortable reporting hazards and concerns. This includes clear policies, proper training, and maintaining safe environments during all activities. Grounded in Christlike care, a strong health and safety culture upholds dignity, prevents harm, and responsibly stewards those entrusted to the charity.
HELP
At COAT, we help Christian charities strengthen governance to thrive in their mission, operate with integrity, and stay compliant. We provide practical guidance, clear frameworks, and faith-aligned support for boards and leaders to manage their organizations wisely and transparently. Our focus is on building strong structures—policies, processes, accountability, and strategic clarity—while upholding biblical values. Partnering with churches, trusts, and Christian groups across New Zealand, COAT assists them in navigating legal requirements, managing risks, and leading confidently to ensure their ministries are sustainable, well-governed, and faithful to Christ.
BUILD
At COAT, we help Christian charities strengthen their teams and develop capacity to serve with excellence and lasting impact. We equip staff, volunteers, and leaders with practical skills, confidence, and faith-aligned tools that improve personal effectiveness and organisational health. Our focus is on building strong teams, improving systems, and nurturing a culture of growth, accountability, and Christlike service. Whether through training, mentoring, frameworks, or resources, COAT partners with organisations to ensure they have the knowledge, structures, and support to thrive in their mission and fulfil their calling.
SHAPE
At COAT, we help Christian charities prepare for the future by building resilient, forward-looking organizations that can adapt, innovate, and stay true to their mission. We work with boards and leaders to clarify vision, enhance strategic planning, and develop structures for sustainable growth and impact. Our guidance covers legal updates, governance, digital transformation, risk management, and changing community needs—all from a Christian perspective. By equipping organizations today, COAT enables them to confidently face tomorrow, steward resources wisely, and continue Christ’s work with strength and purpose for generations.