✝ Serving the Kingdom

Strategic Property Services for Churches & Not-for-Profits

Abide Charitable Trust provides expert property advice, project management and strategic guidance — helping faith communities and not-for-profit organisations unlock the full potential of their land and buildings.

Our Services Support Our Work

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"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit."

— John 15:5

Our Mission

Helping the Church Bear Fruit Through Its Property

Churches and not-for-profit organisations hold some of New Zealand's most significant land assets — often underutilised or poorly understood. Abide Charitable Trust exists to change that.

We provide pro bono and subsidised strategic property advice, helping faith communities divest, acquire, develop or better utilise their land and buildings in alignment with their mission.

Founded and led by David Whitburn LL.B BSc, CEO of Abide and a property developer of over 20 years' experience, our Board brings together legal, financial, governance, tikanga Māori, and theological expertise.

Meet the Board

What We Do

Strategic Property Services

From land disposal to development management, we guide organisations through every stage of their property journey.

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Property Strategy

We help churches and not-for-profits develop a clear, long-term property strategy aligned to their mission and financial sustainability.

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Divestment Advisory

Expert guidance when selling or transferring church or charitable land — ensuring best value and mission alignment through the process.

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Development Management

End-to-end project management for development of church-owned land, including affordable housing, community facilities and mixed-use projects.

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Acquisition Advisory

Helping organisations acquire property that supports their mission, with due diligence, negotiation and legal oversight.

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Asset Optimisation

Identifying ways to generate better returns from existing property — leasing, community lettings, redevelopment and joint ventures.

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Legal & Governance Advice

Drawing on extensive legal and governance expertise to navigate trust law, resource consent, contract management and compliance.

View All Services

Our Board

Wisdom, Faith & Expertise

Five dedicated Board members bringing diverse professional and community experience to serve the Kingdom through property.

Greg Milner-White

Chairperson

Local Government senior leader and infrastructure expert — Principal Development Advisor for the City Rail Link, New Zealand's largest ever infrastructure project.

Ngaire Lasika

Board Member

Community housing and governance leader with deep Tainui iwi connections and extensive experience in te ao Māori.

Rev. Onosai'i Auva'a

Board Member

Anglican Minister, Chaplain at King's School Remuera, theologian, former NZ Sevens gold medallist and accomplished worship musician.

Ammon Acarapi

Board Member

Pre-eminent property finance broker, property developer and director specialising in complex property investment finance.

David Whitburn

CEO & Board Member

Property developer, lawyer and governance expert with 20+ years' experience. Author of Invest and Prosper with Property.

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United in Purpose

Our Board reflects the rich diversity of New Zealand's faith communities, united in service to the Church and not-for-profit sector.

Read Their Stories

Support Our Work

Help Us Serve More Communities

As an approved donee organisation (CC63063), your donation to Abide Charitable Trust is tax-deductible. Your support enables us to provide pro bono property advice to churches and not-for-profits who need it most.

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