The Soko ni Nuinui (Sails of Hope) initiative will combine Indigenous traditional Pacific ocean-faring wisdom and stewardship knowledge with Christian theology and climate science to engage churches and communities as protectors of oceans as the lungs of God's created earth.

Throughout Eastertide the trainers arriving in Fiji's ports on the Uto Ni Yalo will deliver a programme of oceanic education underpinned by prayer and Bible-study. Centred on the theme “We Are the Ocean,”  the presentations and talanoa will challenge Anglicans and their communities to learn more about the links between God's hope for an ocean teeming with life, and discover their communities' potential roles in oceanic sustainability. 

While the onset of Cyclone Vaianu has shifted the start date of the Sails of Hope voyage by two days, the programme has now launched at Pacific Harbour, situated 50km from Suva on the southern coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. 

As the vaka travels to eight centres around Fiji up to Pentecost, and later on a voyage scheduled for Aotearoa New Zealand in summer 2026-27, its programme will focus on: river deltas and coastal erosion, urban-coastal interface and tourism, agriculture and sea-level rise, and the impact of oceanic changes on remote communities. 

While in Fiji during April-May 2026 the Sails for Hope programme will be hosted and promoted by Anglican churches and their communities at Pacific Harbour, and in Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Savusavu, Labasa, Levuka and Suva. 

Facilitators on board which include trainers from the Diocese of Polynesia and the Diocese of Wellington, who will use a specialised train-the-trainer manual to empower local communities.

While the Sails for Hope voyage is focused on education, trainers will offer a challenge to individuals and communities asking them to sign a commitment to ongoing oceanic stewardship and join a network for resource sharing and action on climate resilience throughout the Pacific. 

For updates on the Fiji leg of the Sails for Hope programme, watch the Diocese of Polynesia's Facebook group. 

To enquire about connecting with the Aotearoa New Zealand voyage later this year, contact Climate Commissioner Fei'loakitau Kaho Tevi on ccc(at)anglicanchurch.org.nz