Urban Vision officially began in 1996, but its roots extend further back into old friendships, shared schooling and common ministry. All of them lived in Berhampore, a suburb of Wellington City, New Zealand. Some were running youth ministries with Youth for Christ (YFC). Some were sharing a flat in the same suburb and working with refugee and migrants in high density housing. Some were old school and church friends. Others were sisters (and curiously still are!).Others ran together and did the same theology degrees. But they all shared a missional commitment, with a conviction that travelling together is more encouraging and a more powerful witness to God’s love.

They opened homes for foster girls and boys, and had deep relationships with refugee and migrant communities.
There were many great folk in those early days – some have continued on with UV, and others have moved on to other expressions of God’s love for a hurting world. In more recent years, Urban Vision spread to other parts of greater Wellington and Aotearoa.

In 1998, Urban Vision took over the running of Stillwaters in upper Cuba, in Wellington’s inner city. The UV homes and involvement in Berhampore/Newtown continued to expand. The households in upper Cuba st (4 at one stage) centred around what became known as ‘the Castle’, a community where people from the street could experience belonging and equality.

Also in 1998, some moved into Arlington Flats, run by the Wellington City Council, to support refugee and migrants. This began a good working relationship between UV and the City Council – and since then several UV folks have moved into WCC flats to support neighbours.

In 1999, Urban Vision became an Incorporated Society, officially distinct from Youth for Christ. This amicable split was in recognition of the distinct callings of the two organisations.

In 2003, a UV team moved to Ngatiawa, inland from Waikanae, to form what would become a rural retreat for city dwellers, and a rural home for Urban Vision. It has since become a contemporary monastery.

The Peoples Coffee, based in Newtown, was formed in 2004. It is the first justice-oriented business initiative so far in Urban Vision and will hopefully spawn other Fairtrade/Organic business ideas.

In 2006, a new neighbourhood ministry was pioneered in Merivale, Tauranga.

By the end of 2006, the Stillwaters ministry became fully independent of UV. By the end of 2007, the Merivale ministry also became fully independent UV. UV celebrates the maturity of these initiatives, and we continue to support and have close friendships with both of these important ministries.

At the beginning of 2007, two new UV teams began. First, a team in Cannons Creek, Porirua, got underway and now includes several households living in close proximity, finding ways to serve their neighbourhood.

Second, a pioneering work in Newtown Park Flats now includes several flats in that complex who are seeking to build bridges with their diverse neighbourhood and make a difference.

By the end of 2007, after a period of intense discernment, Urban Vision decided it would officially become a contemporary independent Order. We believe this will help us be more faithful to our calling as both prophet to the church, servant to our neighbours and support to one another.

In recent years – after previous years of respect from afar – Urban Vision has built all but an official affiliation with Servants. There is so much commonality in ethos, and the bonds have increased through current or ex-Urban Vision members having been part of (or having recently joined) Servants.

At the end of 2008, two exciting new developments have taken place: a new team was planted at Kenepuru, Porirua. Also, Urban Vision and the Anglican Diocese of Wellington have formed a covenant relationship to partner in mission in the region where possible and appropriate.

So, Urban Vision currently has seven teams (specific communities): Cannons Creek, Titahi Bay, Kenepuru, Mt Cook, Newtown, Newtown Park and Ngatiawa. In keeping with our age as a movement, we have restructured ourselves to emphasise the deep desire we have for good formation and encouragement of our community members, as well as the need to develop a sustainable spirituality of action and reflection. And there is the hint of new ideas in the air as people continue to listen and respond to God in their neighbourhoods. The story continues and the road goes ever on…