OUR HISTORY

 Orama has a rich history of giving people hope and vision for their future through their experiences here. It has had a common thread woven throughout it’s existence of being a place of welcome, hospitality & where people experience life-changing encounters that literally alter the course of their life’s journey.

The valley was also originally used by local Maori for growing medicinal herbs and plants, including Mairehau whose pervasive perfume was said to permeate the valley with peace and healing.

Pioneered by Neville and Dorothy Winger in 1963, having purchased the 800 acre farm land from the Padderson family, Orama began as a Christian conference and ministry centre. This ministry had an international impact through the many people that were transformed here and went on to pioneer movements of their own.

A short History of Orama's Ministry

Neville Winger was a man with a big vision. His Vision saw many initiatives run out of Orama including; training programs for young people, conventions, camps, a radio station, a rehabilitation center, bible school & also the printing, publishing & distribution of books.

Orama was known as a significant place for renewal in New Zealand, especially through its Conventions & Summer Camps programs.

Then there were the YWAM days. Discipleship Training Schools were run here & later, the Elkana worship schools.

In 2004 long after Neville & Dot passed, Orama was Closed.

In 2005, it re-opened with a new Trust board & a new Vision, based on the spirit of the historic mission of Orama but relevant and accessible to people today.

There were New Beginnings & a partnership established with Hillary Outdoors (OPC). Summer camps & Events started to come back including; sojourn, Malachai, the gathering, Inflame worship school & inspire school of painting. Fatherheart Ministries also returned with their Inheriting the nation’s school and continue to be a major partner of Orama’s.