New Zealand has a relatively young fellowship with much to learn from the experience of other international groups. With five main centers and an intergroup that has been in existence for approximately three years, we have the structure in place to allow proliferation of the fellowship Down Under.

The fellowship has its beginnings in the Auckland Thursday fellowship in 2004. From here the fellowship has grown.

It came to Christchurch around 2011, just after the devastating earthquake. Now there are about 15 members coming regularly and up to 20 attendees some weeks. We’ve been greatly helped by connecting our group to the fellowship by organizing a Zoom link.

In 2013 a newcomer to the Auckland group was relocating to Tauranga. Putting him together with another member allowed the beginnings of a Tauranga Fellowship. They now have a regular attendance of around 10- 12 members, some in person, and some when travel problems, on phone.

From this group, the Hamilton fellowship began in 2019, which has fluctuated between 2 and 6 members over the 2 years in existence with currently 6 members meeting weekly.

The Wellington Fellowship has had a more tentative start with low numbers and people committed to coming back but has gradually gained momentum and sober members. Currently it has 9 regular members.

In fact the fellowship is no doubt poised to increase in numbers thanks to the Covid lockdown. Being forced to work from home sets the conditions for many to revert to their computers and acting out. We had an increase in 2020 after lockdown, and we expect the same as we emerge from lockdown again. As Zoom and internet calling increases in familiarity, so too is there an increase in members calling overseas for support.

Where sponsors working the program locally are perhaps limited, there has been a growing awareness that the international body is strong, and it is not uncommon to hear of members with sponsors in the UK or America. The Melbourne Australia and Nashville Big Book study is gaining popularity; insights are shared at our corresponding meetings; and the learnings are invaluable.

We are pleased to belong to a fellowship that, like the Transformers’ catch phrase, is more than meets the eye!