Building on many previous expressions of unity in the city Te Raranga has its genesis in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 in Canterbury. Churches immediately swung into action, initiating care and support within their communities. The huge benefits of working together soon became evident and a group of leaders began meeting regularly to pray, share, and coordinate their activities. It was a remarkable context to share information and resources with a wide team including Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, Adventists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Presbyterians, Quakers, Independents, etc. Steve Graham, Murray Robertson and Mike Dodge headed a group whose emphasis was discern how the Holy Spirit was already at work bringing Christians together and continue to encourage that.

The Churches Forum was formed as an informal meeting of church and denominational EQ co-ordinators. Supported by several Christian NGOs including World Vision, TEAR Fund and Christian World Service, the Forum was able to collaborate with the City Council, the Ministry of Social Development and CERA.

From these beginnings Te Raranga became a Trust in 2014, whose vision is to encourage unity among followers of Jesus, and to help the church be a prophetic voice together to the city, the nation, and the world.