The Christchurch Methodist Central Mission is a social service organisation of the Church which is subject to the Laws and Regulations of the Methodist Church of New Zealand and which operates within the framework of the Church's bi-cultural commitment and in accordance with those of Methodist Mission Aotearoa. The Mission, working together with local Methodist and Union parishes, serves local people and works for social justice in Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast. It exercises practical care and concern for people by: a) providing social services in response to personal and community needs; b) working for social justice and the eradication of poverty in the region and country; c) providing social and affordable rental housing for low-income families; d) providing residential and nursing care for older people and those nearing the end of their life; e) offering support to families including through the provision of early childhood education;