We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Trustees of the Worldwide Church of God (New Zealand) Trust.
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Click on any of the portraits above to learn more about each board member
The primary purpose and responsibility of our board is to oversee all matters of governance within the church’s affairs, and to review and protect the mission of the Church. To this end, it establishes, maintains, enforces and reviews a set of broad policies that encompass these objectives. The Board is responsible to the church as a whole, and under the terms of the New Zealand Charities Act (2005) is responsible to the New Zealand government for the financial and ethical governance of the church’s affairs.
Board members are appointed after first having been nominated by churches in the region in accordance with the Board Member nomination policy. A subcommittee of the Board then reviews nominations and makes recommendations, which the sitting Board then votes on. Board members have a usual term of three years but may be nominated for a further term if the skills they offer are deemed essential to the better discharging of the Board’s responsibilities.
Chairman – Peter Lindop
International Representative – Rod Matthews
Secretary Treasurer – Rex Morgan
Member – Trevor Blanchard
Secretary Treasurer – Rex Morgan
Member – Trevor Blanchard
Member – Les Evans
Member – Maureen MacDonald
Member – Gael McInnes
Member – Dennis Richards
Member – Maureen MacDonald
Member – Gael McInnes
Member – Dennis Richards
The Board is not directly involved in ecclesiastical issues, these being the responsibility of the National Pastoral Team. The Board answers for all matters of governance under the Charities Act (2005). It assists and resources the work of the church as advised and led by the National Pastoral Team, who in turn answers to the Board in all matters of administrative and financial control.
Trevor Blanchard
Home City: Tauranga
Member Since: 2005
Office Held: Member
Member Since: 2005
Office Held: Member
Occupation
Retired.
Retired.
Personal & church history
Born in Raetihi on 18 December 1928, living and working there until aged 21 years. Attended Raetihi Primary School and Ohakune District High School but for the 5th form year enrolled with the Government Correspondence School, through which I passed my University Entrance qualification.
Commenced a career in banking in 1945 with the Bank of New Zealand in Raetihi and retired after more than 43 years service in 1988 having held executive and managerial positions for 23 years. After retirement I worked for 3 years with another bank, then 2 years as a mortgage broker and since 1994 until 2008 I have been a franchisee with Corporate Cabs.
I have attended with Worldwide Church of God since 1976 and was baptized in 1977. I participated Spokesman’s club for many years and am currently chairman of the Auckland congregation’s Local Advisory Council.
My interest in service club activities began in the late 1950s in Jaycees. I served as the Te Aroha Chapter’s President, then of the Suva Chapter when transferred to Fiji. The Suva Chapter later conferred the honour of a Senatorship, which is life membership in the international organisation. On reaching the compulsory retiring age for Jaycees, I was invited to become a Rotarian. Subsequently I was elected President of the Kaitaia Club. I was also President of the Kaitaia Chamber of Commerce, which at the time had a very active role in the community.
Aspirations & hopes
I hope to become a useful and contributing member of the Worldwide Church of God Board of Trustees through my experience in banking and in the voluntary service area.
I have attended with Worldwide Church of God since 1976 and was baptized in 1977. I participated Spokesman’s club for many years and am currently chairman of the Auckland congregation’s Local Advisory Council.
My interest in service club activities began in the late 1950s in Jaycees. I served as the Te Aroha Chapter’s President, then of the Suva Chapter when transferred to Fiji. The Suva Chapter later conferred the honour of a Senatorship, which is life membership in the international organisation. On reaching the compulsory retiring age for Jaycees, I was invited to become a Rotarian. Subsequently I was elected President of the Kaitaia Club. I was also President of the Kaitaia Chamber of Commerce, which at the time had a very active role in the community.
Aspirations & hopes
I hope to become a useful and contributing member of the Worldwide Church of God Board of Trustees through my experience in banking and in the voluntary service area.
Les Evans
Home City: Invercargill
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
Occupation
Manager of Southern Light Community Centre
Manager of Southern Light Community Centre
Personal & church history
After leaving school in 1966, I started in the construction industry and have been active in it all my working career. I served in the New Zealand Army for a short period under the then Compulsory Military Training Scheme.
After leaving school in 1966, I started in the construction industry and have been active in it all my working career. I served in the New Zealand Army for a short period under the then Compulsory Military Training Scheme.
Married in 1972 to Kaye, we have three grown children and two grandchildren.
Kaye and I enjoy tramping through the many wilderness areas of New Zealand with friends whenever we get a chance for that.
Kaye and I enjoy tramping through the many wilderness areas of New Zealand with friends whenever we get a chance for that.
We began attending with the Worldwide Church of God in 1986 and have served in the local congregation in a number of roles over the years. We have been active in a number of charity organisations (Habitat for Humanity, Riding for the Disabled, etc.) and currently we head up the local outreach of the church in Invercargill, the Southern Light Community Centre. We are also involved in outreach work in Vanuatu, having built structures for both Habitat for Humanity and for the church.
What the member brings to the Board
I had previously served on the Invercargill Board of Habitat for Humanity and bring those skills to this Board. I also bring many ideas for opportunities for service and for advancing the work of the church.
I had previously served on the Invercargill Board of Habitat for Humanity and bring those skills to this Board. I also bring many ideas for opportunities for service and for advancing the work of the church.
Aspirations & hopes
To see the outpouring work of God's Spirit in the communities around us.
To see the outpouring work of God's Spirit in the communities around us.
Peter Lindop
Home City: Rotorua
Member Since: 2005
Office Held: Chair
Occupation
Retired.
Personal & church history
My wife Lillian and I were married in 1963 while in Southport, England and joined the Worldwide Church of God in 1964. I have held various offices. We came to New Zealand in 1975 with our two daughters.
My wife Lillian and I were married in 1963 while in Southport, England and joined the Worldwide Church of God in 1964. I have held various offices. We came to New Zealand in 1975 with our two daughters.
Peter is the pastor of the Rotorua Worldwide Church of God congregation and has lived in Rotorua for over thirty years. He was ordained to eldership over twenty-five years ago.
In addition to his role as a Trustee on the Worldwide Church of God (NZ) Trust, Peter is:
- A chaplain at the Rotorua Public hospital.
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Rotorua Ministers Association representative on the Rotorua Hospital Chaplaincy Trust.
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For four years he was the secretary/treasurer of the Rotorua Ministers Association.
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Currently the treasurer of the Rotorua Committee of Bible in Schools committee.
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Chairman of the Rotorua Gospel Broadcasting Charitable Trust and a contributor on air of church matters.
Aspirations & hopes
To see the knowledge of Christ grow in the lives of Christians, especially among those who have neglected their faith.
To see the knowledge of Christ grow in the lives of Christians, especially among those who have neglected their faith.
Maureen MacDonald
Home City: Wellington
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
Occupation
Currently I am doing part-time accounts work for the company which my husband manages. Prior to that I worked ten years for the Independent Schools Council as PA to the Executive Director.
Currently I am doing part-time accounts work for the company which my husband manages. Prior to that I worked ten years for the Independent Schools Council as PA to the Executive Director.
Personal & church history
My husband, Andrew and I were married in 1981 and our blended family includes his daughter and son and my three sons. We live in Lower Hutt and our children, now grown and some married, are scattered from Lower Hutt to London. We are the proud grandparents of three little boys. My leisure interests include principally reading and genealogy.
My husband, Andrew and I were married in 1981 and our blended family includes his daughter and son and my three sons. We live in Lower Hutt and our children, now grown and some married, are scattered from Lower Hutt to London. We are the proud grandparents of three little boys. My leisure interests include principally reading and genealogy.
I began attending the Wellington congregation of the Worldwide Church of God with my children in 1981 and have always had the support of my husband. Currently I am a member of the Pastoral Team, co-ordinate a small group and compile our weekly church bulletin. Over the years I have been involved with children’s and youth activities, kitchen duties, magazine distribution, co-ordinated our women’s ministry group and been a member of the Local Advisory Council.
I was a member of the National Advisory Council from 1999 to 2001 during which time I co-ordinated Festivals in Rotorua and Wellington and have been on the New Zealand Church Trust Board since it was formed in 2002, serving as Treasurer from 2004-2005.
What the member brings to the Board
I bring to the Board a woman’s perspective along with knowledge of non-profit organizations, accounting, IRD compliance and meeting procedures.
I bring to the Board a woman’s perspective along with knowledge of non-profit organizations, accounting, IRD compliance and meeting procedures.
Aspirations & hopes
As a member of the Board I feel it is important to be in touch with church members around the country and to be aware of their needs and how they may be affected by decisions the Board may make. As a church with scattered congregations it is important the members do not feel isolated and that they are empowered to do the Lord’s work where they are able. I have been privileged to serve the church during a time of change and the spiritual growth of the members that has ensued. I look forward to what the future may bring.
As a member of the Board I feel it is important to be in touch with church members around the country and to be aware of their needs and how they may be affected by decisions the Board may make. As a church with scattered congregations it is important the members do not feel isolated and that they are empowered to do the Lord’s work where they are able. I have been privileged to serve the church during a time of change and the spiritual growth of the members that has ensued. I look forward to what the future may bring.
Gael McInnes
Home City: Auckland
Member Since: 2005
Office Held: Member
Occupation
Retired nurse and midwife.
Personal & church history
As a Registered Nurse and Midwife, I worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings, many in senior management and teaching positions. I also have a Diploma in Adult Teaching, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition and a Bachelor of Health Science (Nsg).
I was brought up in a loving Christian home and gave my life to the Lord at age 14 years. Attending the Anglican Church, I was a leader in the 18+ youth group and served on the local church council for a term. This church supported me when I served a 4-year nursing assignment with the Australian Board of Missions (Anglican) at an Aboriginal settlement on the Cape York Peninsula in Northern Queensland.
I came into the Worldwide Church of God in 1987 and have taught Sabbath School, performed nursing and teaching duties at our national youth camps, co-ordinated the Women’s Speaking Group (2 years), been a member of the Local Advisory Committee (3 years, and 1 year as Chairperson), and am at present a member of the Local Strategic Planning Team.
My preoccupations are family, reading, writing, gardening, genealogy and crafts. I plan to use my retirement to write my family history and memoirs, and get involved in school reading programmes and chaplaincy work.
What the member brings to the Board
Energy, commitment, time and a sense of humour. Also, experience in church organisation, administration and being a team player.
Aspirations & hopes
I want to continue to grow as a Christian into my calling of being an integral part of the body of Christ. It is exciting and challenging being part of a church that is committed to teaching God’s Word as it is written. The changes we have experienced have benefited us all and to see members growing into and using their spiritual gifts and talents has been inspirational.
I believe I can contribute to this ongoing growth and stability of our church in New Zealand and am honoured to be selected to the Board of Trustees.
Home City: Auckland
Member Since: 2005
Office Held: Member
Occupation
Retired nurse and midwife.
Personal & church history
As a Registered Nurse and Midwife, I worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings, many in senior management and teaching positions. I also have a Diploma in Adult Teaching, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition and a Bachelor of Health Science (Nsg).
I was brought up in a loving Christian home and gave my life to the Lord at age 14 years. Attending the Anglican Church, I was a leader in the 18+ youth group and served on the local church council for a term. This church supported me when I served a 4-year nursing assignment with the Australian Board of Missions (Anglican) at an Aboriginal settlement on the Cape York Peninsula in Northern Queensland.
I came into the Worldwide Church of God in 1987 and have taught Sabbath School, performed nursing and teaching duties at our national youth camps, co-ordinated the Women’s Speaking Group (2 years), been a member of the Local Advisory Committee (3 years, and 1 year as Chairperson), and am at present a member of the Local Strategic Planning Team.
My preoccupations are family, reading, writing, gardening, genealogy and crafts. I plan to use my retirement to write my family history and memoirs, and get involved in school reading programmes and chaplaincy work.
What the member brings to the Board
Energy, commitment, time and a sense of humour. Also, experience in church organisation, administration and being a team player.
Aspirations & hopes
I want to continue to grow as a Christian into my calling of being an integral part of the body of Christ. It is exciting and challenging being part of a church that is committed to teaching God’s Word as it is written. The changes we have experienced have benefited us all and to see members growing into and using their spiritual gifts and talents has been inspirational.
I believe I can contribute to this ongoing growth and stability of our church in New Zealand and am honoured to be selected to the Board of Trustees.
Rod Matthews
Home City: Rubina, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: International Representative
Home City: Rubina, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: International Representative
Occupation
International Director and Mission Developer for Australia, New Zealand, Southern Asia and the South Pacific
Personal & church history
International Director and Mission Developer for Australia, New Zealand, Southern Asia and the South Pacific
Personal & church history
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Born in Melbourne, Australia
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Worked with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Division of Meteorological Physics, 1966 - 1969
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Graduate of Ambassador University, England, 1973
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Married Ruth Bauer, 1973
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Served in pastoral ministry and as assistant to Australian regional director in church administration and festival planning, 1973 – 1979
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Ordained 1974
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Pastored churches in New South Wales and Queensland
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Assigned to World Headquarters in Pasadena, CA to serve as international coordinator for the church’s regional offices, 1979-1984
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Travelled extensively in this capacity in North America, and to Europe, Africa and Asia.
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Assigned to Philippines as office manager, 1984
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Appointed regional director for Philippine region, 1987
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Appointed regional director for Australia and Asia, 1990, to which was added the former New Zealand/South Pacific region when amalgamated in 1993
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Admitted as an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, 1999
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Has two married sons and two grandchildren
What the member brings to the Board
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A personal and intimate knowledge of the personnel and functioning of the church’s international headquarters
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An international experience and perspective of working within a multi-cultural and world-girdling organisation
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Managerial and administrative experience that is geared to helping the church maintain its perspective and achieve its purposes
Aspirations & hopes
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To help strengthen the New Zealand board’s effectiveness as the guardian of the church’s commission through the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the trustees
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To be part of an era of rebuilding and growth of our fellowship in New Zealand so our experiences and journey can be offered as a blessing to all Christians
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To see the New Zealand church grow in confidence and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit and take its place as a vital involved part of a fellowship that is truly worldwide and reflective of the family of God
Rex Morgan
Home City: Auckland
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Secretary Treasurer
External Responsibility: Administration Representative
Occupation
I currently serve as the office manager for the church’s office in Auckland, and as pastor of the Auckland congregation. I also fill a pastoral role with several of the smaller congregations, and have worked for many years with our members in Vanuatu.
Home City: Auckland
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Secretary Treasurer
External Responsibility: Administration Representative
Occupation
I currently serve as the office manager for the church’s office in Auckland, and as pastor of the Auckland congregation. I also fill a pastoral role with several of the smaller congregations, and have worked for many years with our members in Vanuatu.
Personal & church history
I have been involved with the Worldwide Church of God from the time it began reaching NZ via “The World Tomorrow” radio broadcast and the magazines and booklets distributed from Australia in the 1960’s. My father responded to a Readers Digest advertisement at that time, and as a young lad in my early teens I joined him in devouring the Church’s literature and Bible teaching.
I have been involved with the Worldwide Church of God from the time it began reaching NZ via “The World Tomorrow” radio broadcast and the magazines and booklets distributed from Australia in the 1960’s. My father responded to a Readers Digest advertisement at that time, and as a young lad in my early teens I joined him in devouring the Church’s literature and Bible teaching.
My father was baptised on one of the early baptismal tours from Australia, and our family travelled to the Festival in Blackheath, NSW, in 1967. My parents went again in 1968, and we were all present at the first NZ Festival, held at Taupo in 1969.
The following year I went to Ambassador College at Bricket Wood, England. After graduation in 1974, I took up a job in the mailing area of the Worldwide Church of God Auckland office. I was ordained as a minister in 1979. I’ve had the privilege of working in the church office for over 30 years.
I am married to Marilyn, and have three grown children.
What the member brings to the Board
Having worked in the office and congregations for so long, I am able to bring to the board a knowledge of the church’s office systems, as well as doctrinal and theological issues. I have served as secretary of the board since its establishment.
Having worked in the office and congregations for so long, I am able to bring to the board a knowledge of the church’s office systems, as well as doctrinal and theological issues. I have served as secretary of the board since its establishment.
Aspirations & hopes
I see the board as a group of mature and competent trustees, charged with protecting and administering the assets of the church, and fulfilling the fiduciary responsibilities required by law. The board is working to ensure the church is administered properly and engaged in building healthy congregations, providing sound spiritual guidance for the benefit of the members and those with whom they are able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I see the board as a group of mature and competent trustees, charged with protecting and administering the assets of the church, and fulfilling the fiduciary responsibilities required by law. The board is working to ensure the church is administered properly and engaged in building healthy congregations, providing sound spiritual guidance for the benefit of the members and those with whom they are able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dennis Richards
Home City: Palmerston North
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
External Responsibility: Pastoral Representative
Home City: Palmerston North
Member Since: 2002
Office Held: Member
External Responsibility: Pastoral Representative
Occupation
Presently employed by WCG as a senior pastor (Wellington, Palmerston North and Hawkes Bay), and as National Pastoral and Congregational Development Coordinator.
Presently employed by WCG as a senior pastor (Wellington, Palmerston North and Hawkes Bay), and as National Pastoral and Congregational Development Coordinator.
Personal & church history
Born in Melbourne, Australia but grew up in Auckland. In 1963, my parents made contact with the church. Following a year at Auckland University, I attended Ambassador College in the UK, graduating in 1974. Returning to Auckland, I completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)(Hons.), graduating in 1979 and going on to work for the Ministry of Works and Development (MWD) as a design engineer, obtaining registration as a professional engineer in 1985.
Born in Melbourne, Australia but grew up in Auckland. In 1963, my parents made contact with the church. Following a year at Auckland University, I attended Ambassador College in the UK, graduating in 1974. Returning to Auckland, I completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)(Hons.), graduating in 1979 and going on to work for the Ministry of Works and Development (MWD) as a design engineer, obtaining registration as a professional engineer in 1985.
Married in 1977 to Sue (Macdonald), we moved to Wellington in January 1978 to begin my engineering career. I was ordained as a local elder there in July 1979. The family shifted in 1980 to Dunedin within the MWD where my duties ranged from bridge and roading construction to irrigation design. Our son Graeme was born in Dunedin in 1983.
Late in 1985 I was hired into full time ministry and moved to serve first in Tauranga for 2½ years, then 3½ years in Auckland, and moving finally in 1991 to Palmerston North. Currently I am pastoring the Wellington, Palmerston North and Hawkes Bay congregations, supervise the South Island congregations and oversee the activities of pastoral teams throughout the country where they exist.
The financial downturn and retrenching of the late 1990s resulted in my shifting to half time employment in 2000 and taking up studies in information technology. These were completed in 2003. In 2004, I resumed full-time employment in the church. In addition to pastoral duties, I now coordinate the training and development of pastoral teams across the country. I have been a Board Member since its inception in 2002 and have served as chairman of the National Pastoral Team since 2004.
What the member brings to the Board
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Commitment to furthering the work of the church (have attended WCG since its establishment in 1967 in New Zealand) and an extensive understanding of its roots, history and traditions
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Basic theological training (graduate of Ambassador College, 1974)
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Contract management and planning skills (graduate of Auckland University’s Engineering School, 1979, 8 years experience in that field and certified as a registered civil engineer)
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Wide experience over 25 years in various pastoral roles within WCG
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Information technology skills (graduate of Palmerston North’s polytechnic school, UCOL, with an applied IT degree, 2004)
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Teaching experience, both in the church and in the tertiary education sector
Aspirations & hopes
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To promote the highest spiritual, ethical and moral standards in all church and governance functions
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To maintain and build the spiritual health and integrity of the church.
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To resource pastoral teams and small congregations, and encourage growth within these bodies.
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To ensure high quality personnel resourcing and leadership is deployed in the church.
