Vicar and Associate Priest
Our Vicar, Father John was ordained in the Diocese of St Davids in Wales in 2002. He has ministered in rural and suburban contexts for the entirety of his ministry. Father John’s first language is Welsh, and he has a special interest in indigenous communities and their relationship to the communities as they find themselves today. John’s specialism is in bi-culturalism and bilingualism. He has also worked extensively in schools’ ministry and has been involved in schools’ governance and inspection in Wales, with a specific focus on ethos.
While our Associate Priest, Rev’d Sue was ordained in our own Waiapu Diocese in 2021. A team at home and in Church. After serving for two years in our Cathedral in Napier, she moved to join our team in Havelock North in October 2023. Her special interest and the focus of her ministry is the elderly demographic within Havelock North, and she therefore spends much of her time ministering in Waiapu House & Village, Mary Doyle, Summerset, and Ryman (James Wattie). Before Ordination, Sue prepared others for Ordination, teaching a series of courses on Christian doctrine and the Bibe, she has also taught Religious Studies at pre-University level and has been an Administrator.
Father John and Rev’d Sue are a married couple, both originally from Wales they first came to New Zealand for a study break in 2019 and, feeling a called by God, they moved here just a few months later – living in Havelock North ever since. They have no children but do enjoy the company of their rescue dog Lili – a Miniature Schnauzer crossed with an Aussie Terrier.
Our Vicar: The Venerable John Matthews Our Associate Priest: The Rev’d Sue Matthews
Email: vicarstlukeshn@waiapu.com Email: sue.matthews@acw.org.nz
Phone: 021 939 338 Phone: 027 244 9527