Meet our team

Alongside our publicly listed chaplains, we are grateful for several trusted media professionals who support Media Chaplaincy New Zealand behind the scenes. While they prefer not to be publicly identified due to their current roles or public identities, they make themselves available on an occasional basis to meet with people in the industry for a coffee or conversation when appropriate.

General Manager

Elesha manages Media Chaplaincy New Zealand and keeps everything ticking. As a former journalist, she is passionate about ensuring media personnel are seen as real people, especially by those sitting outside of the industry. Elesha is focused on advocating for the sustainability and wellbeing of those working in the industry. 

Lead Chaplain

Frank is the founder and lead chaplain for Media Chaplaincy New Zealand. He has many years of experience in providing support and care for people. Frank has a history in radio broadcasting and can be heard every Sunday night on Newstalk ZB. He highly values the place of the media in society and many in the industry have trusted him enough to sit down and have confidential conversations about life and work. 

Lead Chaplain
Auckland, Online

Petra has worked in NZ broadcasting for decades and brings a deep understanding of the media industry. As part of the MCNZ leadership team, Petra helps shape how we care for and support people working in media, and works as a chaplain. She is passionate about creating space for honest conversations, drawing on her own experience in the industry and years of walking alongside people through its challenges.

Chaplain
Salt / Nationwide

Nathaniel is a former presenter, ordained minister, and self-confessed sports addict. He's been in front of the camera on the AM Show (talking about body odour), has operated the boom mic and was a camera assistant in a short film. He loves talking on the phone, and mentors a range of people.

Chaplain
Pasifika

Rev Atu Lagi has a particular focus on supporting those working in Pacific media. With qualifications in pastoral care, education and leadership, as well as experience as a former radio announcer, Atu brings a valuable understanding of both the media industry and pastoral support. Currently serving as a minister, he is passionate about nurturing people and helping them grow into their full potential.

Chaplain
Auckland

Justin Latif is an award-winning journalist, communicator and community organiser with a background in teaching and coaching. He has worked across newsrooms and communications, including roles at Stuff, RNZ, The Spinoff and Pacific Media Network. Passionate about community storytelling, Justin has a particular heart for South Auckland and ensuring underrepresented voices are heard.

Chaplain
Auckland

Charene brings years of experience across Aotearoa’s media, music and entertainment industries, from her time in radio with Mai FM through to her work in artist management.But anyone who knows Charene knows that, above all, she loves people. She has an incredible ability to see people, listen well, and meet them with genuine warmth and empathy. It’s something that makes her such a natural fit for chaplaincy.

Chaplain
Christchurch

Joy is an experienced broadcast journalist with a 20-year career spanning radio and television, including time as 1News’ Europe Correspondent. She also reported extensively on the Christchurch earthquakes and their aftermath. Alongside her journalism career, Joy co-founded One Mother to Another, a charity supporting parents with children in hospital. Her firsthand understanding of the pressures of journalism, particularly trauma reporting, brings valuable insight and empathy to her role as a media chaplain.

Chaplain
Otago/ Southland

Shannon is the former Central Otago Bureau Chief for the Otago Daily Times and brings firsthand experience of regional journalism. She understands the unique pressures of working in smaller newsrooms, often as the only journalist covering a community, and how isolating that can sometimes feel. With a heart for supporting those working in media, Shannon offers a listening ear and a chance to connect over a coffee, whether you need to debrief, talk through a challenge or simply catch up.

Chaplain
Wellington

Tessa Guest is an experienced radio news producer and journalist who brings a firsthand understanding of the demands of working in a fast-paced newsroom. With a wealth of experience in the industry, she is particularly well placed to support those starting out in journalism or navigating the challenges of shift work.

Chaplain
Wellington

Reverend Scottie Reeve is an Anglican Priest from Brooklyn, Wellington. He is the host of the 21 Elephants Podcast and the author of 21 Elephants - Leaving Religion for the Reckless Way of Jesus. Alongside this, Scottie has written for a variety of mediums, is a university chaplain and the mind behind some of Wellington's most ingenious social enterprises, including two container cafes. He definitely loves coffee enough to be part of the team.

Chaplain
Christchurch

Isaac is a radio producer with experience in commercial radio, including time at MediaWorks and The Rock. Having entered the industry relatively recently, he understands the challenges of finding your feet in media and navigating the fast-paced world of radio. He is particularly passionate about connecting with and supporting those starting in their media careers.

Chaplain
Nelson, Online

Spanky Moore is an ordained Anglican minister who, until recently, was the chaplain at the University of Canterbury and mercifully still sports a beard of significant splendour. In a past life, Spanky has worked as the breakfast host, a writer and editor for various magazines, as well as a brief stint as a TV co-host. Spanky is passionate about the importance of connecting our deep beliefs and our work - and understands the unique pressures the media industry can have on spiritual, emotional and relational health.

Chaplain
Tauranga

Encouraging and deeply perceptive, Jilly brings a thoughtful and grounded presence to her work as a chaplain.

She has spent many years walking alongside people and has a unique understanding of the pressures that can come with performance and public life. Her experience includes supporting actors, as well as experiencing the industry herself when she was cast in a Netflix reality production filmed in the United States.

Chaplain
Auckland

Andrea, a seasoned journalist, started her career at the Nelson Evening Mail in the early 1980s. Through the years, she delved into radio broadcasting and contributed to various publications. Prior to her retirement, she worked in communications for not-for-profits.

Chaplain
Auckland, Online

Rachel is an ordained deacon in Te Mihana Māori, Te Takiwā o Manukau, a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, mum of three and an adult ballet teacher.

(Currently on mat leave)
Chaplain
Christchurch

Imogen is a Bachelor of Communications graduate - specialising in radio. She has worked in radio production. Later she changed tack becoming a teacher. Imogen loves a good conversation and laugh - and she definitely understands the pressures of starting out in the media. Imogen is focused on supporting media students.

MCNZ-endorsed counsellor

Tommy is a former journalist turned counsellor who specialises in post-traumatic growth. With firsthand experience of the media industry, he understands the unique pressures journalists face and offers professional support to help people navigate challenges. More about Tommy here.

Media Chaplaincy can also help fund counselling sessions in some circumstances. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

xvox

Azriel Taylor is a broadcaster and journalist with experience across radio, media and digital storytelling. Through his work with xvox, an MCNZ initiative, he is passionate about creating space for meaningful conversations and helping people share their stories.