Meet the team

General Manager (on Maternity Leave during 2025)

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. 

Interim MCNZ Manager

Malorie is the interim manager of Media Chaplaincy New Zealand. As a producer who has worked across TV and film, Malorie has experienced redundancy, (goodbye, The Project) and is keenly aware of the pressures facing media professionals today. Malorie is passionate about supporting people to be their best selves, especially in the face of an ever changing industry.

Lead Chaplain
Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty

Frank is the lead chaplain for Media Chaplaincy New Zealand. He is an ordained Wesleyan Methodist minister. 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.

Chaplain
Pasifika

Rev Atu Lagi is focused on those working in Pacific media. Atu's credentials include qualifications in pastoral care, education and leadership, as well as experience as a former radio announcer. He describes his passion as helping nurture people to grow into their full potential. He is currently a minister.

Chaplain
Auckland, Online

With years of experience on New Zealand television and radio, Petra’s love of broadcasting and her heart for people complement each other beautifully. She's always up for a yarn and ready to spice up any conversation with advice from her experiences (highs and lows) in the industry.

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
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.

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
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.

Chaplain
Auckland

Justin is an award-winning journalist, communicator and community organiser with a background in teaching and coaching. He currently works in communications.

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
Wellington

Tessa is a radio news producer and journalist. She has a wealth of experience for anyone new to the industry or starting shift work.

Chaplain
Otago/ Southland

Shannon is the Otago Daily Times’ former Bureau Chief Central Otago, based in Dunedin. Shannon understands the challenges of smaller newsrooms and soloing it as a local journalist - it can be lonely! She is available if you want to catch up, rant or just be listened to over tea or coffee (our shout).

Chaplain
Christchurch, Online

Darryl is a podcaster, writer, the founder of Kiwi Church and can be found either watching football or outdoors. He's also a Presbyterian Minister and principal support for the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership.

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.

MCNZ-endorsed counsellor

Tommy is a former journalist and now a counsellor, who specialises in post-traumatic growth. Find out more about Tommy here.

xvox

Matt Burrows, a former Newshub editor, is the managing editor of xvox - a partner news service of MCNZ.

Across Aotearoa

We have full confidence that each of our chaplains can appropriately deal with a wide range of diverse people and circumstances. That said, our group of chaplains recognise that for some there may be sensitivities around gender and culture. In such instances, you may feel like someone other than our team above may be a better fit for you. If this is the case, please still get in touch with us. We are connected to a broad range of pastoral people and are confident that we can find someone you can talk to who is appropriate for your situation.Description goes here