Meet our team 

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 of media and the overall wellbeing of those working in the industry. 

LEAD CHAPLAIN | AUCKLAND, WAIKATO, BOP

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

Having formerly worked as a radio announcer, Rev Atu Lagi is a great addition to the chaplaincy team and is focused on those working in Pacific media. Atu's credentials include qualifications in pastoral care, education and leadership. He describes his passion as helping nurture people to grow into their full potential.  He currently serves as a minister.

CHAPLAIN | AUCKLAND & ONLINE

A familiar face on New Zealand television, Petra joined the Media Chaplaincy team in 2020 and is a significant asset. Her 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. Petra is currently studying towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy at Otago University.

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 | CHCH

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 | WGTN

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 & ZOOM

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 is currently Chief of Staff at the Pacific Media Network. (Justin will be available after the elections).

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.

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. He oversees Salt.

CHAPLAIN | CHCH & 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.

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, 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.