Our Team and Anglican Ministers
Reverend David van Oeveren
I am a husband, father, priest in the Anglican church, and pilgrim disciple on the way with sometimes not enough love and sometimes way too much fear. I have traditional anglo-catholic leanings, which to me means I am all for lovely liturgy, sacred scripture and passionate pastoring.
The Church exists for the benefits of its non-members, and when it becomes inward-looking and for the existence of those within its walls, it has missed the mission of the way, therefore I seek to offer ministry for mission. My faith and spirituality is catholic, contemplative, thoughtful, diverse, inclusive, and social justice focussed with a hint of activism.
Reverend Margaret Thompson
It has been a privilege to hold a Priest’s Licence for both Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa
(Tairawhiti) and the Diocese of Waiapu but after 30+ years of ministry in the parishes
of Flaxmere/Te Matau-a-Maui, Opotiki, and Waiapu Cathedral, I am now “actively-
retired”.
I am at home in Hastings/Heretaunga and offer assistance with Liturgy preparation
and presentation, and administration support when required; I am also enjoying
having time with my camera exploring a new hobby of photography.
Juliette Swensson
I’m your Vicar’s Warden, and can be seen fliting between the 8am and 10am services on Sundays. I came to Hawke’s Bay in 1997 via Wellington and Palmerston North. Much of my younger years were spent connected to All Saints’, Palmerston North.
I have had a close association with St Matthew’s for 20 or so years now. Our boys went to the Early Childhood Centre and St Matthew’s Diocesan Primary School, and I also served on the Board of Trustees for a number of years.
I’ve been proud to have served on Vestry since 2019 and am excited at the opportunities that the Anglican Parish of Greater Hastings has going forward. In my spare time, I can be seen on the sidelines of my youngest’s football games.
Murray Cushing
I’m the Greater Parish of Hasting’s Peoples Warden. My wife Ann and I moved to Hastings 3 years ago from Dannevirke, and we worship at St Peter’s Parkvale.
We spent over 40 years at St John’s Church in Dannevirke where I served on vestry and was the people’s warden. We have 3 married daughters, one lives in Melbourne, one in Vancouver and our youngest lives here in Hastings.
I am an avid sports fan and enjoy music so much so, that for past 17 years I have presented a music show on Dannevirke community radio.
Prasadi Pathirana
I’m Prasadi , a passionate MBA student at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in New Zealand. Originally from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, I moved here with my spouse to pursue higher education and expand my global perspective in business and management.
I come from a strong administrative background, having worked in the insurance sector in Sri Lanka. During that time, I gained valuable experience in organizational operations, customer service, and team coordination. These skills have greatly supported my journey in New Zealand and continue to benefit me in my current role as a parish administrator.
While I’m fully committed to supporting and assisting you, please note that my availability might occasionally be limited due to my academic commitments. I truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to helping you whenever I can.
Kirsteen Keene
I have been our Facilities Coordinator since 2021, and with St Peter’s and St Martin’s for 12 years. I feel very blessed to be working alongside such dedicated and compassionate people.
I live in Hastings and have a daughter, Rose, who is often helping me at St Martin’s Community Hall. I strive to make a very small difference in the lives of those living in our community, especially the older generation who hold a very special place in my heart. I look forward to meeting and assisting you in any way I can.
Clergy Team:
David van Oeveren (Vicar)
Margaret Thompson (Priest Associate)
Lay Minister :
Mark Hensman
Wardens Team:
Juliette Swensson & Murray Cushing
Administration Team:
Prasadi Pathirana
Kirsteen Keene
