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 Alister Hendery
Over the past 40 plus years, I’ve served in a wide variety of ministries. My passion is to share the love of our God who is Love, to be with people, and to share journeys, especially when the going gets tough.
I have a particular care for those who are grieving the loss of anything or anyone who is important to them, and for those who are facing death. I also ask tough questions of myself by writing books and offering seminars around these experiences. I delight in being a member of the Greater Hastings ministry team. Sharing laughter and tears matters a lot to me (and I reckon, they matter to God too).
Reverend Lynette Gordon
I was born into a faith family who led by example so as a young person living a life of service was natural. I experienced the power of prayer and the presence of God in my life many years ago. These experiences led me to agree with St Augustine who wrote: ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.’
Called to ordination as a Vocational Deacon has been a humbling experience and a constant reminder of Christ’s servant ministry and ever-present Grace. I serve in the power of His Spirit. I have a high level of concern for others and recognise the power of truly listening and ‘being with’ fellow humans in their struggles.
Regular nourishment in the Eucharist and coming together on Sundays is an important link to sustain me. I treasure my meditative quiet times. Ministry is about who I am every day, where I work, worship and live and my encounters with strangers lived out in service in the name of Jesus Christ.
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.
Pelly Pirikahu
Originally born in Taranaki, moving to Tairawhiti and now in Heretaunga – Hastings.
My spiritual journey began through the wisdom and guidance of kaumatua. This led me to ordained ministry within Te Pihopitanga ki Te Tairawhiti. This I deem as anhonour and privilege.
Further studies led me to Te Wananga o Raukawa which cemented my
understanding within Tikanga Maori. I now feel comfortable walking in both worlds knowing that with understanding comes responsibility. I currently have a P.T.O.within Tikanga Pakeha.
Recently retired from 17 years Hospital Chaplaincy at the Hawke’s Bay District
Health Board, where continued upskilling was paramount. I have finally settledknowing that I do not know what the future holds, but I know that God holds the future.
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.
Tracey Weston
I swapped life in the corridors of power working as a Civil Servant in the UK for sunny Hawke’s Bay and am now living the dream. I’m an avid reader, a member of a small but very successful local quiz team and a baker of celebration cakes.
I actively involve myself in community radio, supporting parent and school associations, school boards and fundraising. Service, community and people sit at the heart of who I am. I support our vibrant parish life as our administrator, your point of contact for venue hires, events and communications.
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)
Alister Hendery (Priest Associate)
Lynette Gordon (Deacon Associate)
Jan Tapper (Priest Associate)
Margaret Thompson (Priest Associate)
Pelly Pirikahu (Priest Associate)
Wardens Team:
Juliette Swensson
Administration Team:
Tracey Weston
Kirsteen Keene
