MEET THE TEAM

We believe that people are God’s most intricate handiwork, made in his image as the pinnacle of creation. We see our church as a spiritual garden, full of the diverse gifts and callings of God’s people gathered here. At the hub of all of this life is our amazing staff team. So, come and meet them.

Pete Watson

Vicar

I am a British import who met a New Zealander on an overseas adventure in Africa and here I am! I am married to Ange and we have three kids – Noah, Zoe and Owen. I have lived in Aotearoa since 2007 and been in ordained leadership since 2009. I arrived at St Paul’s via the Wellington Diocese where I was a Vicar and Archdeacon. I lead our awesome staff team as we serve St Paul’s. I love running, and reading with a good coffee, beer or whisky (depending on the time of day). I love that we get to partner with God in making all things new and seeing resurrection life in our lives, our church life and in our city.

Matt Bruns

Assistant Priest

As a priest I feel called to build up God’s people, encouraging them to be salt and light wherever they find themselves. I have a desire to see the Church increasingly reach outside its walls in innovative ways and have a heart for seeing people encounter the life changing reality of Christ. 

Ian Yong

Assistant Priest

I am a Malaysian born Chinese Anglican Priest who’s passion is to know Jesus and to make Jesus known. I look after Small Groups and the International student ministry as well as doing all the other usual priest stuff. I am married to Daisy, and we have two children, Isaac and Gabby. I am all about people inside and outside the walls of the Church encountering the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Nathan McLellan

The Communion Service Leader

After a career in economics I moved to Vancouver, Canada to study theology at Regent College. I now lead the team at Venn Foundation which provides resources, conferences and residential fellowships for people looking to go deeper into the questions of life and faith. I was ordained into Te Pihopatanga o Tai Tokerau at the end of 2020 and now have the privilege of leading the 3pm communion service.

Sally Shanks

Head of Pastoral Care and Prayer

My passion is to help people to come to know God as a loving father, and to pursue his presence among us in ever-increasing measure. I am part of the pastoral team here at St Paul’s and lead our Prayer Life ministry which provides training and prayer initiatives such as the River, Deeper and The Identify Course. I coordinate a team of intercessors who receive our PrayerMail email to support those who have prayer requests.

Chris Cope

Worship Leader

I developed my passion for music growing up in the church. I’ve had enough of those “this is what I was made for” moments to know that it’s an essential part of who I am and what God has called me to do. I love all things music, especially where creativity, God and people intersect. I lead our volunteer worship leaders, musicians and audio/visual teams and am on the leadership team of the church.

Jennifer Cairns

Head of Operations

I have returned to our staff team to embrace the role of Head – Operations.  I previously worked on staff for over 8 years in various roles.  I'm married to Mike and am the proud mum to Chelsea and Logan.  My passions are meaningful connection with people, creating delicious meals, travel, reading, cuddling babies, and ticking things off ‘to do' lists. I've been attending St Paul’s since 2004 and am loving being back on staff.

Jane Davies-Colley

Connection & Hospitality Coordinator

Hello there! My love of people and hospitality has been an underlying theme throughout my life; from home to the IT corporate world for many years, and now fully evolved into all things connection here at St Paul’s. I manage newcomers, those looking to connect, the Welcoming teams, and support Small Groups. I regard St Paul’s as an extension of my home. So welcome, welcome, welcome!

Donald Fawkner

Families Ministry Leader

I’ve worked with kids since I was 16 as a Kids and Youth minister, Outdoor Education teacher and now here as Families Ministry leader. I have a heart to bring meaningful connection to kids' faith and help empower them in their faith journey. You’ll see me on any given Sunday running our St Paul's Kids ministry, or at one of our many family events, holiday programmes, and 1:1 camps.

Intermediate and Youth

For enquires or information about our intermediate and youth programmes, please contact Jen.

Bridget O'Malley

People's Warden

Our people's warden is a key leader in our church, as a spokesperson for church members to Vestry (our governing body) and providing leadership to help Vestry meet its responsibilities. Bridget and her family have been heavily involved in St Paul's since 2004, including leading the Open (life) course and serving for 15 years on vestry, the last 2 as people's warden. Bridget loves St Paul's and has a desire to see it continue to evolve and mature.