Posts in Main
Nick McLennan

Nick has held the senior pastor position for more than 15 years and is responsible for  preaching, leading worship, and providing direction, encouragement, and support to staff and church leadership teams. He finds great joy in witnessing God’s work in the local community and seeing people realise their potential in Christ, along with working in an inspiring church family that values a collaborative spirit. Outside of his pastoral duties, he enjoys watching movies, playing tennis, and adding to his Lego collection.

Email: nick@hopehq.nz

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Rodwyn Isaacs

Rodwyn served in various school and church leadership roles in South Africa from 2010 to 2020 before relocating to New Zealand with his wife and three children. His passion for fostering a community rooted in faith, hope, and love has shaped his approach to leadership in both educational and church environments. He focuses on discipleship, leadership development and training, preaching, prayer, and counseling, finding joy in witnessing the growth and maturity of God's people. Outside of his ministry work, Rodwyn is an enthusiastic runner and enjoys gathering with others over food and activities.

Email: rod@hopehq.nz

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Sarah Crocombe

Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication coordinating pastoral teams and church events, managing social media communication, supporting staff and ministry leaders, overseeing health and safety, and acting as the Child Safety Officer and Youth Worker. She also leads the 24/7 Youth Work program at Mahurangi College. In the summer you’ll find her at the beach paddleboarding or listening to podcasts and reading.

Email: sarah@hopehq.nz

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Rebekah (Becks) Sheppard

Becks matches the enthusiasm and energy needed to coordinate junior and senior youth programmes on Friday nights, camps, Sunday morning Youth Bible studies, and pastoral care. Seeing youth thrive - feeling happy and confident and able to engage in meaningful discussions and learning is what drives her. Family and friends occupy her time off duty, alongwith the beach and trying new hobbies.

Email: becks@hopehq.nz

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Carmen Isaacs

It’s all go for Carmen overseeing the youngest busy bodies of the church. She’s keeping her eye out for the Creche, Sunday School, Mainly Music and Mighty Mums young family group weekly activities. So rosters, coordinating volunteers, preparing curriculum, caring for children and facilitating the music programme are in her diary. Watching the kids grow in their faith and get to know Jesus makes it all worth it, along with seeing volunteers love so generously. Reading, pilates and walking with her family provides the downtime relaxation for Carmen.

Email: kids@hopehq.nz

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Tim Farland

Tim oversees the use of the Mahurangi Hope Centre by various groups, as well as managing partnerships with organisations, companies, and nonprofits that use event spaces. Seeing the diverse use of the facilities, and building partnerships that support the church and community are highlights. Outside of his role at the church, Tim is a self-employed building consultant. Trail running, skiing, and exploring nature keeps Tim on his toes, along with spending time with his family.

Email: tim@hopehq.nz

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Michelle Swensson

Michelle holds the keys to the kingdom, well to the church building at least. She is the overseer of the administration of the Mahurangi Hope Church building. Her job includes building maintenance, church set up, supporting staff with equipment and anything they need. Michelle has a New Zealand Diploma in Business. When she's out of the office she will be fishing and spending time with family.

Email: michelle@hopehq.nz

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Frank Grose

The primary responsibility of the elders is overseeing the spiritual care of the church family and ensuring Biblical teaching is both accurate and relevant. In his role as senior elder he coordinates eldership meetings, assists with prayer and communion in church services and participates in various church management meetings supporting the senior pastor and teams.Outside of his church role, Frank is a retired engineer and businessman. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family and cherishing moments with his grandchildren.

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David Macleod

Connecting people with people is part of David’s role, so it’s just as well he loves people. Serving and supporting small groups leaders within the church and helping organise and host Alpha groups run throughout the year, David loves serving the church community and sharing the gospel. Fishing, gardening and outdoor adventures also tick his box, with wife Joy being the best travel companion and 9 grandchildren to entertain.

Email: david@hopehq.nz

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Jono Macleod

Jono, works alongside the team as general manager of the trust. The former medical doctor is out there securing funding for programmes and representing the trust within the wider Mahurangi community. Reporting, recruiting, writing policy and procedures to ensure high quality programmes and services are delivered is also on his books. But the reward is all in hearing of and seeing lives being transformed, meeting people with a passion for the community, and supporting vulnerable people and whanau to reach their potential. In his role as Young Families Coodinator, Jono facilitates social events, connect groups, annual camps and the Rad Dads group for church families. When he isn't at work you'll find Jono fishing, hiking or hanging out with his family and friends.

Email: jono@hopehq.nz

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Lara Armstrong

If there's anyone who can create a welcoming environment while keeping the pantry stocked, it's Lara. She's been a part of the Mahurangi Hope Church community for more than 15 years volunteering in the senior youth group and kitchen management. Her roles include overseeing the Foodbank's rosters, parcels and operating systems four days a week, while also coordinating hospitality for the Hope Centre. These roles allow her to practically show the love of God to people, and Lara loves how supporting families and creating warm, inviting spaces can foster meaningful relationships. In her spare time she juggles family commitments with five kids and her husband on their lifestyle block.

Email: lara@hopehq.nz

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Rosanna Ball

Rosanna oversees the running of Pasifika women's groups, helping empower women from the community in life skills. She also helps supervise the team of counsellors and those in training, hosts a Women's Bible Study Group, meets with families in need of support and helps mentor the Mahurangi Staff Team. Celebrating young women grow in confidence and achieve their goals is a huge motivation for Rosanna. Rosanna listens to music, reads, gardens and is learning to play the keyboard in her spare time.

Email: rosanna@hopehq.nz

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Etitara Beia

Etitara is always busy weaving Pasifika families together with the local community, so naturally she oversees the Kiribati Women’s Sewing Group and is the cultural advisor and support worker for the Trust. Visiting families in their homes, Etitara is there to provide support, help overcome challenges and pray with the people she is welcomed by. It’s something she loves to do, along with socialising with friends over meals and going to the beach with her family.

Email: etitara@hopehq.nz

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Heather Free

Heather does all things admin. Her behind the scenes organisational work helps keep things in order and working smoothly. However, the best part of the job for Heather is the people. Fellow staff members and the Pasifika kids are the highlights of the week. Heather also works for the Anglican Church helping assist the running of programme Seasons for Growth – a change and loss programme designed for children, teens and adults alike. While not working, Heather loves making things, sewing and knitting in particular, along with walking her dog and tackling weeds in her home garden.

Email: heather@hopehq.nz

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