Meet the team

Howard is a national ordained Presbyterian minister and heads up the team here at Hope Whangarei.

He is a passionate Biblical preacher, enthusiastic about seeing people grow through involvement in small groups and dedicated to seeing the church seek the best for the city of Whangarei and beyond, through witness, service and mission. He is a graduate of the Bible College of New Zealand (now Laidlaw college). He brings over a quarter of a century of ministry experience to the position of senior minister at Hope Whangarei.

He has served in ministry roles in a variety of settings, Rotorua, Tauranga, Auckland, the deep south, and Napier. He has served in a variety of different roles and roles, serving on a team in a large provincial church, small rural and suburban churches, church planting, university chaplaincy and serving as a regional youth coordinator.

Howard is married to Kris, who teaches maths at a local high school. They have four children, with only the youngest still at home. Howard is an amateur photographer in his time off and is enjoying being in Whangarei with its wonderful beaches and bird life.

I am married to Sue and we have three infants that have grown to be adults! 

We have been ministering here in Whangarei since 2010 when we were called to St Andrews – now HopeWhangarei.

We love the north and have appreciated being a part of the fellowship here and what God is doing in our city and region.

My (Lorne’s) particular passions in ministry are: preaching and teaching; leading congregational worship and singing; seeing the healing ministry of Jesus being released into people’s lives; seeing new people coming to faith, especially through the alpha course; discipling people in small groups. I have joined John Fergusson on short term mission trips to Nepal to teach healing schools and pastors conferences.

In our spare time, we love walking, swimming (in summer!); gardening and relaxing at home, and any time we can spend with our family. We became grandparents in May 2019.

My husband Phil and I have been attending Hope Whangarei for the past 22 years.  We have been married for 25 years and have lived in Whangarei during that time.

I come from a 30+ year background in banking and finance and have worked for Hope Whangarei for the past six years as the Senior Administrator.

Prior to working at Hope Whangarei I worked as a voluteer for the Whangarei Cancer Society and have been involved with Daffodil Day since its inception 30 years ago.  I continue to volunteer ever year.

I came to faith at an early age through my christian schooling and made a committment to Christ in my early teens.  It wasnt until my late 20's that I encountered Christ in a personal way.  Every day I continue to learn and grow in my faith.

I enjoy cooking and when I am able head up to Doubtless Bay on a regular basis where you will find me immersed in a good book.