THE TEAM
Wait… is that us?
Close enough. The comic versions may look like we’ve all discovered the fountain of youth (apparently 30 is the new everything), but we promise the real-life editions come with a few more stories and slightly fewer superpowers. For the unfiltered experience, you’ll have to visit in person. See you soon.
Shane Read
If Hope had a control room, Shane would be pacing it with a headset on. He meets, mentors, vision-casts, coffee-tests, and occasionally stands firm like he’s guarding the city gates. Call him head cheese if you must — he won’t argue. Just keep the espresso coming and the conversations meaningful.
Lydia Read
Part strategist, part storyteller, part “just popped in from somewhere international,” Lydia brings ideas, insight and the occasional master plan to the mix. She speaks, mentors, dreams big and builds bold. There are many talents in play — singing is not currently on the roster.
Gail Marquet
If loving people were an Olympic sport, Gail would podium every time. Social worker, adoptive mum to students, walkers, retired greyhounds and any human within range — she feeds souls and stomachs with equal skill. Pastor, encourager, professional nurturer. You’ll feel seen before you’ve finished your first sentence.
TeMiri Bevan
Calm presence, quick wit, guitar never too far away — TeMiri pastors with heart and a well-timed coffee invite. He’ll listen, laugh, pray, and probably untangle a life dilemma or two before your flat white cools. One of the genuinely good ones.
Brigitte Te Awe Awe-Bevan
Palmy-famous and proud of it, Brigitte carries wisdom, warmth and waiata wherever she goes. She can teach, preach, yarn and care with equal grace — often all in the same week. Since joining the team in 2019 she’s been pastoring with strength and softness in perfect balance.
Sam Read
Yes, he looks like he could lead a bootcamp at dawn. Yes, he’s a top-tier Dad. Yes, he’s travelled a bit. But underneath the athletic exterior is a sharp mind and a humour level permanently set to “primary school chaos.” You’ll spot him hosting at 11am, probably mid-banter.
Gráinne Read
An international import with poise and patience, Gráinne brings intelligence, depth and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. She helps steer the 11am gathering with steady hands. Bonus challenge: pronounce her name correctly on the first try.
Karla Maniapoto
From intern life at Playgroup to mastering mentoring, grant applications and theological studies, Karla hasn’t exactly eased her way in — she’s levelled up. Now she’s leading the 5pm service alongside her husband Marcus, discipling with intention, offering wise pastoral care, and still bringing that unmistakable “Karla touch” to the Playgroup mums who adore her. Steady, thoughtful and quietly formidable.
Marcus Ohlson
Worship leader at heart and developer of talent by instinct, Marcus has a knack for spotting raw gold and helping it shine — whether it’s brand new, nearly there, or finely tuned already. First and foremost a genuine worshipper, he leads the 5pm service alongside Karla with strength and humility. Midweek you’ll find him discipling men, building depth and brotherhood. Throw in the occasional camping escape, a gastronomical adventure, and a jam session with the musos, and you’ve got Marcus in his element.
Heather Butler
Children adore her. Parents trust her. Toddlers follow her. We’re still studying the science behind it. Heather leads preschool and playgroup with warmth, wisdom and the kind of energy that makes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings brighter for everyone involved.
Lauren Tate-Davis
Hope Kids has a fearless leader, and Lauren is it. Quick to pray, quick to laugh, quick to organise a game that somehow involves everyone at once — she’s part strategist, part adventurer, fully committed. Sunday at 11am is where the action happens.
Mike Tate-Davis
Architect by trade, youth leader by calling, Mike builds more than structures — he builds people. Equal parts fun-loving and fiercely intentional, he has that rare ability to actually get young people and call them higher at the same time. He’s happiest around a campfire, on an adventure, or deep in a conversation about God that starts light and ends life-changing. If there’s energy in the room, chances are Mike’s not far away.
Heather Butler (again)
Behind every smoothly running ship is someone who understands spreadsheets. Heather explores databases, balances books and keeps the engine humming. Detail-driven, faithful and quietly heroic. Administrative brilliance runs best on chocolate — contributions welcome.