Juliette Thomson
Senior Administrator

From the sunny beach of Mount Maunganui to the snow caps of Canterbury, Juliette moved to the mainland 5 years ago.

Juliette’s business banking background brings senior administrative organisational skills and an encouraging heart to see people achieve and be the best they can be. She holds a diploma in Business and Management and in Christian Theology Studies. 

Juliette grew up on and in the water and finding her passion for snow skiing down south (though not actual water) gives her that outlet to see wide open spaces and the beautiful views both of land and sky reflecting off each other.

She loves a good run which she is grateful for, but through injuries her sporting is now left on the sideline of watching professional sport and her Tamariki in tennis, rugby, netball and one has even decided to get into the rodeo community - though she is not sure if she's ready for that! 

Matt Hawkins
Auckland South & East

Matt oversees the Auckland South & East area for SCNZ. 

Matt brings with him a background in Human Resource Management, Law, and Christian Ministry, so we know that if it has come through Matt - it's legal and well thought-out!

Among a vast array of other achievements, Matt has 10 years of human resource experience, equal experience in chaplaincy, and has recently completed his Masters in Chaplaincy through the University of Otago.

If he's not in the office running the background of SCNZ, Matt is out tramping with his family, supporting all four of his multi-talented son's in their expansive careers, or working on a DIY job!

Wes Smith
Wellington & Tasman

Wes brings a peaceful strength in his approach to leading the Wellington/Tasman area. After living in Nelson for many years, Wes and the family moved to Wellington and have settled at Otaki Beach - what a dream!

Wes is a huge football fan, and in his words “I am a HUGE fan of Newcastle United…I LOVE them” - so his chaplaincy placement with the Wellington Saints basketball team is a new lane for him!

When he’s not shaping SCNZ in his area, you’ll find Wes out in the ocean catching waves and riding tubes atop a surfboard.

He uri o Ngāi Tamaterangi, nō Wairoa ahau, ko Rangiāhua marae te poho o Tamaterangi. 

As a Chartered Accountant with a BA in Management Studies Rangiaruaru has worked in government, commercial, and not-for-profit entities. He is currently Acting Financial Controller of Kāhui Tū Kaha a $100m Social Housing & Health NFP.  Previously he was Operations, Property and Finance Director of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand, led the National office and was part of a team of four directors who reported to the Baptist National Leader. Rangiaruaru is currently Board member on National Council of the Baptist Union NZ, and two other boards including as Trustee of his marae Rangiāhua.

He is an ex-Rugby League player and Sports Chaplain to Northcote Tigers Rugby League team. Rangiaruaru is married to Katrina and father of three, these are his happy places. 

“Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi he toa takitini – my success is not mine alone but that of the collective. These are the words of my tīpuna Paterangi and I seek to weave a depth of understanding of te Ao Māori with our faith to pursue His will for my life and Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand.” Ko Te Rangiaruaru Hema aha

Rebecca lives in Invercargill, Southland having moved there almost 15 years ago to pursue opportunities for growing and developing farming businesses and family life. Her professional background is in strategy and policy development, resource management and advising governance bodies, and spans almost 30 years.   

She currently works for Southern Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga as a Principal Advisor on Resource Management and Local government matters. Rebecca has held many leadership positions professionally and within community and church organisations. She is always passionate about gathering people to head towards a goal.  An accredited Sports Chaplain, she currently supports her husband in his role as Sports Chaplain to the G-Force performance cycling club in Southland, which also is the current club base for their cyclist son. 

Toni-Maree has been National Director for Mercy Ships New Zealand since 2023. She has extensive experience as a senior executive of Volleyball NZ, Harbour Sport, and Turn Your Life Around Trust and other key roles. Her leadership in high performance sport and leading a National Sports Organisation in particular benefits the SCNZ Board with unique important insights into the running and expectations of NSOs. 

Toni-Maree has a B.A. majoring in History and Māori, a Diploma of Teaching and Post-Grad Diploma in Business Administration (endorsed in Sports Management). As the Board’s newest Trustee, Toni-Maree’s appointment is timely for the continuing growth and development of Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand. 

Married for 30 years and with two adult children, Toni-Maree and her husband live on the North Shore. Her family is passionate about sport and coaching and ensuring young people have positive sports experiences to become lifetime contributors to sport and recreation.