City Missioner Embraces Whānau

In Brief City Missioner Embraces Whānau

By the time you read this, hopefully Matthew Mark, the former City Missioner, will have embraced his whānau in the UK in person.

Although he was the City Missioner for only five years, Matthew Mark was happy he left behind an organisation that, yes, provides a safety net at the bottom of the cliff, but also focusses on sustainable change and thriving communities, to lessen the chance of people and families arriving there again.

On the streets, in the foodbank, the shelter, the education classes or counselling sessions, Matthew Mark was the smiling face and passionate facilitator behind the team of workers who make up the complex City Mission team. Matthew said he was grateful that the team are doggedly passionate about investing in community. They are determined to figure out causal factors and are solutions focussed—in it for the long-term, not just a quick win. “…(Mark’s) leadership has been really impressive—he’s certainly left a mark!” Dean Lawrence Kimberley

“Here in our communities today we are the hands and feet of Christ—we need to be active in our communities, seeking the last, lost and lonely, as Christ did.” Matthew Mark

“Here, in this world today, we are the hands and feet of Christ—we need to be active in our communities, seeking the last, the lost and lonely, as Christ did. When we do, we see people change from being at their lowest ebb, to, over time, becoming a contributing member of their local community. It’s a joy and a privilege,” said Matthew. “When I announced my departure, I got a call from a member of the CM team, who reminded me that they had initially been one of our clients—that’s how amazing this business is—I related to them as a colleague completely forgetting they had been a client! Another thing I love is that the team always strive to bring the best out of each person their encounter. I am thankful for having been part of an organisation rich in ability and with God’s mission at the heart of all they do.”

Matt and Dexter at the City Mission in March 2022 Credit: City Mission

What’s next?

Matthew and Sheila Mark (with dogs Dexter and Cooper) are now over in England with family, including their two grandchildren, one of whom they had not met at the time of writing this article. The Diocese thanks both Matthew and Sheila (Ecumenical Chaplain, Otago Uni Medical School, Christchurch Campus) for their mahi and our prayers are with them in their new journey. Want more? Read the Stuff story here.

Credit: City Mission

The Farewell:

On behalf of the Diocese at Matt’s farewell morning tea, in March, Dean Lawrence acknowledged Matt’s leadership and all he achieved as City Missioner. He said the Mission had faced challenging years and the new buildings were a sign of the transformational change under Matt’s leadership. “I think your leadership has been really impressive—it’s certainly left a mark. We want to acknowledge that and on behalf of the diocese we would like to wish you well for the next chapter of your life.”

Good News!

Corinne Haines, a member of St Barnabas Fendalton, former CEO of Trimble Navigation and current Chair of Ōtākaro Limited, has been announced as Interim City Missioner— Congratulations Corinne!