Who We Are
Our team’s common ground is our deep faith in God and care for the University. We all have different backgrounds, gifts and passions that help us do our work well. Scroll down to meet the team!
Kia ora, I'm Mel. I'm at Ramsey House on Tuesdays- Fridays. I LOVE talking to people to explore all the dimensions of life, faith, relationships, and vocation - and just to be a warm listening ear about anything going on. I'm an Anglican and Ecumenical (across churches) Chaplain and also trained as in Spiritual Direction. My background is working in politics and as a lawyer in refugee family reunification, so I'm always up for chewing over whatever issues are facing students and staff at the moment and ideally doing something constructive to transform challenges and build deeper connections with others. I'm married to Rev. Tim McKenzie who is the vicar at St Michael's Kelburn, and we have three children Eliot, Jamie and Grace.
Rev. Mel Mckenzie
Kia ora – I'm Matthew Bartlett, part of the chaplaincy team. My background is in social entrepreneurship (Citizen AI and Loomio), software startups and book publishing. I’m married to Eliza and we have three-ish children. I'm passionate about making sense of the world, society, the economy and spirituality, and I want to help build an Aotearoa where all people and the land can flourish. I get lots of energy from meeting new people and trying on new perspectives. God bless you all!
Matthew Bartlett
Kia ora tātou! Ko Pukenamu te Maunga
Ko Wainui, ko Te Ngaere ngā awa
Ko Ngāti Moetonga, ko Te Rokekā ngā hapū
Ko Te Rarawa te iwi
ko Māmari ahau.
I work as a part of the chaplaincy team, as Māori Chaplain. My focus is on enhancing Māori Christian fellowship at Victoria University. I worship at St Michael's Kelburn. I am currently a reader in law at Victoria's law faculty, but more importantly, I am married to Maynard Gilgen and and we have three tamafreakies, sorry, children: Te Rangihuia, Havelund, and Jessica-Lee Ngātaiotehauauru. Nei rā te mihi ki a tātou.
Rev. Māmari Stephens
Hi, I’m Karel. I have been on staff at the Chaplaincy since 2012 and currently work 24 hours a week over 4 days. I do a range of things including working with Mel in leading our Chaplaincy team; Facilitating hospitality in the house; Connecting with people as they use our space; Providing music for our worship together; Offering encouragement and pastoral support for students and staff. My other vocational hats involve running after-school guitar tuition, working as a CliftonStrengths coach, and providing training for schools who run the KiVa Bullying Prevention programme. Previously I worked as a Graphic Designer, a Church minister in Nelson, Programme Coordinator with Parachute Music, and as an itinerant musician and worship leader. I'm married to Philippa and have three children Arlo, Sol and Sacha. In my spare time I love to kick a football around, and cook yummy food!
Karel Van Helden
Kia ora, I’m Jessie! I’m employed by the Anglican chaplaincy for 16 hours a week, alongside a part-time research contract for the Diocese of Wellington. I’m passionate about finding ways to share Jesus with students through justice action, sustained by daily prayer and worship. I also love talking and learning about how we live well together- my many years of flatting has built up many stories of the good, bad, and ugly of this!
When I’m not doing paid work, I can often be found around Kelburn going for a run, drinking coffee, baking bread, or catching up with my family.
Rev. Jessie Thornton-Black
Tena Koutou.
I'm Andrew and I am the International Chaplain. I did a BA in Geography and Anthropology at VUW as an international student almost 30 years ago. Since then I have worked in Singapore and for the past 11 years in Hamilton, working with university students and then as a pastor. I am really pleased to be back in Wellington working with my fellow chaplains and international students and staff. I treasure deep conversations, casual banter and a good cup of coffee. I am always ready for a good chat about faith and culture and the Hurricanes or about anything really. I am married to a Vic graduate, Lilian who is a high school teacher. Our daughter is currently a Vic student.
Andrew Lim