The Ministry Team

The Vicar:     The Revd Ian Hardcastle, M.E. (Electr), MTh

I came to ministry from a 22 year career in Computer Software Development.  Called into ordained ministry while in England, I studied at St John's College, Nottingham and served as a Curate at St James', Calisle.  A call back to NZ, brought us back to Auckland and to St Stephen's in 2009.

Helen, my wife, has a background in nursing and ministry training from YWAM and part-time study at St John's resulting in a Certficate of Theology and Ministry.  Helen is neither ordained nor paid but serves in many roles, leading the prayer ministry team, some preaching, home group leadership and more.

Lay Assistant Minister:    Tony Jee, BMin

I am new to St Stephens but not to the Hibiscus Coast.  For the last 3 years I have been working back in my native UK as a Chaplain to a group of Schools in sunny Bournemouth.  My family and I returned to NZ in September 2014.  We previously lived in this area while I ran a small landscaping and tree surgery company.  I closed the business in 2007 so I could study for a degree in Ministry at Laidlaw College. 

My role is focussed particularly on the Young people's programme, Explorers, and their families.  I am also running Messy Church - it's great fun come along and see.

I am married to lovely Sarah who not only teaches fulltime in primary school but also helps me by leading the programme for younger children on Sundays and in many of my wonderful ideas!

We have two very active sons, Dominic and Asher. 

Tony Jee

Hon. Assistant Priest, Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator: The Revd Anne Aspden

Anne brings huge experience with her from nursing, airline hostess, teaching and years in ordained ministry in Wellington Diocese. 

She heads up our pastoral care programme ... and is involved in many other things too.

Pais Interns

We have the privilege of hosting two Pais Interns.  They have come from overseas to serve for a year.   They are under the direction of the Pais Movement which places gap year students with churches and other organisations for a year of discipleship and service.

Felipe Chrispim is from Brazil and leads the team.  He is nearly 26 years old and has studied and worked in helicopter maintenance with Air Bus Brazil.  He has experience in children's work and dance ministry and has already completed two Pais placements in South Auckland and in Australia.

Lia Ingersoll is from Phoenix, Arizonia and is nearly 18 years old.  She brings experience with ministry to younger children in her home church. 

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