Macleod steps into new church role with Hope

There has been a changing of the guard at the Mahurangi Hope Church, formerly Mahurangi Presbyterian Church.

Long-serving Mahurangi Hope Community Trust (formerly the Mahu Vision Community Trust) manager Roger Mackay has handed over the reins to Jono Macleod, a doctor and former Mahurangi College student.

The busy role involves overseeing an annual budget of around $250,000, which funds a number of outreach programmes including the Christian Foodlink, run by Hope on behalf of the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian parishes of Mahurangi. Foodlink is currently helping about 40 families a week.

The trust formed in 2011 and has been heavily involved in supporting Mahurangi’s Kiribati community, among the world’s first climate refugees.

One of the programmes directed at Pasifika youth involves weekly get-togethers with about 60 participating high school students. They receive tutoring, volleyball coaching, mentoring and a nutritious meal, and there are also speakers on career options and opportunities.

Macleod says immigrants face special challenges and the programmes are designed to help them transition to life in NZ.

Macleod is based in the recently-opened Hope Church complex in Mansel Drive, a facility which he says offers much more scope to be a community hub and connection point.

“There are an unlimited number of projects we would like to be involved in, so accessing funding to deliver some of these will be a big part of my job,” he says.

As an example, Hope would like to go one step beyond Foodlink and start a Food Haven, which could include initiatives such as a community garden, budgeting advice and health training.

“We envisage something that is much more relationship-based.”

Macleod says settling into his new role has been all about learning about the trust and its work.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the community, the people and the work they do.”

Both Macleod and Mackay agree that there are a lot of people struggling with high rents and interest payments on mortgages.

“These are families where both parents are working, but who are still struggling to make ends meet. It only takes one unexpected cost such as a car breakdown to push them past the breaking point.

“These are the families we are trying to help with some wraparound resources.”

Hope would welcome donations to assist with its programmes. For more information, contact Jono Macleod at jono@hopehq.nz