Our Movement is powered by volunteers. If we didn't have people volunteering every week we wouldn’t be able to do half of what we do in our parishes, mission units and at the Anglican Centre.

Harry Gibbons has been volunteering for the past three years as the Diocesan Governance Secretary taking minutes at all of our governance meetings. Harry is stepping down and we are hugely thankful for all the mahi he has done for us. We took a moment to talk to him about his time in the role.

Tell us about what you've been doing?
I was appointed as Diocesan Governance Secretary just before Covid hit so spent most of the first year in meetings via Zoom. I started out as the secretary for the Diocesan Council and the Board of Trustees and picked up the Finance Committee then the Risk and Assurance Committee some time after. The role is primarily focussed on taking minutes for the four committees and I’ve really enjoyed providing support for those making the major decisions about the activities of the diocese.

What was it that made you want to volunteer in this role?
I saw the role advertised after I had just stepped down from St Peter’s, Willis Street Vestry where I had spent the last two years of my six-year term as the secretary. I saw it as a good opportunity to continue to support the church in a different way; I wanted to keep giving back.

What else do you do with your time and what will you be doing now you’re not being the secretary?
I’m standing down now because I said to myself at the start I would do the role for three years and then review things. It’s been three years and it’s time for me to do something different. I plan to spend time with my wife, play bridge (I’m also secretary of the Karori Bridge Club), go walking and try to get a book published. During the two Covid years I started writing and I self-published one book with a mix of prose and poetry (I’ve never written poetry before and have really enjoyed it) about growing up in small-town New Zealand which I gave to my family. I have also written another that I’m going to try and find a publisher for that focusses on rugby and cricket. I’ve created All Blacks and Black Caps teams from players who never got to represent New Zealand but who I think would make a good team. I then pitch them against similar teams from the UK, Springboks and Wallabies.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering?
If you are looking for an opportunity to be at the table of key decisions relating to the development and evolution of the Wellington Diocese, the secretary role is a really good job for that. You also get some very good lunches!

I have found it very satisfying, on both a spiritual and personal level. It is an excellent environment to work in, and I have received first class support from Ben, and all those taking part in the boards and committees. I also love being at the Anglican Centre at morning tea time – it’s a good vibe!

If you are interested in being the next Diocesan Governance Secretary or volunteering in another role with us, take a look at our volunteer vacancies. If you are keen on helping in an area that isn’t listed, please let us know!