POLLARD, Rev Dr Thomas Evan    B.A.,B.D.(Hons Sydney), Ph.D.(St Andrews)
b 1.2.1921 at Mackay, Queensland, Australia
w Noela Esme Verdun Thomas b 3.3.1916 m 24.2.1945
Born into a Baptist family, he became Presbyterian as no Baptist Church in Lismore.
Took an Arts Course at Sydney University, graduated in 1941. Entered the RAAF,
undergoing training in Canada, then served in 647 Squadron of the RAF Bomber
Command, first as a Navigator then as a Flying Officer. Given compassionate leave
to marry Noela in Feb 1945.  
His commitment reinforced by his experience of war, he studied at St Andrew’s
College, completing an Honours BA in 1948 and being ordained in 1949.
Served at Lake Macquarrie & Blaney until 1952
Acting Principal of St Andrew’s College, Sydney 1953
Studies for a Doctorate at St Andrew’s Scotland 1954-56
Concurrently served as recognised teacher of New Testament Studies in the University
Faculty of Divinity.
St Columba’s, Woollahra 1957 to 1962 
To New Zealand :
Professor of New Testament Studies, Theological Hall Dunedin 12.2.1963
Retired 31.5.1982 due to ill-health; returned to Australia.
“His breezy geniality, his wide experience of life and ministry, combined with his
teaching ability and adaptability, ensured that he speedily made his mark in the PCNZ
and University of Otago Faculty of Theology, where he served two terms as Dean….
Alongside all this, there was also a deep seriousness about the tasks of the ministry,
the importance of faithfully interpreting the New Testament, so that its transforming
power was evident in congregations’ lives, as well as in the wider community. He
exemplified the way in which those responsibilities had to be undertaken in the light
of the best contemporary scholarship. His mediating role in the bitter [Geering]
controversy over the resurrection, which divided the PCNZ in the late 1960’s showed
that lively faith and relevant New Testament scholarship could be combined….
His conviction was that critical examination of the scriptures need not destroy, but
could help to nourish a living faith.
He regularly contributed to leading journals and collections of scholarly essays, as
well as giving papers at international conferences and overseas universities….
Though he is one of those people whose deeds live after them, he was always emphatic
that all that he accomplished came from the gifts of a gracious and Trinitarian God.” 
Foundation President of the Sydney Fellowship of Biblical Studies
Shared in the founding of the influential “Journal of Religious History”, along with
Edwin Judge & Bruce Mansfield. 
Wrote two books while at Knox Theological Hall, “Johannine Christology and The Early
Church” (1970) and “Fullness of Humanity” (1982), the latter being based on the Croall
lectures which he delivered at Edinburgh in 1980.
He had a lively sense of humour and many people enjoyed his jokes and stories of which
he had a great fund. His broad interests included music, literature, history, travel, and
other cultures and world affairs. But basic to everything was his deep, intelligent faith in
Jesus Christ and loyalty to the church.”
(From Memorial Minute – edited) 
Died 3 Feb 2006, NSW, Australia.  

POLSON, Mr A. 
Missionary Volunteer  -  Carpenter
Tangoa Tangoa Training Institute , New Hebrides (Vanuatu) - service given as Carpenter 1965

POLSON, Rev Ian Ross M.                 M.A.
b 5.9.1909  Bendigo, near Lindis Pass.
w Muriel Doreen Smith b 15.6.1918 m 10.8.1940 d 7.12.2006
Educated at Dunedin at attended Otago University.
Theological Hall 1934-6
Ordained Dipton SP  23.6.1938 (Included the Parish of Athol and Te Anau and
the Homer Tunnel construction Camp on the Milford Road).
Rangiora ChP 7.6.1944
Waimate SCP  6.5.1954
Sumner-Redcliffs ChP  28.8.1968, became Sumner-Redcliffs Union 27.2.1972
Retired 30.9.1974
“He prepared his sermons with the care of a scholar, and with the insights provided
by sound scholarship, in order to make the Gospel as lucid and interesting as possible
to ordinary people. Although Ian was in many ways a strong minded person – a person
of conviction, he did all he could to avoid being controversial. He never set out to rock
the boat, but strove to be conciliatory in all things. Ian very much lived up to his
ordination vow to seek unity and peace of the Church; to cherish a spirit of brotherhood
towards all followers of the Lord; seeking all things the advancement of the Kingdom of
God.” (From Obit) 
Brother of Mrs J.S. Murray. 
Died 8.6.1992

POMEROY, Rev Harold C.
Meth Ch
St Ninians Avondale AP   2.1978

POND, Miss Diana
Overseas Volunteer through Bible Class Volunteer Service Scheme
Ulei School, New Hebrides - short term volunteer Teacher 1963.
Returned to NZ 26 Nov 1963
Thence teaching at Picton Primary School.

PONDER, Rev James Samuel
b 17 January 1859, Dalkeith near Edinburgh
w Jane McCaw  b 24 September 1891 m 24 September 1912  d 14 January 1985
Educated at The University of Edinburgh (three sessions).
In 1884 he went to Sydney Australia, and then to join his brother in India.  Hearing a Call to
Ministry he returned to Edinburgh for Theological studies then to the Presbyterian Church
of Victoria Theological Hall.
Ordained at Berwick, Presbyterian Church of Victoria, 31 March 1896 to 1899
Received by the Presbyterian Church of Western Australia
Subiaco Perth (supply)
To Fiji –
St Andrews Suva Fiji. A breakdown in health brought him to New Zealand.
To New Zealand -
Received by the General Assembly, 11 November 1903
Inducted to Strath Taieri (Middlemarch), Dunedin Presbytery, 16 November 1903
Waitahuna, Clutha Presbytery,  15 January 1906
Wallacetown, Southland Presbytery,  28 August 1918
Clerk of  Southland Presbytery, October 1918 to 1920
Died  28 July 1920 in office.
Supported the work of Rev. Dr. John Graham, missionary from the Church of Scotland, who started
the St. Andrew’s Home in Kamlipong, North India, for orphaned children of mixed race.  He
encouraged people in Otago to provide work for the children who immigrated to New Zealand,
mainly farm labouring for the boys and home help for the girls.  By the time of his death 12
children had been settled from the home.

PONDLOCK, Mr
HM Okato TkP  1912

POOLE, Rev Ernest Mason 
b 16.10.1872; w Lilian Morley b 8.9.1878 m 5.10.1897
He came from Mataura where he was working for the Ch of Christ;
Entered HM service.
HM Norsewood HBP  1918, Ord HM  1918
Mahurangi (Warkworth NSP) 1921
Kaurihohore NP  1922
Granity WsP  1924
Nightcaps (Otautau-Waiono SP)  1928
Waikaia MtP  1930 -  res fr HM serv  1932
Died 31 May 1951 in Auckland
Buried in Waikumete cemetery

POOLE, Rev G.
Ang Ch
Pres Support Servs, Area Manager, Whangarei 1984.

POOLE, Mr John
Waipukurau  HBP - listed as 'occasional preacher' (licensed)
1883, 4, 5  lists.

POOLEY, Mrs E.               see                    Tinkler, Nissa

POOLMAN, Rev Reginald Leslie
b 29.3.1912 (or 31.3.1912)
w Mary Edith b 24.4.1911 m 19.12.1936
Formerly a Farmer and a member of the Methodist Church.
HM Putorino (Waikare HBP) 1.7.1940, Ord HM 30.4.1942
South Taieri DnP  1946   
Sawyers Bay DnP  1949
Theological Hall, Dunedin 1951-53
Licensed by Presbytery of Dunedin 1953
Clevedon SAP  9.12.1953
Owairaka AP 20.2.1964
Point Chevalier AP  27.5.1971 - retired  31.3.1977
Died 2.2.1987

POON, Rev John             B.A., B.D. (Melb)
born 10 June 1922 at Hong Kong.
wife Cecily May Poon born Carlton, Victoria, Australia, 13 May 1924, eldest daughter of James and Lily Young, married 30 April 1949, at the Little Bourke Street Chinese Presbyterian Church, a Maternity Nurse and Stenographer, continued pastoral and church work after his death, Presbyterian Elder and Session Clerk, hit by a bus while helping local flood victims in Gippsland with the Red Cross on 14 May 1990 leaving her in special accommodation in Melbourne with severe brain injuries, died of bowel cancer, 28 January 2003.
Rev Poon educated at Melbourne Technical College where he studied Engineering Draughting and gained a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Melbourne University (3 years) where he graduated with a B.A., Ormond College Theological Hall (3 years), and Melbourne College of Divinity where he graduated with a B.D.
Ordained July 1951
Chinese Church, Melbourne
Appointed to work at Paama in the New Hebrides by the Australian Presbyterian Board of Missions.
To New Zealand :
Appointed Assistant Minister, Chinese Church, Auckland, 20 May 1960 (appointed by the NZ Presbyterian Church Overseas Missions Committee), Inducted 7 June 1960
Appointed under an experimental arrangement to undertake work in the City as well as in South Auckland on a team ministry basis with the Rev YT Fong. In actual practise, this arrangement threw up a number of difficulties. Therefore from 1963 the work in the City was seperated from that of the rest of the Province, Rev Poon taking responsibility for the latter with the ultimate aim of integrating it into the local Parish system. Rev Poon undertook this difficult assignment until his call to Australia later in 1963.
“This very difficult assignment has engaged Mr Poon’s powers in these recent months and he has been able to carry it forward in a way that few others could have done. Time has not permitted him to do more than lay the foundation for future development; but what he has done should make the final achievement of the aim more possible.”
Resigned 22 January 1964
Returned to Australia:
Called to the Parish of Stratford, Presbytery of Gippsland (Presbyterian Church of Victoria), October 1963.
Died 23 October 1969 at Melbourne, Australia aged 47.

POPEA-DELL, Rev Hana, originally Rev Hana Popea-Mauigoa
born in Apia, Samoa
husband (1) ???? married ???? died December 1994 of a sudden illness
husband (2) David Raymond Dell married 30 April 2017
Baptised and raised in Christian faith, came to New Zealand for latter part of her schooling at Logan Park High School, 1988
husband appointed Principal Tuasivi College and assistant minister to villages on the Island of Savaii, 1993
Bachelor of Theology and Dip. Grad. at University of Otago
Licensed by Dunedin Presbytery, 5 December 2004
Ordained Lower Hutt — Hutt City Uniting Congregations, Wellington Presbytery, 3 February 2005
Inducted minister, St Ninian's Uniting, Karori, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu, 28 February 2016
White Ribbon Ambassador, 4 October 2022

PORAUMATI, Mrs Emare
Maori Miss - Tokaanu
She was app temp in 5.1907 to assist Rev H.J. Fletcher at Tokaanu. 
She did good work in 1907-8

PORTEOUS, Sr Jean
She was from Port Chalmers.
PWTI 1904 - 05 : one of the first students at the Presbyterian Women’s Training
Institute (PWTI).
Ordained Deaconess 1906
Congregational Deaconess  St Pauls Invercargill 1906-10
Congregational Deaconess North East Valley DnP 1910-2
Congregational Deaconess Knox Church Dunedin 1912-20
Died 4.2.1962 Dunedin, aged 87

PORTEOUS, Dr William James             M.B., Ch.B., M.D.(Edin), F.R.C.S.(Edin.)
b 27.1.1884  South Otago;
w. Edith Rayner b. 1.6.1882  m. 13.11.1909 London d. Christchurch 1951.
He grew up in Waitepeka and then Port Chalmers; passed Medical Intermediate
at Otago University; spent 5 years at Edinburgh University studying medicine,
graduated 5.1907; 4 years at Royal Infirmary Edinburgh; then 1 year as House
Surgeon at Mildmay Mission Hospital, Bethnal Green, London.
Influenced by meeting John R Mott in Edinburgh and by the Student Christian
Movement. He decided to give his life in service where it was needed.
His initial interest in India came from Dr Surendra Kumar Datta, a student at the
Edinburgh Medical School a year ahead of him.
In preparation he assisted in social work in the Cowgate Edinburgh and under
the Mildmay Mission in London.
Medical Missionary India – In 1908 he was selected (from 11 volunteers) to
undertake a special deputation to India to seek out a suitable Mission Field for
the NZ Presbyterian Church, which wished to set up its own Mission there.
After travelling widely throughout India, he recommended Shahabad area.
Patiala India 8.1909; was authorized to establish a Mission Hospital in
a suitable place; opened a clinic in Shahabad 28 Nov 1910.
Work transferred to Jagadhri in 1911.
Joined Army Medical Corps 1915; in March 1916 became Lieutenant in RAMC;
in 6.1916 left for France, attached to a London Regiment; his wife was a dispenser
at NZ Hospital Walton-on-Thames.
Returned to India 2.1920; resigned for family reasons 31.12.1926;
Then practiced as a Medical Practitioner in Dunedin. He continued to serve Foreign
Missions in an Honorary capacity by carrying out medical examinations on prospective
and returning Missionaries.
Latterly set up a medical practice in Christchurch.
Continued to have a keen interest in Church affairs and Mission work until his death.
He returned to Jagadhri Hospital briefly in the early 1950’s to assist during a staff
shortage.
“Moral Rearmament, which challenged anew his commitment to the Christian faith,
also influenced his life. [He was] a man who lived close to God. He was continually
challenged by the absolutes of honesty, truth and love. … MRA made him a stronger
practising Christian…”
Died at Christchurch  22.6.1969 

PORTER, Rev Alexander (Alec)
b 13.5.1870; w Sarah b 10.5.1884 m 26.10.1905  d 13.11.1957
Purakanui DnP stud prch 1901-3 (incl 2 yrs Hall)
Hall Dn 1902-4
Ord Teviot (Roxburgh COP) 4.1.1905
Marton WgP 17.5.1911  ret 31.7.1916 thr serious ill-health & increasing
physical helplessness.
In early manhood a tragic accident deprived him of his right arm, but with
courage & consecration he entered on studies for the min at OU & Hall. He
took great interest in Christian Union (SCM), & throughout his min he was
familiar at youth conferences.
Died 18.2.1925

PORTER, Rev Charles E.
b 13.4.1867
w Lydia b 2.9.1872 m 22.3.1898 d 10.4.1973
He was a native of Victoria Australia; trained at Queens College Melbourne
(Methodist); Ordained 1898, came to NZ in 1894. After serving in the Methodist
Ministry in NZ for 16 years, he applied and was received into the PCNZ at the
General Assembly on 15.11.1910
Ind St Johns Papatoetoe SAP 28.12.1910
Died 26.1.1923, in office

PORTER, Rev Robert J.
b County Down, Ireland, 5 August 1856, gravestone reads 1855;
w Martha b 27 December 1862 m 10 October 1882  d 20 September 1939
Studied at Queen's College, Londonderry and Belfast University, Ireland,
Presbyterian Church of Ireland Theological Hall and McGee College, Derry.
Licensed by Presbytery of Banbridge, 1882
Ordained by Presbytery of Banbridge, 1882
Arrived New Zealand, 1882; at first supplied for some months at St Andrew’s Church, Christchurch.
Ordained Prebbleton (Lincoln) Christchurch Presbytery, 23 May 1883
Mornington, Dunedin Presbytery, 26 July 1886 (one record states September 1886)
called to -
St Pauls, Oamaru, July 1898  - Retired 14 January 1915 ill-health
Moderator of Synod of Otago and Southland, 1906
'A leader of temperance reform and an ardent advocate of Bible reading in the day schools.'
Died 6 June 1917, interred Wesleyan Section, Oamaru Old Cemetery

PORTER, Rev William Arthur
b 26.1.1870 Chorley, Lancashire, England
w Eliza Annie b 27.11.1870 m 4.6.1895 d 30.10.1970
He came to NZ 1879, attended Whangarei High School then took up coach-building
at Whangarei, then in Auckland and Te Puke.
In 1894 he went to the Mission field in Portuguese East Africa under the M.E. of
America; after 2 years his health broke down and he returned to NZ.
In 1898 he joined the Methodist Home Missionary service, serving at Waiuku,
Opotiki, Ngaruawahia and Port Albert. He then took up farming in the Waikato.
In 1924 he applied and was received by the Presbyterian Church Home Missionary
service in March 1924.
HM Morere-Nuhaka HBP 1924,  Ord HM 1924
Maori Mission Report : during his years at Morere-Nuhaka he took regular evening
services in the Nuhaka Mission Hall and occasionally at Whakaki.
Napier South HBP  1929
Ormond Gisborne 1930 (4 years)
Matawhero (1 year)
Whakapara NP 1936 (3 years)
Rep 1936: after a serious illnesss he made a good recovery and was appointed to
Whakapara.  Here he used a horse and gig or walked.   He set out to move the
people to clear their long-standing debt and by the end of the year; they had
succeeded. He had 11 preaching places; and he spread around collection boxes
for Missions as well.
Stewart Island  SP  (8 months)
Awhitu SAP 1940 (supply)
Rep 1941: he retired on 14.2.1939, and after that he assisted the HM Committee by
long periods of supply.  He preached the Sunday before he died, and was preparing
to preach the next Sunday when he collapsed, and died in the afternoon.
From 1935 he had some periods off service : May 1935 to Feb 1936, Feb 1939 to May 1944,
and Jan 1945 to ?
Died 26.2.1950

POTATAU, Rev Hemi                     B.A.
born 20 May 1904 at Nuhaka, the ninth of twelve children
wife Ira Rangiita (of Waiotaka, Tokaanu) born 4 May 1913 married 28 July 1945 died December 1967
Baptised Anglican, became Presbyterian to honour a Missionary for whom he cut wood after school when he was aged 14.
Educated at Nuhaka Native School and St Stephen’s College, Auckland.
Sent by the Maori Missions Committee to Scots College, Wellington 1920
Sent to Whakaki to assist Sr Edith and to sit for his matriculation 1923
Assisted at Whakaki after his examination.
University of Otago, Dunedin
Theological Hall, Dunedin 1929-1931
Ordained as Maori Missionary at Taneatua, transferred to Waimana and Nuhaka 15 March 1933
Leave of absense working on a farm 1937
Taupo 24 March 1938 - released to serve in Military Forces, 5 January 1941
Lance Corporal, Signal Depot, Cairo, October 1941
Maori Signal Company, 28th Maori Battalion, November 1942, acted as chaplain 1943
Sent back to New Zealand 1944 and returned to Nuhaka 1945
Te Whaiti 15 August 1945
Taumarunui 18 May 1946
Opotiki 1 March 1959
First Moderator of the Maori Synod as a full court of the Church 1964-1967 (and first Maori to hold the office)
Auckland Maori Pastorate, 18 June 1967 — retired 30 June 1970
Member of Te Reo Society and spoke on the steps of Parliament to Te Reo Maori petition, 14 September 1972
“In 1940-5 Hemi was on active service with the Maori Battalion as Intelligence Officer.  During leave periods he saw a great deal of the Holy Land and in sermons on return he was able to tell his people of the things he saw as well as the description of these places.  On return he was called to be the first Moderator of Te Hinota Maori, and in 1972 he was again elected Moderator of Te Hinota, this time for 3 years.
Hemi married a well known person of Taumarunui in 1946 prior to becoming Moderator of Te Hinota. Miss Ira Rangiita was a member of one of the leading families of Taumarunui, and was a great help to Hemi. For thirteen years they laboured in Taumarunui and with such a long pastorate Hemi was accorded much prestige.
Added to this was the fact that Ira was closely related to many of the people so that both were accorded acknowledged leadership throughout the area.
Hemi was the younger brother of Tipene who had hoped he might become a minister of the Presbyterian Maori Mission.  Unfortunately he was attacked by tuberculosis and died.  Hemi was then taken into Sr Edith and Sr Jessie's home.
Later he moved with Sr Edith to Whakaki where he cycled 8 miles each Monday Morning to High School in Wairoa.  He returned each weekend helping Sr Edith with the Sunday School.  During that time he decided to become a minister of the Presbyterian Church and to work in the Presbyterian Mission.  When he reached Form 5 he was sent to Scots College Wellington where he remained to the 6th Form.  Then he went to Dunedin where he studied at Otago University for his BA. 
When he had passed in six subjects he was admitted to Hall and graduated in 1931.
It is notable that when Hemi retired he went to Auckland University and completed his BA.  He subsequently continued on at Victoria University in Wellington and shortly before his death wrote a book that quickly has run out of print.
Te Hinota Maori would wish to say that Hemi Potatau never lost the sense of being a Maori, yet he was a very humble man who made no great display of his prowess.
He was not a man to bear ill will.  He also was blessed with a fine bass voice. He always saw himself as a follower of Jesus  Christ. (from Obit)
Died at Nuhaka 18 January 1994, being interred in the Soldiers’ section of the Maori cemetery nearby to Morere.

POTATAU, Miss P.
Maori Miss
Turakina Maori Girls Coll, teacher  1930

POTETE, Miss Marara
Maori Miss
Turakina Maori Girls Coll - she was Dux of the Coll 1921; a teacher 1922.

POTGIETER, Rev Philipp
from South Africa; Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa
wife Monique
commissioned Minister (Stated Supply), St James Greerton, 25 August 2019
received to the roll (Stated Supply), Greerton-St James' Union Parish, Kaimai Presbytery, 1 April 2022
inducted Greerton-St James' Union Church into St James Union Church and shared ministry with St Paul's Co-operating Parish, Papamoa, Kaimai Presbytery, 13 August 2022

POTTER, Miss Ivy Edna                          Mrs F.S.R. Crawford
She worked under the Home Missions Committee as a Home Missionary
Whakapara, Northland Presbytery, 1921-1923; moved to a base nearer Whangarei 1924
Resigned 31 May 1929 to prepare for her marriage — 7 years 6 months service.

POTTER, Rev Andrew Kent James (Kent)               BCom., BTh., DipMin., MD.
born Mosgiel
Wife: Keri-Jae married 17 January 2002
A life-long "Otagoite": Taieri High School 1983, Bachelor of Commerce in Management Studies University of Otago 1988, Publishing Worker Otago Daily Times Dunedin 1992 to 1997, Ministry Internship Diploma Bible College of New Zealand (Dunedin) 1997, Bachelor of Theology University of Otago 1999, School of Ministry at Knox College, 2001
Converted from atheism a decade before ministry training
"My wife and I have a sense of calling. It's about going out into the community, meeting their needs while keeping the word of God."
Licensed Dunedin Presbytery 25 November 2001
Ordained Assistant Minister with responsibility for Evans Road Congregation, St Andrew's Mt. Maunganui, Bay of Plenty Presbytery, 14 February 2002
Other Recognised Minister, 15 February 2009
Minister, Drury Presbyterian Church, South Auckland Presbytery, 21 June 2009 — resigned 26 January 2020
Resigned Roll of Presbyterian Ministers, 26 January 2020

POTTS, Rev Thomas Wilson
b 29.7.1872 Eng; w Abigail b1.7.1880 m 27.12.1900
He began his min in the Cong Ch in Nth Wales; Ord 1912; he came to NZ &
served in the backblocks of the King Country (as Cong Min).  He applied to
be recd as Min in        PCNZ; agreed by Ass 1926
Ind Waikouaiti DnP  24.2.1927  ret 31.7.1940
Died  23.12.1955 Timaru, aged 83

POULI-LEFALE, Rev Ionatana (Jonathan)
born Utualii
wife Auomala (Emma)
ordained Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa July 2000
Ministry and Congregation, Taeao Fou, changed to Fono Samoa, Pacific Islanders Church Synod, Presbyterian Church 2004, originally establshed 1999
Received 17 June 2008
Other Recognised Minister, Pacific Islands Synod, September 2013

POUTASI, Rev Samuelu (Sam) Faapoi               JP., MNZM., CPE., Knox.Dip., L.Th.
Born 17 September 1944
Immigrated to New Zealand with the support of an uncle 1966
Senior Laboratory Assistant National Cancer Research Laboratories Otago University Medical School 1964(?)-1973
wife Karen Olive Davidson born 12 July 1949 to Enid (Edmonds) and John Davidson married 8 January 1972 (Memorial minute says 1962) Medical Superintendent, Middlemore Hospital; Director General of Health, Ministry of Health, 1995-2006; chief executive officer, New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2006-2020; Dame Companion, New Zealand Order of Merit 2020
Theological Hall 1982-1984
Clinical pastoral education New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston 1984-1985
Ordained Chaplain Carrington Hosital Auckland 2.10.1986
Chaplain, Wellington Hospital, 12 February 1987 nine years
Full accreditation as a hospital chaplain by the Inter-Church Advisory Council on Hospital Chaplaincy 1988
Justice of the Peace 1996
Minister within the Bounds, Auckland Presbytery, January 1997
New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community 1998
Facilitator for restorative justice, drug and alcohol counsellor, member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors, supervisor and support worker at IHC, interpreter, choir member of Church and Operatic Society
Died 21 September 2011

POVEY, Rev Dennis Michael                      B.A. ,M.A.C.E.(PSCE Va) 
born 27 November 1940 Auckland later moved to Christchurch
wife Lea Mabel Taylor born 10 July 1942 married 14 May 1966 died 2 April 2021 at Huntleigh Home, Wellington
Bachelor of Arts 1964 Otago; Master of Arts in Christian Education 1972 Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, Virginia
Theological Hall 1964-1966
Ordained St Andrews, Canterbury, South Canterbury Presbytery, 16 June 1967 — resigned 9 June 1971
Study at Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, Virginia, USA 1 August 1971 to 1 August 1972
Alexandra-Clyde Union, Central Otago Presbytery, 5 October 1972
Secretary, Joint Commission Church Union, Wellington, 31 May 1979
St Georges, Takapuna, North Shore Presbytery, 3 February 1988 to 17 September 1995
First Church of Otago, Dunedin  Dunedin Presbytery, 17 September 1995 to 1 March 2001
Director of Community Mission, Presbyterian Support Services Otago, 15 March 2001 and Regional South Island Advisor for the Administration and Finance Policy Group of the Council of Assembly. 
Author of five social research reports for Presbyterian Support Otago.
How Much is enough -life below the poverty line in Dunedin 2002.
Old, Cold and Costly - a survey of low income rental housing in Dunedin 2004.
With My boots on -a survey of older persons' housing in Dunedin and Nelson 2006.
Out in the Cold - an update survey on low income housing in Dunedin 2014. 
Author of two booklets for the PCANZ: Bring on the Baby Boomers and From House to Home.
Retired in 2006, part time as archivist for Presbyterian Support Otago in 2016.
Other Recognised Minister, Southern Presbytery, 4 October 2010
Senior Active Retired and Minister Emeritus, Southern Presbytery, 14 August 2016
Minister Emeritus, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 14 February 2020
died 26 October 2023

POWELL, Rev Ivan Beatty
b 28.7.1916 at Timaru
w (1) Dorothy Merle Annals b 5.4.1920 m 21.6.1941 d 1973 (Suddenly)
w (2) Elizabeth Jessie Anderson b 20.4.1924 m 30.8.1975  d 30.11.2004
Primary School education at Timaru South (Dux of boy’s class). Two years at
Timaru Boy’s High School then worked for his Father (coal merchant). Served a
five year apprenticeship in motor engineering.
During World War Two he served as an aircraft engineer at Harewood (Christchurch),
Woodbourne and in Fiji.
Theological Hall 1946-48
Student supply at Clutha Valley Parish  ClP Jan 1947 to 30 Jun 1947
Ordained Kennington SP  21.12.1948
Pleasant Point SCP  6.8.1953
Stirling-Kaitangata ClP  15.5.1964
St Albans Christchurch ChP 27.5.1971 - retired 31.8.1981
Worked later with the Inter-church Trade and Industry Mission (ITIM), and for many
years he was a Presbyterian representative on the ITIM Board.
“After retirement Ivan became ITIM Chaplain at Christchurch International Airport,
a community of 2500 people. As a member of the International Association of Civil
Aviation Chaplains he hosted its annual conference in Christchurch in 1991.
Through his network he was able to encourage the growing local interest in Critical
Incident Stress management as vital resource for the care of those affected by major
disasters. 
Ivan Powell’s practical abilities, blended with a great undestanding of people,
equipped him for a long and effective ministry.” (from Obit.)
Died 7 Sept 2001 at Christchurch

POWELL, Miss M.S.
Maori Mission -  Turakina Maori Girls College,
Principal 1.1.1919 - resigned 31.12.1919

POWELL, Rev R.
Mentioned as conducting services at St Pauls Chch 1869-70

PRASAD, Rev Ryhan Ahandra (Raz)
born Dunedin, New Zealand Maori
wife Ani
licensed Wellington Presbytery 9 December 2011
Khandallah Wellington Presbytery 24 January 2012

PRATLEY, Rev Graeme Maitland                   BTh.
wife Susan nee Andrews married 2 September 1967
technical officer, Dairy Research Institute
Bachelor of Theology 1984 Otago University
Theological Hall 1982-4
Ordained Greymouth District Union 7 February 1985
Rangiora Christchurch Presbytery, 1 February 1990 — resigned 31.1.1993
Inter Church Trade and Industry Mission ITIM (Workplace Chaplaincy Services - Canterbury / Westland) 1 February 1993
Minister Emeritus Christchurch Presbytery June 2010

PRATLEY, Mr J.T.
HM Seddonville WsP  1909

PRATT, Rev D.
Meth Ch
St Andrews Union Tauranga (Greerton) 2.1973
St James Union Tauranga  2.1974

PREBBLE, Mr Ernest K.
HM Whakatane Outfields stud 1915-6

PREECE, Mr
Turakina Maori Girls Coll.  joined staff as groundsman  1921,
(after marrying Miss Boyce)  res 1923.

PREECE, Mrs           see                    Boyce, J.

PREEST, Rev Patricia
Ecumenical Chapl, Napier-Hastings  1975

PREMKUMAR RAJAN, Rev Solomon               M.Th.
Born India
Mission involvement in India among the Irula tribes and village church planting
wife Belinda, a trained pianist and software professional
Immigrated to New Zealand, 2006
Post-graduate Diploma in Theology, Laidlaw College
Intern, St David's in the Fields, Auckland, 2015
Intern, Somervell Presbyterian, 2016
Master of Theology, Laidlaw College
Licentiate, Northern Presbytery, 1 December 2016
Ordained (six-month stated supply) St Giles, Mount Roskill, Northern Presbytery, 28 November 2019
Other Recognised Ministry, Northern Presbytery, 30 November 2020
Stated Supply, Kaipara Parish, Northern Presbytery, 11 May 2021 — inducted minister, South Kaipara comprising Helensville Community Church and St Cuthberts Presbyterian Kaukapakapa, Northern Presbytery, 24 September 2022
minister, First Church Papakura, Northern Presbytery 15 October 2023

PRENTER, Rev Samuel                B.A.
arr with commission 1922
Hampden NOP 1922  res  31.5.1925
Hinds AsP  24.6.1926  res 31.8.1927 & went to Aust.

PRENTICE, Sr Elizabeth (Lizzie) Miller; Chinese name - "Pei Koo Neung".
b 2.12.1884
Presbyterian Women's Training Institute (PWTI) Dunedin 1907-08; then nursing training.
South China Mission, arrived China 10.11.1910
 She went to relieve Mrs John Kirk as nurse and served with rare devotion until she fell
seriously ill, necessitating her return to NZ on sick leave, Nov 1922
Resigned March 1923
Off Mission staff 31.12.1923.
Died 16.10.1952. Records indicate her ashes were interred in [Block PAA Plot 11 Class E]
at East Taieri Cemetery, Otago

PRESTCOTT, Mr G.W.        & Mrs
Maori Miss
Ak Maori Boys Hostel, Master & Matron  1.1.1956

PRESTIDGE, Rev. Paul Christopher                BA(Hons)., BTh(Hons).
wife Fiona Margaret married 4 April 1987 police officer
Bachelor of Arts 1985 Victoria University of Wellington; Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 1986 Victoria University of Wellington; Bachelor of Theology (Honours) 1992 Bible College of New Zealand
Economist in public service, taught economics at Solway College
licensed Auckland Presbytery 12 December 1996
Ordained and inducted St.James New Plymouth, Taranaki Presbytery 20 January 1997
Member, Wellington Presbytery, 30 April 2010
Minister (Methodist appointment, part-time), Miramar Uniting Church, Wellington, 31 July 2010
Doctor of Ministry 2012
Ministry Formation Co-ordinator, Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, 15 November 2020
Other recognised minister, Presbytery Central – Nukuhau Tapu, 15 November 2022

PRESTON, Rev James Alfred Ernest
b. 3.11.1877 at Inverell, New South Wales, Australia.
w.(?)  b.(?)  m.(?)  d.(?)
After serving in the Salvation Army for over 20 years, he joined the Home Missionary
service in 1924. Did not take the HM course.
HM Awhitu SAP  1924
Opunake TkP 1926, Ord HM 12.5.1926
Morere-Nuhaka HBP  1929
Foxton MnP  1930
Scargill ChP  1932
Renwicktown NMP 1936
Ruawai NP 1939
Greytown WpP 1942 – his wife died while at Greytown. 
Inglewood (1 year)
Resigned from HM service on acct of ill-health 30.6.1944
Died  21.3.1946

PRICE, Alister
Local Ministry Team, Pukerau Waikaka, Southland Presbytery, 2009-

PRICE, Rev Colin
Locally Ordained Minister (Probationer) Amuri Co-operating Church, Christchurch Presbytery, 30 November 2013 — retired 2 February 2019

PRICE, Rev Cyril Joseph Rutherford         M.A. (Hons), B.Com, F.R.E.S., A.R.A.N.Z., B.D.
b 25.5.1898 at Timaru
w Grace Jackson b(?)  m. 1935 (another record says 1930)  d(?)
A Teacher holding an “A” certificate and an Accountant. Joined the Army as an NCO
in 1918; Resumed teaching at Marlborough College in 1919 then at Gore High School in 1925.
Punjab Mission - Kharar India, Relieving Principal in absence of Rev M Ryburn 1928;
on his return to NZ in 1929, he made rapid visits to four main centres then left for Sydney.
To Australia :
Received by the Presb. Church of NSW 1.10.1929
Appt. Director of Welfare of Youth for the Presbyterian Church of NSW Oct/Nov 1930 to 1939
and : Travelling Secretary for the Presbyterian Fellowship Union (PFU) from Oct/Nov 1929.
Honorary Vice-President of PFU (ex Officio) from Oct/Nov 1929
Honorary Secreatary NSW Council of Religious Education from 1930/31
Set apart as Presbyterian Fellowship Union (PFU)Missionary to Sholinghur, India at St
Stephen’s Church, Sydney Dec 1939
Left for India Jan 1940
PFU District Missionary - Sholingpur, South India1939-52; acting as Principal and Diocesan Secretary.
Senior Recording Secretary for the Diocese of Madras, Presb. Church & Synod of South India c.1947
Studied for his BD in India 1947-51
Returned to Australia Dec 1951 and taught at secondary schools in NSW 1952.
Returned in New Zealand 1953
Head of Accounting, Technical College, Hamilton NZ 1953-59
Returned to Australia 1960
Ordained at St Andrew’s Chatswood by the Presbytery of North Sydney as :
Superintendant of Religious Education for the Presb Church of NSW Jan 1960
resigned 1964            
Returned to New Zealand  c.1964-65
Adviser in Christian Education for Bible-in-Schools scheme in Waikato 1965-66
Teacher at Fairfield College, Hamilton NZ 1967; Acting Headmaster (Academic) Jan-July 1968;
also Mar- Apr 1969.
He responded to appeal of Missions Committee for an experienced Teacher to relieve at Onesua
High School in New Hebrides (Vanuatu) for 4 months during vacancy.
Headmaster, Onesua Hign School, New Hebrides 1969
Part-time Assistant Minister, Frankton Hamilton, First Church Hamilton 1970 - resigned 1971.
He again freely offered his services to the Missions Committee during a time of further staffing
shortages at Onesua however his services were in the end not again required. He was thanked
by the Committee for his generous offer.
Father of Miss Dorothy Price.
Died 15.7.1981

PRICE, Miss Dorothy
With Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea from 1968
Appointed Overseas Worker with PCNZ Papua New Guinea 1977 to 1984
Daughter of the Rev CJR Price.

PRICE, Rev Gary Dennis
wife Vise nee Simeti married 13 February 1965
Minister Linwood Congregational Church Christchurch for four years
Report 1968: received by Presbyterian Church of New Zealand after doing further study in Theological Hall 1968.
Inducted as Associate Minister Tamaki-St James Auckland 6 May 1976 — resigned 30 June 1979 and withdrew.
Welfare Officer for Nauru in New Zealand, 31 July 1979; later with IHC Auckland
Minister within the Bounds Auckland Presbytery July 1984

PRIER, Mrs N.             see                  Coombe, Mary
Licentiatie on roll Wellington Presbytery 1977-
Removed from roll 20 February 2007

PRIMROSE, Rev James Bartholomew              M.A
Educ in Glas for min of CS; went as Miss to Poona India for 30 yrs; returned
to Scot & served parishes of Kirkwood, Roberton, & then as librarian at New
College Edinburgh;
on ret came to NZ & settled in Chch.  Assoc of ChP;
served as loc ten in several parishes in ChP
Died 2.8.1974 Chch, aged 84

PRINGLE, Rev John                 M.A.(Hons Maths)
b 29.1.1870 Milton
w Clara A. b 27.7.1877 m 23.12.1902  d 6.10.1955
He was a teacher at Oamaru, then entered the Home Missionary service.
HM Nightcaps SP 1902
Patearoa COP 1903-4 (till Theological Hall opened session)
He was accepted as student for ministry by the General Assembly 1903, and after
examination he was placed in 2nd year of the Theological Hall course.
Theological Hall 1904-05
Ordained Akaroa ChP  8.2.1906
Halkett ChP 4.5.1909
Edendale MtP  30.9.1914
Chalmers Curch Dunedin 21.8.1924 - retired 31.3.1935
Assistant Minister Kensington Dunedin DnP and Hospital Chaplain Dunedin 1935-37 in retirement.
Great Grandfather of the Rev SB McLeay.
Died 7.6.1953

PRIOR, Mr Arthur Norman
born 4 December 1914 Masterton.
wife (1) Clare Hunter married 27(?) August 1936 divorced c 1940 a student and journalist
wife (2) Mary Laura Wilkinson  born circa 1922 in China (?)  married (?) Doctorate in history died 17 December 2011 aged 89, daughter of Rev Frank Wilkinson
Theological Hall 1935 — after 1 year in the Hall he was given leave to return to University for further study.
During 1936 he decided not to enter the Ministry as he felt that he was not cut out for the work and life of the regular ministry. 
He was a brilliant student; Senior Scholar in Philosophy; post-grad study in England 1936.
Began teaching philosophy and logic at Canterbury University 1946 after Karl Popper's resignation; Professor 1953.
Member of St Martins, Christchurch, inducted as elder 1 May 1951 — last present at Kirk Session 19 April 1958
Gave the John Locke lectures in philosophy at Oxford 1956.
Left New Zealand in December 1958 for Manchester in England.
Became Professor of Philosophy at Oxford University and fellow of Balliol College 1966. 
He married Mary Wilkinson, a sister of Dr A.C.H. Wilkinson  (husband of Marilyn Luke q.v.).
died 6 October 1969 of heart failure in Trondheim, Norway, while on sabbatical at the University of Oslo

PRITCHARD, Elizabeth Jane nee Ballentine                   CNZM, QSO
born 15 February 1936 Oamaru, North Otago, New Zealand
elder, Somervell Presbyterian Church, Auckland 1987; moderator, Auckland Presbytery; national president, Association of Presbyterian Women 1994 to 1997
Established Bridgebuilders, Pacific Basin Region, 1996; also Pacific Womens Watch NZ and Asia-Pacific Regional Council, International Council of Women
"non-governmental activist at the coalface of efforts to attain universal human rights at every level"
died 2 December 2023 aged 87

PROBERT, Rev (Sr) Isobel Jessie                   N.Z.R.N.
b 23.12.1927
Deaconess College, Dunedin 1957-59
Ordained Deaconess, City Deaconess PSSA Wellington 25.2.1960
PSSA Leslie Home Auckland - Matron  18.1.1966
Congregational Deaconess St Pauls Christchurch  ChP  4.4.1968
PSSA Christchurch - Medical and General Worker  16.7.1970
Ordained Minister PSSA Christchurch (same work)  6.3.1975
PSSA Christchurch - Director Care of the Aged  1978
Associate Minister Khandallah Wellington WnP  2.11.1982
Minister Emeritus Mar 1988
Waiwhetu Methodist Church (WnP)  24.3.1988 - retired 31.1.1990
Died 9 March 2013 in Christchurch

PROVAN, Rev Ian James            B.A.
b. 1932 at Kurow.
w Carol Joy Oakley m 10.5.1958
Attended school in Christchurch where he became Dux of Linwood North School. Later attended
school in Westport. In 1950 took up an apprenticeship as a pharmaceutical chemist.
Accepted by Christchurch Presbytery as a student for the Ministry in 1954.
Then attended Christchurch University where he gained a Batchelor of Arts in Philosophy and History.
Theological Hall, Dunedin1958-60
Ordained Moutere Hills NMP  6.12.1960
PSSA Chaplain Seacliff Psychiatric Hospital (and later Cherry Farm) DnP  3.2.1966
Parish Development & Mission (PD&M) Consultant Christchurch  7.3.1978
Southern Regional Officer, Ministry Committee Dunedin 18.9.1981
Retired 31.5.1989 due to ill-health and moved to Christchurch.
Took on part-time parish work at Akaroa and in Timaru during late 1990's - fully retired 2004.
"His focus [at Seacliff / Cherry Farm] was on rehabilitation of long-stay patients and he was involved in
setting up the Corstorphine project in Dunedin, a day centre. He was also a member of the thereaputic
team which initiated and then ran a training unit in the hospital preparing patients for life in the community.
Mr Provan also focussed on rehabilitation of patients in the alcoholism and drug dependency unit and was
the hospital liaison with Alcoholics Anonymous. Collegue the Rev John Hunt said Mr Provan established
chaplaincy as a significant player in the caring and healing process. 'He brought to these meetings a
vision of well-being, which is living to the fullness within one's limit at any given moment. It was an
important distinction to be made at the time and Mr Provan was considered ahead of his time... He was
a very funny, warm-hearted man.' His background in pharmacy helped him with the drug language they
often encountered in the hospital setting.
Mr Provan helped with public education on mental issues, addressing community and church groups in
Otago & Southland and lecturing on the relationship between theology and psychiatry to medical personnel.
It was during this time that he published 'Healing', a text book on psychiatric conditions for the paramedical.
In 1978 he became a Parish Development and Mission Consultant, assiting both lay people and clergy to
develop strategies for growth ata parish level.
In 1984 he became the Southern regional officer for the Ministry Committee based in Dunedin and was
involved at a nationla level in initiating and designing supervision for the clergy and developing policies and
strategies.
Mr Provan was 'cheerful forthright' man who had a very strong reputation throughout the church for his
support of ministers and those beginning their careers in the ministry.."
"He delighted in philosophical debate and enjoyed the challenge of new thinking and ideas. He reflected
theologically, pastorally and psychologically, capable of original and provocative thought. In his book
"Healing", he suggested a definition of health as living to the boundaries of one's limitations in any given
time."
Died 4 Aug 2007 at Christchurch, aged 75 years after a long illness.

PROVAN, Rev Kylie Amanda
Grew up in West Auckland, "Came to know the Lord" when she was 20 years old
husband Robert, met in the military
New Zealand Defence Force: communications and logistics; Chaplain, Unitec Institute of Technology; Helensville Volunteer Fire Brigade; Whakatane Rural Fire Force, later Eastern Bay Volunteer Fire Brigade, Whakatane Emergency Response Team; ministered for the Assembly of God Church, before moving to the Presbyterian Church
Intern, Whakatane, Kaimai Presbytery, 2017-2018
Graduated 5 December 2018
Studies completed January 2019; licentiate, 31 January 2019
Licensed Kaimai Presbytey 24 February 2019
Ordained and inducted to the Whakatane Presbyterian Parish as the second minister centred on Rangitaiki St. David’s Congregation at Edgecumbe, 19 May 2019
Other Recognised Minister, Kaimai Presbytery, 17 July 2020
A particular passion for rural, small town and indigenous communities

PRUDEN, Rev Pamela Mary (Pam)
born 9 September 1935, Christchurch
husband (1) Graeme Frew
husband (2) Charles Hugh Naylor born 8 October 1926 married 1 May 1988 died 13 November 2021
Team ministry, St Andrews Takaka (five years)
CBMT (Community Based Ministry Training) 1991-1992
Licensed at St Ninians Blenheim 24 November 1992
Ordained St Andrews Takaka Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery 8 December 1992; half-time from 1 January 1995
Mayfield, Ashburton Presbytery 3 September 1995 — retired 31 October 1999
Minister Emerita, Nelson-Marlborough Presbytery 8 February 2000
Moved to Christchurch "in their retirement", 2020, resident at the Ngaio Marsh Village
died 10 March 2024, aged 88 years

PRYOR, Rev David Nicol                   B.A,
b 13.3.1902
w Josephine Lilian Mary (Sr. Lylie) Buchanan b 15.5.1900 m 15.6.1933 d. Jan 2000
(refer separate entry for Sr Lylie Buchanan)
Theological Hall 1928-30
Licesned by Dunedin Presbytery Oct 1930
Ordained St Andrews Canterbury  SCP 19.11.1930
Leeston ChP  6.4.1933 - resigned 21.4.1938 - to Britain for study
St Andrews Auckland  AP 4.9.1941
Havelock North HBP  21.2.1952
Belmont NSP 8.2.1962 - retired  29.2.1968
“David grew up in Dunedin, went to Otago Boys High School, studied at Otago
University, then the Theological Hall, Dunedin. His first ministry was the rural charge
of St Andrews, South Canterbury, and then the country town of Leeston. In 1938
David and Lylie did something pretty courageous and uncommon for those times: they
went under their own resources to London in search of further education and experience.
Study plans were cut short by the immanence of World War Two, and their experience
came in a host of varied forms in the next few years.   First a request from the Presbyterian
Church of England to found a new congregation in the city of Chesterfield, Church
planting we call it now. They started with a few people in a Doctor's sitting room.  It
became a flourishing Church.  Their next experience was to serve the Church of Scotland
for several years as war-time locum in a large and historic Church in Dunfermline.These
years were packed with activities, such as lecturing for various Government and Army
agencies concerned with civic morale or with teaching English to refugee Polish forces. 
On three occasions David addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
and also similar assemblies of the Free Church, and in Ulster. David and Lylie were called
back in 1941, to one of the most historic Churches in NZ, St Andrews Auckland. For some
years David conducted devotions in the Friendly Road programme of 1ZB.  The
nom-de-plume he used, 'Spectator', was a most inaccurate label for David at any stage of
his life, and did not disguise his confident and clear voice.
While at St Andrews David was appointed Honorary Chaplain in the Royal NZ Volunteer
Reserve. He worked out an arrangement with the Anglican Chaplain for a joint service of
Holy Communion in which each administered to his own young men at the HMS Tamaki
station. This was early days for practical ecumenism, but David had caught its spirit.
David played a significant part in the establishment of both St Kentigern Preparatory
School and St Kentigern College.” (From Obit)
Died 1.12.1992

PRYOR, Mrs D.N.                 see                 Buchanan, Lilian

PRYOR, Rev Selwyn Bernard Haporonga
born 21 July 1948
wife Maria died 2023
Putauaki Maori pastorate, Te Aka Puahou 2009
died at Ohope Marae 13 January 2024

PURDIE, Rev Christopher (Chris) James
born Wellington New Zealand
wife Silvia Crane
Parish youth worker, Christchurch and St Paul's Union Church Taupo 17 October 1995
Licensed Wellington Presbytery, 25 January 2007
Chaplain, Linton Army Base, Manawatu-Wanganui Presbytery 8 February 2007
Chaplain, New Zealand Defense Force, Burnham, Alpine Presbytery, 18 January 2016
Chaplain, New Zealand Defense Force, Trentham, Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 9 December 2022

PURDIE, Rev Ian Archibald               B.Com.
b 7.11.1913 at Wellington
w. Margaret Lorraine (Peggy) b 22.10.1914  m 26.10.1940
He was a navigator in RNZAF in WW2; returned from war to Auckland University,
graduating B.Com. in 1946; he was a chartered accountant well established in private
practics in a large firm in Auckland; he was an elder at St Johns Papatoetoe and very
active in the Church; he decided to study for ministry; went toTheological Hall Dunedin
with his wife and five children to study with another child born during their stay in Dunedin.
Theological Hall Dunedin 1953-5
Ord St Davids Palmerston Nth 13.12.1955
St Andrews Hamilton 4.2.1965  ret 31.12.1978
He was deeply involved in New Life and Stewardship - organizing these movements;
was on Committee which led to formation of Council of Assembly; involved in the setting up
of Dept of Information; deeply involved in education - memer Auckland Education Board,
Auckland University Council, St Kentigern Trust Board, Fergusson Hall Trust, University of
Waikato Chapl Com.
Died 14.7.1981  Hamilton

PURDIE, Rev Silvia Ellen nee Crane
New Zealander, born Suva Fiji
husband: Rev Chris Purdie
Started out in youth ministry (mainly Methodist) in the 1990s, Playcentre, trained as counsellor
Licensed Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery 4 December 2008
Ordained 2007
Stated Supply for twelve weeks, Foxton-Shannon Cooperating Parish, Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, 1 August 2009
Foxton-Shannon Cooperating Parish, Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, 25 July 2010 — resigned 31 December 2011
Milson Combined Church (part-time), Manawatu Wanganui Presbytery, 26 Febuary 2012
Stated supply minister, Cashmere Presbyterian Church, Alpine Presbytery, 18 January 2016 - Commissioned (12 month term), 14 February 2016
Minister, Cashmere Presbyterian Church, Alpine Presbytery, 8 October 2016.
Other Recognised Minister, Alpine Presbytery, 9 February 2020
Other recognised minister, Presbytery Central - Nukuhau Tapu, 9 December 2022
Member of the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Assocation, December 2023
Ministry Enabler, Local Ministry Team, Dannevirke, Presbytery Central, 29 September 2024

PYPER, Rev (Sr) Shirley Margaret
b 12.10.1930 Te Awamutu
Educated at Hamilton Technical College (Commercial course). Worked as a shorthand typist until end of 1953.
Deaconess College 1954 to 1956; also nursing training
Ordained Deaconess to Mosgiel Presbyterian Church DnP  7.2.1957 (served for 4 years)
Nurse training, State Registered Nurse, Dunedin 1964 & State Registered Midwife, Christchurch 1966
Missionary – Papua New Guinea – Appointed May 1968
To All Saints College Sydney for Missionary preparation course 26 Jun 1968
Papua New Guinea arrived 11.1968
“Own Missionary” of the Busy Bees Aug 1970
Iruna PNG 1973,
Resigned from overseas staff  & off staff 10 Mar 1975
Ordained Minister Matawhero Gisborne SS 30.5.1976
Resigned 31.12.1976 and withdrew.
Special Ministry 'Arohanui', Gisborne 30.9.1979
Hunterville WgP  13.6.1985
Shirley was born in Te Awamutu and was brought up on dairy farms in Waikato. After
leaving school she worked as a typist, until feeling the Call to Deaconess Order, she went
to Deaconess College Dunedin.  Completing her studies she was ord as a Deaconess and
went to serve in Mosgiel. While there she did her nursing training in Dunedin and then
midwifery in Chch . She then served for nearly a decade as a Missionary nurse and midwife
at Kapuna, Gavuone, and North Iruna, Papau New Guinea. 
Returning to NZ  she was ordained as Minister and served in Gisborne Presbytery. While
there she was instrumental in founding an interdenominational group who started the
Spiritual Growth Ministries.
From 1983 to 1984 she spent a year at the Kairos Community in Sydney.  On her return to NZ
she was called to Hunterville in 1985.  Her personality was such that those who wanted a male
Minister were soon won over.  Her services and preaching warmly commended her to the
people.  Her real strength in the parish was the way she worked at strengthening the Session
and convincing  Session members of their abilities, often hidden.  Without the work  she did
there, the parish would have suffered much more in recent months. (from Obituary)
Died 12.11.1990