THE VEN DR LYNDON DRAKE

BOARD CHAIR

Lyndon is Kaiwhakamana Amorangi ki te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau, and Pirihi Whakahaere mo te Takiwa o Manukau (ministry roles in the New Zealand Anglican Church). He is of Ngai Tahu descent, from Kati Kuri in Kaikoura, and married to Miriam with three sons. Until 2010, Lyndon was a Vice President at Barclays Capital, trading government bonds and interest-rate derivatives. Since then, he has served as pastor of Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, taught theology of work at seminaries, served in regional and international church leadership, and has served in various governance roles, including currently chairing Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust Board and Te Hui Amorangi Ki Te Tai Tokerau Trust Board. Lyndon has degrees in science and commerce (Auckland), a PhD in computer science (York), and two degrees in theology (Oxford). Lyndon is particularly interested in Venn’s work of Christian formation.

REBECCA DOW

DEPUTY CHAIR

Rebecca grew up in Ahipara, in the Far North. Motivated by a desire to help people, Rebecca completed a social work degree at the University of Otago and, through her studies, became increasingly passionate about the role of schools in providing care and opportunities for vulnerable teenagers. She completed a Postgraduate degree in Secondary Teaching, followed by teaching posts in Kaitaia and Queensland, Australia. Rebecca moved to Auckland in 2014 to complete her Masters dissertation on the provision of pastoral care in schools and now works as an Academic Manager at South Auckland Middle School. She serves on the Villa Education Trust Board. Rebecca has been involved in the Venn community for a number of years and has participated in both the Summer Conference and the Venn Vocational Programme, 2017.

MATTHEW HOPPER

TREASURER

Matthew works as a Commercial Account Manager at ASB in Auckland and has completed Bachelor degrees in Commerce, majoring in Finance, and Physical Education at Otago University. He was born and raised in Christchurch and moved to Auckland in 2014 to take part in Venn’s Residential Internship. Matthew’s board involvement comes from his deep care for Venn’s mission to help people integrate their faith into all aspects of life and vocation, to shape Aotearoa, New Zealand for the glory of God. He is married to Natalie and is a keen sportsperson, training for triathlon and running events.

REV. SETAITA VEIKUNE

Rev. Setaita Veikune is a significant member of the Methodist Church. She was ordained to the church in 2013 and, since that time, has served as superintendent for the Tongan parish and synod, director of mission resourcing, president of women’s fellowship initatives, and a board member of the Methodist Mission. In 2018, Setaita became the first Pacific woman to be President Elect of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. She is deeply committed to serving her local community and was awarded an Honorary MNZM for services to the Pacific community. Setaita is married to Dr Maika Veikune and they have three children, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren. Setaita and Maika live in Auckland.

HELEN GREEN

Helen has extensive governance, non-profit leadership, management, and nursing experience. For 30 years, she worked in the Health system, initially as a nurse and then in management. She helped set up the first High Dependency Unit in Aotearoa at Waikato Hospital, established an ethical decision-making framework for end of life decisions, and was responsible for access to disability care throughout most of the North Island. In 2000, Helen was appointed CEO of World Vision NZ, the first woman to take leadership within the global organisation. Since leaving World Vision, Helen has undertaken roles in governance both in Aotearoa and internationally and consults for health and disability work in developing countries. Helen and her husband Peter live in Raglan. They have two adult children, Kirsty and Karen, and six grandchildren.

MARGOT SHUTT

Margot is a nurse and midwife by trade, who has worked in many of Auckland’s hospitals. She has also worked in various pastoral and teaching roles in Equippers Church, her church of more than 25 years. Margot grew up on family land in Opuatia (Ngati Tiipa), surrounded by her large extended whānau. Married to Stu, they have three young-adult children and run their nationally franchised business, Sentinel Homes. She is particularly interested in helping young people outwork the call of God in every sphere of their lives, and in seeing how godly business can impact the world.

REV. DR. MURRAY RAE

Murray began his working career as an architect in private practice before studying philosophy and theology in New Zealand, Germany, and the UK. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister and is currently Professor of Theology at the University of Otago. His varied research interests include the work of Søren Kierkegaard, theological ethics, theology and architecture, the theological interpretation of Scripture, and Māori Engagements with Christianity. His support of the Venn Foundation stems from his interest in helping people to think about the implications of Christian faith across all areas of human life. Murray is married to Jane and they have three adult sons.

JOHN MCDOUGALL

John is raising his two young children, Gillian and Orson, alongside his wife Megan in Tauranga. He studied philosophy, psychology, and property and works as an asset manager at a small private fund. John’s desire to serve on Venn’s board flows from the impact Venn’s teaching has had on his faith, life, and work. He’s excited to be part of Venn’s expansion into vocational centres, particularly in business and the arts, and is looking forward to seeing people’s lives changed by the holistic teaching. John and his family worship at St. Luke’s Tauranga.