Oversight Team
Pastors
Jon & Rachel Hales
We’ve been married since October 2002 and have 4 amazing children - Isaac, Paris, Mathis and Ruby. We both love a decent coffee, long walks on the beach, watching rugby (Jon) and having great holidays.
We were assistant pastors in New Plymouth for 11 years before sensing the call to Kaiapoi in March of 2013.
Our heart is to go after the lost, see people truly saved and help them to find healing and wholeness. We love to see people find where they fit in the body of Christ, discover the joy of serving and come through to maturity. We value the presence of God and seeing his gifts operating in the body of Christ.
Riverside is called to help people follow Jesus and impact communities.
Associate Pastors
Rob and Lynore Harnett
Lynore and I have been a part of Riverside Community Church since 2014 and serving on the Eldership Team since mid-2018.
I am an Architectural Designer by profession and work from my home studio in Rangiora. Lynore is currently employed by Hope Community Trust through the Rangiora Baptist Church.
We have two adult sons: Caleb, who is National Operations Manager for a national sign writing company, living in Tauranga and Joel, who has now completed his Masters in Architecture (2021) and currently living in Auckland.
Our passion is to see the House of the Lord flourish and be a safe, warm, and inviting place of worship and preaching of God’s Word, encouraging lives to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Eldership
The Elders are a team who assist the Pastors in the leadership and oversight of the church. The Elders are Rob Harnett, Aru Strickland and Jon Hales.
Aru Strickland
Kia ora, Kia orana
My full name is Arumaki John Strickland, I’m married to my beautiful wife Holly and we have three sons. I’m also a step father to our beautiful daughter and we are proud grandparents of two.
I’m a qualified Electrician by trade and own my own company, Energon Electrical Ltd.
I am a bass player in the worship team, and my wife and I also enjoy being part of the leadership in the children’s ministry, Crossfire.
My drive is to serve the Lord my God, impact communities for the Lord Jesus, and give true value and understanding of our eternal destination whom God has offered freely to all of us who seek His face.