WelCom February 2022
The Diocesan Management Advisory Council (DMAC) is a consultative body to the Bishop of Palmerston North Diocese. Its members, representing both clergy and laity, assist in the governance and administration across the whole diocese.
The members meet bi-monthly to discuss and approve projects and programmes and provide financial and legal expertise in the administration of the Church’s assets, under the bishop’s direction. Together they ensure pastoral priorities, established by the bishop, are met so the diocese remains ‘in keeping with sacred scripture, the Church’s teachings and the provision of Code of Canon Law’.
At the council’s meeting last May, after many years of service, four members – Marty Gunn, Monsignor Brian Walsh, Marie Russell and Fr John Dykes – all declared 2021 to be their last year on the council. Their skills and expertise include Marty Gunn’s many administrative and financial skills as an auditor and Fr John Dyke’s historical knowledge of the diocese.
When appointing new members, the bishop takes into account the balance and diversity of skills, experience, background and expertise necessary for prudent advice and stewardship on the council. He then appoints the new members for a term of three years, with the option to renew at the end of the term.
‘The Palmerston North Diocese acknowledges and thanks the retiring members for their considered guidance and dedicated service to the council, some of whom have served for more than 16 years,’ said Liam Greer, general manager for the diocese.
The DMAC has welcomed four new members with commensurate skills to sit alongside clergy Frs Joe Grayland and Craig Butler, and long-serving chairperson of 30 years, Marie Dwyer. The new members are Grant Novak, New Plymouth; Vipin Thomas, Hastings; Maria Neville-Foster, Clive; and Keith Wedlock, Palmerston North.
‘The new members span the diocese geographically and professionally, says Liam Greer. Collectively they bring essential, relevant skills to compliment those who are continuing to serve, and bridge and gaps in ability or professional experience that would most benefit the diocese.’
Diocesan Management Advisory Council: four new members
Grant Novak, New Plymouth
Grant is a retired lawyer with a background in property and commercial law, business, financing, and estate and trusts law. He is active in charities and their governance; chairs the Board of Trustees at St Pius X Primary School; and is on the leadership, property and health and safety teams at the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth.
Vipin Thomas, Hastings
Vipin is an associate director (audit and assurance) at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke’s Bay with a wealth of experience and financial knowledge. He is a trustee for Jesus Youth New Zealand Trust and St Joseph’s Catholic School Hastings, and has served on both the Catholic Parish of Hastings council and finance committee. He is active in parish ministries and charities and a catechism teacher for youth.
Maria Neville-Foster, Clive
Maria is the principal of Sacred Heart College in Napier and a firm believer in the importance and value of faith in the lives of young people. Catholic faith is an integral part of her life and she brings to the DMAC a perspective that is focussed on education, youth and the future.
Keith Wedlock, Palmerston North
Keith is a highly-qualified accountant, and current chair of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, with a wealth of experience working in public practice. Keith has held various professional leadership roles, both nationally and in Asia-Pacific, and has sat on many advisory boards, including the founding board of the Massey Business School. He is also Chairman of the Marist Sports Club, Palmerston North.