John Wilkinson, People’s Warden
I feel very blessed to have moved to Carterton and very privileged to be part of, and welcomed into, the St Mark’s community. I have three children and a granddaughter, who bring me a lot of joy.
For the last decade or so I’ve worked on changing Government policy and services so they understand and support what matters to disabled people – ‘enabling good lives’. From this I’ve learnt the value of taking time to understand people, their hopes and dreams.
With God’s grace, we can journey together to deepen our relationship with God, be encouraged and equipped to share God’s love with the wider Carterton community.
Liz Crow, Treasurer
This is me on top of the world! I love walking and head up the local hills as often as I can between the juggling of two active kids, teaching, running our household, and several voluntary roles now including serving on St Marks Vestry.
I aim to serve God in my daily walk with him and have been a Jesus follower since an Alpha course in my twenties.
Simon Chiaroni, Bishop’s Warden
This shot is from a few years back, at a small birthday celebration for me with my children and grandchildren. They come and stay every year, when our conversation is always rich in ripostes about Carterton’s one set of traffic lights and life in the rat race in Auckland.
After 35 years in Wellington, my wife Keren and I moved to the Rappa in 2018. We are very grateful for our large garden, the friends we’ve made here, and the wise and warm environment of St Mark’s.
Mike Palmers, Synod representative
It is an honour to be asked to serve St Marks again as its Synod representative. I chair a local catchment group, the Mangatarere Restoration Society. Previously I’ve served the organic sector at a national governance level. My professional background is in horticulture and environmental policy.
My faith journey is one of many twists and turns, including a short-term mission trip to Bangladesh, the emergent church, helping to create faith-oriented public art installations, and a postgrad diploma in theology. I particularly appreciate the St Marks home group I’ve been part of for a number of years. It has been great to see St Marks become part of the Eco-Church movement.
Leya Kurian, Vestry Secretary
I serve on vestry because I believe the everyday life of the church — hospitality, pastoral care, good stewardship, and transparent decision‑making — shapes how we love our neighbours. In my weekday work I’m used to balancing detail with big‑picture outcomes, and I enjoy bringing that blend to parish planning and support for ministries.
As a migrant, making my home in Carterton was a milestone of stability and independence that deepened my gratitude for a community that welcomes and empowers. I’m especially passionate about creating safe, encouraging spaces for young people and women — listening well, opening doors, and building practical pathways to flourish. I value clear communication, collaboration, and turning good intentions into action.
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Esther Dijkstra
I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the Carterton community and finding ways to make a positive difference. Over the years, I’ve helped organise local events that bring people together and taken part in projects that strengthen our sense of community. I’m also passionate about caring for the environment and have been involved in promoting sustainable living and supporting conservation efforts to protect native habitats.
I care deeply about the future of our church and its role in the community. I bring governance experience that helps me make clear, thoughtful decisions and work collaboratively with others. I’d love to use these skills to help the church grow and connect with more people. My motivation is to make our church a welcoming, vibrant place that reflects our values and serves the wider community in practical and meaningful ways.
St Mark's Anglican Church Carterton 