About Us
Our Vision
Partnering with families to inspire children into a lifelong journey of faith and discovery with Jesus.
To help us achieve our vision, the Territorial Children’s Mission Department has set the following goals:
1. Reclaim the priority of ministry to children and families
2. Reach new children with the message of Jesus
3. Aim for excellence in weekly children’s gatherings
4. Equip parents/caregivers as the primary disciplers of their children
5. Promote junior soldiership as an important discipleship pathway
6. Develop leadership skills in all Children’s Ministries workers
> Read more about our Children’s Ministry Strategy (PDF, 1.98MB)
Our Team
Our Children's Ministries team is spread out over islands and oceans but we’re all here for one reason: kids! Some of us hang out at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in Wellington, and the rest of our awesome crew are situated in each of the Divisional/Regional Headquarters’ within New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
The Salvation Army in NZ, Fiji and Tonga is made up of five divisions and one region. In New Zealand, we have Northern Division (upper North Island), Midland Division (middle North Island), Central Division (lower North Island), and Southern Division (South Island). Fiji Division includes all the islands of Fiji, and Tonga Region is all of Tonga.
Territorial Children's Mission Department
Hannah Medland
Territorial Children’s Mission Director
With a background in early childhood education, Hannah brings with her a dedication to child-directed learning. As well as serving as Children's Pastor at her local corps, she loves to craft and make, design beautiful spaces at home, work and church, and try to improve her baking! If you're part of The Salvation Army and want to know more about Godly Play, talk to Hannah!
Bethany Tate
Children's Projects Assistant
Bethany has a background in theology and is passionate about growing sustainable faith in children and young people. Capable of drinking her body weight in tea, she is happiest devouring research about the state of faith in younger generations.
Northern Division (upper North Island)
Sue Ellis
Divisional Children’s Mission Director
Sue is a lovely English lass who takes care of Children’s Ministries in the upper North Island. She is passionable about being FOR our communities and neighbourhoods, and alongside her husband, Rod, she pastors ROC (Royal Oak Church). Sue knows from experience a thing or two about Messy Church!
Midland Division (middle North Island)
Missy Ditchburn
Divisional Children’s Secretary
Central Division (lower North Island)
Katherine Sonntag
Divisional Children & Youth Secretary
Katherine brings to her role years of experience journeying with people at various ages and stages. Her desire to create safe spaces for children and young people is contagious! Katherine spends her time supporting corps officers and leaders to reach and develop children and young people.
Kate Geddes
Divisional Youth & Children's Mission Director
Kate is a passionate, 'live life to the full' character who is all about young people realising their full potential. She has the fun role of creating engaging events and missional opportunities for children, families and young people to encounter Jesus.
Southern Division (South Island)
David Moody
Divisional Children’s Secretary
David has a passion for family ministry and is an expert in all things 'Orange' strategy. He and his wife, Alison (Divisional Youth Secretary for Southern Division), work side-by-side and love supporting children’s and youth ministry in the South Island.
Fiji Division
Lieutenant Ruci Napolioni
Divisional Children’s Secretary
Tonga Region
Filipe Saafi
Regional Youth & Children’s Worker
Filipe is a young lad with a passion for children and young people—so much so, he oversees children’s AND youth work in Tonga! He’s good fun to have around and likes a good laugh, and is the trendiest children’s worker in all the land.