Introducing the new Archdeacon for Tauranga City and Coast and Ministry Educator - The Venerable Christopher Tweddell

On 1 May 2026 the Venerable Christopher Tweddell commenced as Archdeacon for Tauranga Cities and Coast as well as co-Ministry Educator alongside The Venerable Dr Deborah Broome at the Diocese of Waiapu.

Christopher says he has been fortunate to journey alongside people from all walks of life—from the local communities he has served in Taranaki, Waikato, Auckland, and Central Otago to the diverse settings of Hong Kong and Wales. His path began simply as a youth worker in Tauranga and Taumarunui, where early mentors taught him the value of listening before leading and receiving before giving. These experiences shaped a career defined more by the people he's met than the various roles he has held. 

With a background in philosophy and theology from St John’s College, Christopher entered the ministry and eventually became the country's youngest Vicar at the time, in Inglewood at age 27. His journey has since taken him from St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral to working with the Archbishop of Wales and serving as a prison chaplain on Lantau Island. Later, he combined his faith-based leadership with a Master’s in Counselling, which allowed him to serve in new ways—whether as a counsellor for Spectrum Care Trust, a chaplain at St Peter’s School Cambridge, or a guidance counsellor at Wakatipu High School. 

In every role, from the parishes of Queenstown and New Lynn to Christopher's recent leadership in the disability sector, his goal has been to provide a supportive, encouraging presence, while not being afraid to face the more challenging aspects of human relationships to instigate institutional transformation. Christopher says "while I have learned much from inspirational leaders, I still find the most meaningful work in those quiet, everyday moments of helping someone feel valued during difficult times and reminding one another that it is in God that we live and move and have our very being". 

In Christopher's free time, you’ll likely find him in the workshop restoring cars and making furniture, out catching a wave, or walking his dog, Bau. He says; "I am simply grateful for the chance to use my experience to do my part in continuing the work of ministry education in the Diocese and to professionally support the parishes and clergy within the Archdeaconry of Tauranga City". 

We welcome you to the Diocese and look forward to getting to know you.