Renata van der Wal speaks with Watiri Maina, who has recently joined the Bishop’s Ministry Team as the new Women in Ministry Leadership Developer.
Renata: What is your role in the Bishop’s Ministry Team, and what does it look like?
Watiri: As the Women in Ministry Leadership Developer, my role is to champion, equip, and journey alongside women who are exploring or currently serving in leadership within our diocese. This includes mentoring and supporting women in ordained and lay leadership, facilitating formation pathways, creating safe spaces for theological reflection and spiritual growth, and advocating for a culture where women can thrive in their calling.
Practically, this looks like one-on-one conversations, leadership workshops, retreats, collaborative workshops, parish partnerships, and resource development.
Renata: What drew you to work in the area of women in leadership?
Watiri: This work is deeply personal and vocational for me. Over the years, I’ve witnessed women's courage, faith, and resilience in ministry, along with the challenges they face, including isolation, self-doubt, and barriers. I was drawn to this role and space out of a desire to help nurture potential, listen deeply, and advocate for a church culture where women can flourish in their God-given vocations.
Additionally, I aim to help create a culture where the gifts of women are fully welcomed and celebrated for the sake of the Gospel. Walking alongside women as they discern, lead, and serve is a joy and privilege. I am aware that there are diverse perspectives on women in ministry leadership, and by actively developing women leaders, the church signals its commitment to valuing diverse voices and perspectives at all levels of ministry. This invites us to more innovative and effective approaches to ministry.
Renata: How do you see this role contributing to the wider mission of the diocese?
Watiri: Our diocese is a Christ-centred, missional, and flourishing community. Encouraging women in leadership is essential to this vision. When women are supported and empowered in their calling, the whole church benefits—we see healthier teams, more collaborative decision-making, and a broader witness to the good news of Jesus.
The whole Body of Christ is strengthened when women are empowered and encouraged. This role helps to raise up healthy, prayerful, and courageous leaders, and fosters church environments where the gifts of all people are recognised and released for the good of the Gospel. It contributes by helping to cultivate faithful leaders, promote healthy spiritual ecosystems, and build bridges across generations and church contexts.
Renata: What are your hopes for women in leadership across the diocese?
Watiri: I hope to see women confidently living into their God-given vocations, supported by mentors, peers, and parish communities, and shaped by deep discipleship. I long for a diocese where women fully belong—where they are welcomed, trusted, and commissioned as equal partners in ministry.
I hope for deeper theological conversations, mutual flourishing among men and women in leadership, and a growing number of visible, Spirit-empowered women leading in all areas of church life. My dream is for intergenerational mentoring, Spirit-filled collaboration, and a visible celebration of the leadership women already bring across all areas of church life.
Renata: How can people across the diocese connect with you or be part of this journey?
Watiri: You can contact me directly via email at revwatiri@gmail.com or through Anita at the diocesan office: anita@nelsonanglican.nz. I’d love to meet for coffee or a Zoom conversation.
Whether you’re discerning a call, looking for support in your current leadership role, wanting to advocate for women in your parish context, or simply wishing to explore this space further—I’m here to walk alongside you. I also encourage you to participate in upcoming gatherings, retreats, and workshops we’ll be offering. This is a shared journey, and everyone has a part to play. This is our journey—and there’s room for everyone at the table.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Renata van der Wal speaks with Watiri Maina, who has recently joined the Bishop’s Ministry Team as the new Women in Ministry Leadership Developer.
Renata: What is your role in the Bishop’s Ministry Team, and what does it look like?
Watiri: As the Women in Ministry Leadership Developer, my role is to champion, equip, and journey alongside women who are exploring or currently serving in leadership within our diocese. This includes mentoring and supporting women in ordained and lay leadership, facilitating formation pathways, creating safe spaces for theological reflection and spiritual growth, and advocating for a culture where women can thrive in their calling.
Practically, this looks like one-on-one conversations, leadership workshops, retreats, collaborative workshops, parish partnerships, and resource development.
Renata: What drew you to work in the area of women in leadership?
Watiri: This work is deeply personal and vocational for me. Over the years, I’ve witnessed women's courage, faith, and resilience in ministry, along with the challenges they face, including isolation, self-doubt, and barriers. I was drawn to this role and space out of a desire to help nurture potential, listen deeply, and advocate for a church culture where women can flourish in their God-given vocations.
Additionally, I aim to help create a culture where the gifts of women are fully welcomed and celebrated for the sake of the Gospel. Walking alongside women as they discern, lead, and serve is a joy and privilege. I am aware that there are diverse perspectives on women in ministry leadership, and by actively developing women leaders, the church signals its commitment to valuing diverse voices and perspectives at all levels of ministry. This invites us to more innovative and effective approaches to ministry.
Renata: How do you see this role contributing to the wider mission of the diocese?
Watiri: Our diocese is a Christ-centred, missional, and flourishing community. Encouraging women in leadership is essential to this vision. When women are supported and empowered in their calling, the whole church benefits—we see healthier teams, more collaborative decision-making, and a broader witness to the good news of Jesus.
The whole Body of Christ is strengthened when women are empowered and encouraged. This role helps to raise up healthy, prayerful, and courageous leaders, and fosters church environments where the gifts of all people are recognised and released for the good of the Gospel. It contributes by helping to cultivate faithful leaders, promote healthy spiritual ecosystems, and build bridges across generations and church contexts.
Renata: What are your hopes for women in leadership across the diocese?
Watiri: I hope to see women confidently living into their God-given vocations, supported by mentors, peers, and parish communities, and shaped by deep discipleship. I long for a diocese where women fully belong—where they are welcomed, trusted, and commissioned as equal partners in ministry.
I hope for deeper theological conversations, mutual flourishing among men and women in leadership, and a growing number of visible, Spirit-empowered women leading in all areas of church life. My dream is for intergenerational mentoring, Spirit-filled collaboration, and a visible celebration of the leadership women already bring across all areas of church life.
Renata: How can people across the diocese connect with you or be part of this journey?
Watiri: You can contact me directly via email at revwatiri@gmail.com or through Anita at the diocesan office: anita@nelsonanglican.nz. I’d love to meet for coffee or a Zoom conversation.
Whether you’re discerning a call, looking for support in your current leadership role, wanting to advocate for women in your parish context, or simply wishing to explore this space further—I’m here to walk alongside you. I also encourage you to participate in upcoming gatherings, retreats, and workshops we’ll be offering. This is a shared journey, and everyone has a part to play. This is our journey—and there’s room for everyone at the table.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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