Three Nominations for Executive – Association of Christian Spiritual Directors in New Zealand

We have three vacancies on our Executive this year, and so far three nominations. If you have more nominations, please send them to the secretary acsdanz1@gmail.com. In the meantime here is a little more about our existing nominations.

Colin Renouf – Christchurch

Nominated by Lyn Gallagher and Kevin Gallagher

Colin has a post graduate diploma in Spiritual Direction from the Melbourne Collage of Divinity. He completed SGM training 30 years ago, and during the last 10 years has undertaken formation in Ignation Spirituality. He is also a supervisor of Spiritual Directors and is happy to give something back to ACSD and invest some time in this ministry. Read more on his ACSD listing

Jenny Dawson – Wellington

Nominated by Di Woods and Jo Anastasiadis

I have been offering spiritual direction as my work (under the name Eccles Unlimited Consultancy) since 2015, but I began my formation as a director in Christchurch in 2000-1 in the SEED programme with Pamela Warnes. In 2010 I made the Thirty Day Spiritual Exercises at Manresa in Dublin, which allowed me to experience deeply the Ignatian approach that I had discovered with SEED. I took that to another level with the Te Wairua Mahi course in 2021-2. I love the work of direction and in every session I learn something new about how God works in human hearts.

I first joined the Association about 2007, offering occasional direction and wanting the benefits of attending the Training Event, but stopped my membership for three years when I moved to a role where I considered it would not be appropriate to offer direction. I rejoined in 2015 and have enjoyed the friendships and support, especially in 2020-2 as part of the Wellington organising group for the “Grounded” TE.
There’s more about me on the ASCD website (including a photo taken at the Southern Star Abbey Kopua where I am an Associate).

Watiri Maina – Nelson

Nominated by Amy Armstrong and Sue Cunningham

I have been journeying with seekers of God for many years. Nine years ago I completed my Spiritual Direction training with SGM. Spiritual conversations with directees are always sacred moments. Ignatian spirituality shapes and informs my spiritual companionship and retreat giving. For a couple of years I taught Spiritual formation and Christian spirituality at Bishopdale Theological College in Nelson.

I am involved in regional spiritual directors meetings in Nelson and was also involved in the Christchurch regional meetings when I lived there.

I serve as a Vicar of Victory Church in Nelson Anglican Diocese and have a small private practice offering Spiritual direction, professional supervision and counselling. I am married to Bishop Steve and we have two adult daughters. We moved from Kenya to New Zealand 14 years ago.