About us
About Alpine Presbytery
Alpine Presbytery is a regional body of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. It operates in the upper south island and encompasses all the former South Island Presbyteries north of the Waitaki River and extends over onto the West Coast. We provide governance and resourcing for all Presbyterian and Uniting Congregations with a Presbyterian partner in the region.
As part of the wider church of Jesus Christ, we are committed to sharing in God’s mission by resourcing a healthy ecosystem of caring, diverse, and creative ministries that announce the good news of God’s transforming love.
Our story
Alpine Presbytery was formed on 16 May 2014, the result of a General Assembly decision to move the 23 regional Presbyteries into 5. Alpine is made up of the former Presbyteries of Nelson-Marlborough, Christchurch, West Coast, Ashburton & Sth Canterbury. Rev David Coster was the first Moderator, and Rev Barry Ayers was the first Executive Officer. Other Moderators have been Revs Anne Stewart, Barry Ayers, Andrew Nicol, Phyll Harris and Lynmaree Sopoaga. Early in its life the Presbytery adopted a Strategy document and established the Alpine Mission Fund. Alpine Presbytery is part of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Whanaungatanga
In 2025 the PCANZ General Assembly affirmed a commitment to growing our whanaungatanga as a key component in our life together. Whanaungatanga is the process by which whānau ties are strengthened (Durie 1997). Whanaungatanga is active, not passive. It doesn’t just happen. We practice whanaungatanga in the following ways:
Posture
We hold an open posture for relational connection with the communities around us and seek God’s love in those communities.
Participation
We encourage in-person participation at local, regional and national gatherings and events.
Planning
As a Presbytery we will develop contextual plans and strategies that incorporate whanaungatanga.
Partnership
We encourage Church Councils to consider whanaungatanga as a way of being and to support and pray for neighbouring churches and congregations.
Patience
We commit to using resources to assist us in our discussions and choosing listening over efficiency.
Peacemaking
We commit to finding ways to attend to concerns and conflicts in our life with an intentional desire for unity.
Our people
Rev. Lynmaree Sopoaga
Presbytery Moderator
Aunty Lyn Became Moderator of the Presbytery at the May 2025 Gathering She is also the minister at St Mark’s Avonhead. She was previously the minister at Malvern Cooperating Parish and has been a big supporter of the Darfield Bakery over the years.
Rev. Martin Stewart
Executive Officer
Rev. Dan Spragg
Kaihautū Whakatipu – Ministries Coordinator
Abi Trevathan
Kairuruku Whanake – Formation and Development Coordinator
Benjamin Durward
Youth Enabler
Lana Stevens
Office Support
Lana is employed for 15 hours per week and provides administration and office support for the Presbytery.
Want to learn more? We ratified a new Culture and Strategic Framework document in 2026. Click the link below to download a copy.
Our Events
Presbytery Retreat: A Good Life
23rd – 25th July, Hanmer Springs
Join us as we explore the abundant life that Christ invites us into.
Nelson Wānanga: He Tatau Pounamu
Saturday 22nd August, Whakatū Presbyterian Church, Nelson
Together with Dr Alistair Reese we will look to explore the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and how it relates to us as church and ministry leaders.
Get in touch
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