Avonhead Community Trust

Equipping passionate people and creating pathways to transform lives

Trustees

Wendy Weusten

Wendy Weusten

Chairperson

Wendy Weusten trained as a primary school teacher and has also worked in children’s ministry at Avonhead Baptist. She is married to David, has three married children, and is a doting grandmother of four. In her spare time, she enjoys time with friends, a good coffee, a good book and visiting her grandchildren in Australia. I have recently trained as a Parenting Place Facilitator and I love helping parents in their parenting journey.

Alister Murray

Alister Murray

Trustee

I have been a member of the Avonhead Baptist Church family for the last 19 years and was invited to become a Trustee last year. Sixty years of my life has been based around education, firstly as a pupil and latterly as a teacher and I am now enjoying being retired. I am married to Jocelyn and have three adult children. Currently I am a member of the Malvern Lions and in my spare time I enjoy cycling, gardening, watching sport and doing voluntary work.

Denise Ladbrook

Denise Ladbrook

Trustee

Denise Ladbrook has been a member of Avonhead Baptist for over 25 years, and became a trustee in 2017. She is married to Owen and they have two teenage children. She works part-time for a local business and has been involved in various community activities over the years. In her spare time she enjoys reading, pottering in the garden and walking.

Digby Joplin

Digby Joplin

Trustee

I am married to Robyn and have two adult sons and four grandchildren.  I retired from my 40 years of retail selling in April of 2019 to pursue other activities, one of which is as a registered marriage celebrant; I enjoy helping people in this capacity.  Having lived most of my life in Avonhead I have been involved with the local community as a sports coach and with the Avonhead Scout Group.  I have been involved with Avonhead Baptist Church for over 50 years and have held various positions including church elder, lay preaching; youth worker and home group leader. My hobbies include sailing and DIY.

Petra Shepard

Petra Shepard

Trustee

I’m Petra Shepard, originally from South Africa who has been calling Christchurch home since 1997.  I have a spirited teenager. I have been attending Avonhead Baptist Church since 2017 and love being part of the church and extended community.  I was invited to Trust in 2021.  For nearly 10 years, I was involved in home-based education, enabling me to assist in Kids ministries and volunteer work. My administration skills are now utilised in assisting the Trust as well.  I currently work part-time in the community.  My interests are connecting with friends, walking, enjoying a yummy coffee and following sport. 

Vicky Joplin

Petra Shepard

Trustee

Working in education for over forty years has given me a rich experience in community involvement and service. This year, I returned to Christchurch to retire and am enjoying being back with family in this beautiful city. Avonhead Baptist Church was my church through my teenage years. It seems full circle to now have this opportunity to contribute as a member of the Trust; keeping the well being of people, our priority. I'm a scrabble fan, love visiting the grandies in Tauranga and at home, going for a walk, watching a movie or joining friends for coffee keeps me happy and active.