Our Board
Board Nominations are now open.
Sarah Morton Johnson
Sarah is a mum of two and a Human Resources Consultant who works with small & medium sized businesses. She also holds governance roles with an independent school and a Baptist church in Hamilton. Sarah brings to the table 15 years of governance experience in the not-for-profit sector, together with 20+ years’ experience in human resources. Working in HR has given her expertise in managing and developing people and culture, change management and communication, as well as a sound understanding of strategy, finance and risk management. Recently appointed as an Elder of Hamilton Central Baptist, you’ll also find Sarah behind the counter at the café, as well as helping with children’s church and leading a Life Group.
Sarah says: “Rhema is a taonga for our nation; a gift that speaks through its various channels into the hearts and homes of both those who love and serve God, and those who are seeking him. With various challenges arising out of Covid-19, there has never been a more important time to communicate the love and hope found in Christ”.
Sarah feels strongly that we must position and prepare Rhema Media for the future and the generations that will succeed us. She adds value through her governance experience and brings a fresh perspective, creative thinking, clear vision and a focus on growing God’s kingdom.
Board Chair
Ryan Kilfoil
Ryan is a follower of Christ, husband to Carrie-Anne and father to five wonderful kids. He is also a Director at Creative Q, who support a range of agencies and brands across NZ with software and website development, digital marketing strategy and implementation. Ryan has a deep love for God’s word and sees it as critical filter for all decisions. With a background in sales and marketing, his previous roles have included General Manager for Authentic Christian Trust, General Manager of a Content Marketing agency, and Account Manager at Rhema Media. He also has approximately 10 years of experience across ministry, charitable and school Boards. As a mentor through Business Mentors NZ, he enjoys using his skills to support a range of Kiwi business owners.
Ryan found Life FM soon after he became a Christian. Many miracles later, he left a corporate job and joined the Rhema Media Sales team. With a young family, this was a challenging season. Time after time he was encouraged by a word on the radio, an email/phone call from a customer or by praying with the team. During his almost 6 years in the Sales team, Ryan learnt a lot about Rhema Media and the amazing work God does through it.
Ryan says, "As the world we live in continues to get busier, there is more ‘noise’ in our lives, and Rhema Media’s unique position and heritage allows it to be a light in the darkness. I firmly believe God is using Rhema Media to grow his kingdom and it’s important that we allow him to use each of us according to his will".
Deputy Board Chair
Luke Weston is the Chief Executive of Rhema Media, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the organisation.
With a background in broadcasting and a passion for Christian media, Luke has dedicated his career to creating engaging content that resonates with audiences across New Zealand and around the globe.
Luke is passionate about Rhema Media continuing to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring that the message of hope and faith is accessible to all.
When he's not strategising the next big project, you can find Luke enjoying quality time with his family or playing the guitar.
His commitment to fostering a meaningful connection with audiences makes him a driving force in the mission to draw New Zealanders into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through media.
Chief ExecutiveLuke Weston
Andy Patrick
Married for over 20 years, Andy has three children and is currently CEO of Argus Tracking, a rapidly growing SaaS company building fleet management software for businesses around the world.
As an engineer and then a producer involved in media, he’s developed his career working at some of the largest media brands on the planet (BBC, MediaWorks, MTV, Disney), often working at technology’s cutting edge interfacing between traditional and digital entertainment.
His career in media started as a creative writer at Rhema Media, where he experienced first-hand the way the organisation challenges, educates and changes people’s lives. Having also worked at More FM, Auckland’s student radio bFM, 1ZB, Juice TV and various other production, digital and media companies, he has a good understanding of the media landscape in New Zealand and beyond.
While on the board Andy wants to bring his business growth mindset to help encourage the organisation forward into the content-rich digital world to grow the Rhema Media vision of ‘making it possible for all people in New Zealand to access content that encourages a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Michelle Heath Young
Michelle Heath Young was voted on to the Rhema Media Board by members in 2021. Her love for the Rhema Media mission runs in the family; her grandmother rallied and gave the profits from her business to help establish Rhema over 43 years ago! Michelle has listened to Rhema since she was a little girl.
Michelle leads the Business Legal, and Digital & Data Legal teams for ANZ and holds a master’s degree in corporate and commercial law. She is an experienced governance professional and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She has a deep understanding of legislation and advocacy, risk management, strategic innovation and end-user experience.
Michelle says: ‘Rhema Media exists because of thousands - audiences, supporters, advertisers, volunteers, staff, and board members – faithfully responding to God’s call, even when it may seem impossible. The challenges are no less as we adopt more innovative platforms across the broadcasting landscape to reach people, providing them with real and relevant content.
She says, ‘I have a wonderful, inspiring husband who’s been a journalist and broadcaster for over 30 years. We’ve been blessed with a son Alfie who is the delight of our lives. My goal is for Alfie to have a personal relationship with God that transcends the challenges of the world.’ Michelle is a member of Shore Community Church and has a passion for apologetics and equipping Christians to answer the real and relevant questions facing them today..
Jonathan Leaver
Jonathan is an Associate Professor and leader in international energy research. In addition to lecturing, he consults for a range of government departments and institutions and is an Elder, cell group leader, and church speaker. He passionate about God, family, music and sport.
Jonathan has a successful track record in development of consortia at national and international level and has drafted law as part of the parliamentary process. With a Certificate in Biblical Studies, along with a master’s degree from Stanford University and a PhD in Engineering from Auckland, Jonathan has extensive experience as a Regional Manager, Chief Inspector and Head of Department. His skill set includes strategic thinking, risk management, project management, team building, innovation, change management, law, and community engagement.
Jonathan believes Rhema Media is extremely important in sharing the message of God’s love both to those who don’t know God and those who want to know him better. He is passionate in seeing that Life FM, Star, Rhema, and Shine become an ‘undeniable force in the media landscape of New Zealand, felt in Community, Church and Culture.’
Justin Joseph
Justin is a retired chartered accountant who lives in Tauranga. He does volunteer work with Citizens Advice Bureau and United Seafarers Mission and teaches English to migrants.
When he became a born-again Christian in 1989/90, Rhema played a vital role in teaching him Christian principles through the teaching programmes. He can relate to so many people who say how Rhema Media has impacted their lives. He became a contributor very early on, which he considers an investment. When The Word For Today was launched in 1995, it became one of his main daily devotionals.
Justin’s main skills are in finance and governance. He has held many positions as an accountant. In governance, he has gone through detailed training in governance, strategic planning, and other management-related projects.
He and his wife and are actively involved at Curate Tauranga, and run a small group at their home. They also help new church members feel welcome and connect to the various ministries. They are members of the prayer and intercessors groups.
Justine attends gym regularly and reads extensively.
Justin wants Rhema Media to continue Richard Berry’s vision and is keen to contribute his skills in such an important ministry.