The Catholic Development Fund remains a practical way of loving the Church and supporting the good works of this diocese.
Funding and lending are essential when supporting and developing the pastoral care of our community and for the formation of diocesan priests.
I remain grateful to members for their continued support. I appreciate CDF trustees and staff, who, guided by an investment policy based on Catholic teaching and expert investment advice, enable the CDF to make a tangible impact within our community.
As Bishop of Christchurch, I believe investing with the CDF is an excellent way of helping the Church, and I look forward to sharing many good news stories achieved via the Fund.
Staff
Simon Thompson
Simon is the General Manager of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch and has a background in economics and finance. Most recently, Simon lead teams in a number of infrastructure organisations and has used his ability to foster and develop relationships to manage complex projects. Simon’s proven leadership experience and ability to influence provides strength and resilience to the sustainability of the CDF.
Janice Rennell
Janice has held the position of Manager – Finance and Support Services for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch since 2002 and is responsible for the financial management and reporting for both the Diocese and the CDF. Prior to this, Janice was an auditor - predominantly in the public sector. Janice is a Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Accounting from the University of Waikato.
Melanie Perry
Melanie has been the CDF Administrator since 2007 and is responsible for CDF operations and member communications. Melanie brings extensive experience in front-line customer service roles to the CDF and is well-placed to build relationships and respond to member requests. Prior to joining the CDF, she held key customer engagement roles at The National Bank, Ansett New Zealand and Air New Zealand.
Liza Sparrow
Liza has been the CDF Marketing and Business Development Manager since 2019 and is responsible for the promotion and development of the CDF, as well as growing its membership. A Chartered Marketer with a Bachelor of Arts and Post-Grad in Tourism from Otago University, Liza has a solid background in communications, marketing and event management with specific experience in earthquake recovery, community engagement and advocacy.
Board of Trustees
Graeme Wilson
Graeme is a chartered accountant with over thirty years’ commercial experience in large corporates. Appointed as a trustee of the CDF in 2019, and elected Chair of the Catholic Development Fund and Audit Sub-Committee in 2022. Graeme is also a trustee of the Clergy Trust Fund and chairs the Catholic Parish of Christchurch North Finance Committee. Married to Louise they have two adult children.
Kintilla du Boucher-Ryan
Kintilla is an experienced digital marketer and works at Skellerup Industries Ltd. She previously worked at Ngāi Tahu Property and Farmlands Co-operative, after a decade in advertising agencies. Kintilla has facilitated training sessions and events on digital marketing, including the Marketing Association’s annual Marketing South conference. Appointed a Trustee of the CDF in 2020, Kintilla is also a Rotarian (Rotary Club of Christchurch) and Trustee of the Keith Laugesen Trust. She and her husband Conor have a daughter, Naomi.
Terry Foote
Terry is a chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience in the property and public transport sectors. A member of the CDF Board since 2016 and CDF Investment Sub-Committee since 2022. Terry brings a wealth of practical and professional experience to his role as a Trustee. In 2022 Terry joined the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch to assist the Property Team. He and his wife Joanne have three adult children and four grandchildren.
Simon Roughan
Simon is a registered chiropractor with a post-graduate in Functional Neurology and Clinical Nutrition. Director of Roughan Chiropractic Centres in Christchurch and Hokitika. Simon was appointed a Trustee of the Catholic Development Fund in October 2003. He and his wife have seven children and remain active in diocesan marriage education programmes.
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Investment Sub-Committee
Sara O'Connor
Sara, a Financial Advisor, joined Craigs Investment Partners in October 2006. Sara holds the following qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce and Management, Lincoln University (2000) and Certificate of Authorisation AFA (2011). She is also an NZX Associate Adviser. Sara, a Christchurch Diocese Management and Finance Board member, joined the Investment Sub-Committee in 2016, becoming Chair in 2022.
Michael Wilkes
Michael is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and member of the Institute of Directors. A former managing partner of the Christchurch Office of Deloitte, Michael has extensive business, corporate governance, and executive management experience. Michael has been Chair of the Christchurch Diocese Management and Finance Board since October 2021 and its Audit Sub-Committee. In 2021 Michael joined the Investment Sub-Committee.
Terry Foote
Terry is a chartered accountant with over thirty years of experience in the property and public transport sectors. A member of the CDF Board since 2016 and Investment Sub-Committee since 2022. Terry brings a wealth of practical and professional experience to his role as a Trustee. In 2022 Terry joined the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch to assist the Property Team.
Geoff Bailey
Geoff, a retired Chartered Accountant, was a partner in chartered accountancy practices from 1975 until retirement in 2014. Geoff has been a member of the Christchurch Diocese Management and Finance Board since 1991 and for the period leading up to 2021 chaired both the Management and Finance Board and Investment Sub-Committee.
Good News Stories
Sharing good news and testimonials from around the Diocese
GIVING THANKS FOR 2022
As Covid restrictions eased and the hiatus ended, we celebrated by gathering again. Enjoy this snapshot of the year's activities.
Welcoming Bishop Gielen to Golden Catholics
In October 2022, Golden Catholics were delighted to come together for Mass and to hear of Bishop Michael Gielen’s recent time in Rome at the ‘Seminar for New Bishops.’
A new chair appointment for cdf
At its Annual General Meeting in June 2022, board trustees accepted the resignation of Michael Schimanski as CDF Board Chair after a successful three-year term. They confidently elected fellow board member Graeme Wilson as the new Chair of the CDF.
Great results for the CDF in 2021-2022
In July the CDF published their Summary Annual Report, sharing the good news that during the 2021-22 financial year, the fund made a healthy distribution of $900,000 to Bishop Michael.
A RICH HISTORY BUILDS A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Established in 1967 as The Catholic Education Fund to raise capital to build Catholic schools, 55 years later, the role of the CDF in education is as relevant today as it ever was.
Meet the Team – CDF Trustee, Kintilla du Boucher-Ryan
The CDF is overseen by trustees and staff, guided by an investment policy based on Catholic teaching and by expert investment advice acquired from the financial sector.
Hospital Chaplains, providing spiritual support amidst suffering
Working in our hospitals is a privilege for hospital chaplains, where every day is different. The CDF caught up with Angela McCormick, Pastoral Chaplain at Christchurch Hospital, recently to learn about the services offered within our diocese.
Support a faith education for those you love
By starting a savings plan early, even at baptism, you can reduce the burden of taking on attendance dues and school expenses as the financial pressures of family life set in.
Preserving capital whilst putting it to good use
It is a privilege to have money set aside for more than just day-to-day expenses. It is also true that accumulating money in its various forms has been indispensable to the progress of civilisation and doing good.