Rev Gary Mauga

Talofa lava, I am Rev Gary Mauga, currently serving at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Henderson, West Auckland, where I have been ministering full-time since 2013. I am a New Zealand-born Samoan. I am married to my best friend, Suliana and we have a daughter, Tara Grace. 

Since birth I have been a member of the Presbyterian family through the Tamaki Pacific Islanders’ Presbyterian Church (East Auckland) where I was baptized, taught and spiritually nurtured.

I have been involved in the PCANZ youth ministries as a leader and guest speaker across the Northern Presbytery and Pacific Presbytery for over 20 years locally, regionally and nationally. I have worked as a youth worker with at-risk youth in my beloved Ōtara, South Auckland, where I was born and raised.  I have an excitement within me to see our young people well-supported and urged on to do good in their lives and to keep Jesus Christ as their foundation for life.  

In 2007 I sensed a call to ministry and undertook theological studies at the University of Auckland and completed my studies at Carey Baptist College in Auckland. In 2012 I graduated from KCML (DipMin) following a two-year internship serving at Glendowie Presbyterian Church and Tamaki Pacific Islanders’ Presbyterian Church, East Auckland. I have since enjoyed the growth and experience of mentoring two KCML interns and playing a part in their formation to become Ministers of Word and Sacrament. 

I have served on the Northern Presbytery Youth Work Group (Convenor), as West Region Co-convenor, on the KCML Advisory Board (2016), and currently serving on Pasifika community leadership groups discerning ways to encourage physical exercise, activities and fellowship amongst youth and seniors in our West region promoting good health and well-being. 

I love singing all genres of music and my favourite sport is basketball. Not golf. Basketball. 

Engaging in community is one of the joys of what I do and who I am.  I look forward to sharing some of my learnings and stories with the Church – especially our future church leaders.