Salvation Army leaders retire

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For immediate release

— Wellington, Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Salvation Army leaders retire after a life time of making a difference

Two New Zealand church leaders and tireless faith and social justice advocates will retire this month.

Salvation Army Territorial Commander Garth McKenzie and his wife Mel McKenzie, leader of The Salvation Army women’s ministries, will retire on February 28 after almost seven years of pastoral and strategic leadership of the army and 34 years as Salvation Army officers.      
   
Under Commissioner McKenzies’s leadership, The Salvation Army began a major five-year strategic project to ensure the army continually and energetically sharpens and maintains its focus on its mission of caring for the impoverished and the dispossessed.

Commissioner McKenzie will this year be made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to The Salvation Army.

He has been involved in a range of community and church organisations and causes including the Council of Christian Social Services and was instrumental in establishing the Rethinking Crime and Punishment project – a non-partisan group that fosters debate on restorative justice and prisoner rehabilitation.

He is only the fourth New Zealander to lead The Salvation Army territory of New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. The McKenzies will be succeeded by Colonels Don and Debi Bell, who will be promoted to the rank of commissioner.

Colonel Don Bell said “the McKenzies have been great examples of Christ-like leadership and in demonstrating compassion in action.  They work hard to develop others and look for the best in every situation.”

A service to recognise the McKenzies’ work will be held at the Wellington City Salvation Army Citadel, 92 Vivian Street on February 22 at 6pm.

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