Presenters – Introduction


Christopher Longhurst

Dr Chris Longhurst is a New Zealander from Napier who spent many years abroad. He returned to Aotearoa after his academic studies in theology and gaining work experience in Europe and Northern Africa.
In Rome, Italy, he was operatore didattico (educational officer) for the Scientific and Administrative Management of the Vatican Museums, and Ifrane, Morocco, he served as assistant professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Al Akhawayn University.
Back in New Zealand, he is a Lecturer at Good Shepherd College and actively involved in Interfaith work.

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Eamon Butler

Born and educated in Ireland, Eamon, at the age of 28 felt a calling to become a lay missionary.  This led him to work as a volunteer with Mother Teresa in Kolkata, India. It was a life changing experience which Eamon later shared with many young people in schools.  Eamon has studied philosophy theology, accomplished a post graduate diploma in counselling (Auckland) and has trained as a Spiritual Director with Spiritual Growth Ministries Aotearoa NZ.

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Kieran Fenn fms

Br Kieran Fenn is a Marist Brother.  He is a Bible Scholar and has taught the Scriptures in New Zealand and overseas for over 40 years.  Many of the resources in Scripture have been used by the The Catholic Institute (TCI) are his work, including that on Luke-Acts. Br Kieran also is a frequent guest at Muffin Talk Radio Programme.



Nic Birt

Originally from England Nic Birt moved to NZ with his family in 2004. Employed as a Design Engineer in the building industry he has also been a Technology Teacher (in Botswana & the Emirates). An appreciation and respect for history, culture and religious traditions encourages travelling to exotic and remote locations. Nic is also the draughtsman for the Bethsaida Archaeological Excavations of this ancient biblical site near the sea of Galilee.


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Laetitia Puthenpadath

Laetitia Puthenpadath is a member of the Anashim Community. She has a Master’s Degree in Science and holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Education. She is trained in psychotherapy and clinical supervision.
Laetitia is a graduate of the University of Divinity, Melbourne and is awarded a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction by the University as well asbeing accredited to gie the Full Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.


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Beate Matthies

Beate Matthies is the founder of Titipounamu Study & Joy.
She has a background in linguistics, history of art as well as marketing and business.

She is member of the executive of Access Radio and the Catholic representative on the Auckland Interfaith Council.