Senior Pastor Steve Fail
Steve joined the team at CB in 2020. A graduate of Carey Baptist College, he served for over twenty years in international missions. Steve is married to Lesley and they have two children Josh and Hanna. He has a deep passion for God, people and seriously good coffee.
Email: steve@pncbc.org.nz
Associate Pastor - Chinese Community Akang Ko
Akang is the pastor of our Chinese community. After studying theology in Taiwan he moved to New Zealand in 2010. Akang's background is in the Hong Kong entertainment industry and he's fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
Akang is married to Xiaoou who works with International Student Ministries here in Palmerston North. They have one son, Matthias.
Email: charles@pncbc.org.nz
Discipleship & Equipping Pastor Nigel Webb
Nigel returned to CB in 2022 after 27 years as mission partners of the church (mostly) in South America alongside his wife Richelle. His passion is for people to recognise and respond to God as we seek him intentionally, but also discover him in the everydayness of life. Nigel and Richelle have two adult children.
Email: nigel@pncbc.org.nz
Youth Pastor Jeremy Watson
Jeremy joined the CB team with his wife Bryony in 2022. He is a graduate of Carey Baptist College and has worked with youth for 6 years in both Porirua and Auckland. Jeremy loves football, board games and basically anytime with friends around good food and good laughs.
Email: jeremy@pncbc.org.nz
Office Administrator & Young Adults Pastor Bryony Large
Bryony joined the staff at CB in 2022 with her husband Jeremy. She's a graduate from Carey Baptist College's pastoral training program, and has experience working with young adults and wider church ministries. Bryony is passionate about people, and enjoys football, movies and escape rooms.
Email: bryony@pncbc.org.nz
Bryony also manages our newsletter, which you can contact her about via communications@pncbc.org.nz
Children and Families Pastor Mel Luoni
Mel is the newest member of staff but she has been a part of CB for most of her life. Before joining the team in August 2025, Mel worked at UCOL and Toyota NZ. Mel is also the Manawatu Regional Leader for Lifewalk and Launchpad. Mel is married to Dean and they have two adult sons - Josiah and Isaac. Mel has a love for kids (and parents!) and she is always up for a chat. She loves walking her dogs, leading worship, watching Downton Abbey and shopping!
Email: mel@pncbc.org.nz