Jo has been Dean of Auckland, New Zealand since August 2010 during which time she led a $14.9m project to complete and consecrate Holy Trinity Cathedral, as well as sustaining her involvement in the civic life of Auckland. She moved into that role from being vicar at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Remuera, a role that also involved serving as chaplain to Corran School for Girls. Before entering ordained ministry in 2000 Jo worked as a solicitor, both in New Zealand and in London. She met her British husband Paul when he was visiting New Zealand as a tourist. Paul currently works as Auckland Cathedral’s Pastoral Care Minister and they have two sons, Adam and Nathan. The family will move to Canterbury Diocese at the end of this year so that Jo can begin her new role in January.
"It is a great privilege to be appointed Archdeacon of Canterbury, part of the wider story that is the mission and ministry of the Anglican Communion,” said Jo. “Back in 1842 Bishop Selwyn arrived here in Aotearoa New Zealand from England and the next year bought the land for the Cathedral in which I have been Dean. While there is great sadness in leaving Aotearoa New Zealand, I am very much looking forward to ministering with the people of Canterbury and making it our family's home.”
The Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, added: “I am delighted that Jo is coming to work with us here in Canterbury and I have no doubt that her experience and great talents will be of huge benefit, not just to the Canterbury Archdeaconry or cathedral, but to the whole Diocese. We have found in Jo an excellent and astute theologian with wide-ranging leadership and management skills. I would like to assure Jo and her family of the prayers and support of the whole Diocese as they embark on this new adventure.”
“A completed Cathedral that is ready for consecration is due to the amazing leadership of Dean Jo,” said the Rt Revd Ross Bay, Bishop of Auckland. “We now stand ready to prepare the building and ourselves for consecration in 2017. At all times Dean Jo has also been priest ready to offer care and compassion for people as well lead services for the city and the nation. She will be missed.”
The Archdeacon of Canterbury is responsible for the Deaneries of Canterbury, Thanet, Reculver, East Bridge and West Bridge, supporting the clergy and communities in their care of God’s people. The Archdeacon is also a Residentiary Canon with a key role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral. Together with the Archdeacons of Ashford and Maidstone, she holds a senior position assisting the Bishop in leading the Diocese.
A hi-res photo of Jo is available here.