Strategy Update - Koru Ministry Welcomes Diego

Say Olá to Diego

Arriving in New Zealand on 31 March, Diego Gomes joins the Diocese of Waiapu as the Southern Regional Children and Families Pastor, commencing Monday 7 April. Alongside Marg Barsanti and Rev'd Alan Burnett, he will help to implement the recommendations of the Koru Ministry Report and to help foster new initiatives for children, youth and families through training, resourcing and support.

Diego is part of the team at Taradale Anglican, with his role paid for partly by the Parish and partly by the Diocese. If you have ideas and initiatives in your parish that you would like support with developing, planning and resourcing, you can email the team at koru@waiapu.com.

Born in Brazil in 1988, Diego grew up in a poor neighborhood where life was anything but easy. His childhood was marked by challenges such as racism and abuse—but he found refuge in books, sports, and the arts. At thirteen, his life reached a turning point when he was encountered by God in a profound way. That moment changed everything, setting him on a path of faith, purpose, and hope. From that day on, he knew and believed that hope is a person, and His name is Jesus.

Throughout his teenage years, he dedicated himself to his faith, leading Bible studies at school, organizing outreach efforts, and leading worship at every opportunity. By seventeen, he was certain that God was calling him into ministry. Diego pursued a theology degree, earning his bachelor’s at twenty, and later expanded his skills with a degree in communication, specializing in radio and television presenting.

His twenties were filled with both creative and ministerial work. He recorded two Christian music albums in Brazil, produced a national documentary on worship. Research for his documentary gave rise to his first book, a manual on how every Christian can experience a life of worship. Diego also hosted a Christian television show for three years called Hashtag.

At thirty, he stepped into pastoral ministry, planting two churches, revitalizing the youth movement of a historical church, and founding Revival Day, a youth conference that gathered thousands across Brazil for prayer, worship, and intercession.

Now living in New Zealand, he continues his journey as a pastor and writer, sharing stories of faith, resilience, and redemption. His passion is helping others find healing and purpose through God’s transformative love. He firmly believes there is nothing more powerful than listening to someone’s story—preferably over a cup of Brazilian coffee or Earl Grey tea.

Beyond ministry, he finds joy in simple pleasures—strong coffee, long walks by the beach, swimming, and all forms of art. Life has been a journey of brokenness and restoration, and he believes that every story, no matter how painful, can be redeemed. His biggest dream is to be a father and build a family that loves Jesus.