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Salvation Army welcomes first female Territorial Commander for New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory

Commissioner Janine Donaldson has become the first female territorial commander of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. 

The territorial commander is the spiritual leader of The Salvation Army in these nations and chairs the Territorial Governance Board (TGB), which is charged with the achievement of The Salvation Army’s mission in the territory. 

A pōwhiri was held at the Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Wellington on January 21 welcoming Janine.

“Many things have changed, but who we are as a Salvation Army hasn’t changed,” she says.

“People come to us because they need assistance and support—that’s the heartbeat of who we are. We are listening, offering support, and advocating for people and for societal transformation with the love of Jesus.”

Janine was born in Te Awamutu, moving around the motu as a child. Commissioned in 1987, she began as an assistant corps officer at the Christchurch City Corps, before serving in roles across Aotearoa. In addition to New Zealand, she has also served in Salvation Army leadership roles in Zambia, South Africa, Australia and the UK.

Janine says she’s thrilled to be back in New Zealand and serving the community, at a time when the deepening cost of living crisis is putting pressure on many and charities and social service providers are struggling to meet the growing need. She emphasises partnership with tangata whenua and local communities will be a key theme of her leadership tenure.

“We’re better together, and we’re partners,” she explains. “These are challenging, but exciting days, too.” 

She succeeds Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, whose five-year term has ended.

Janine is available for interviews, and photos are available to media upon request.


The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)