Full circle for Rob and Maureen

Rotorua couple Rob and Maureen Gardiner have come full circle.

Eleven years ago they moved to Rotorua from Tokoroa. They are now heading back to Tokoroa to lead the Salvation Army church in the South Waikato town.

Mr Gardiner, who led The Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army foodbank, along with his wife were approached by the church's national office to be auxiliary captains at Tokoroa's Salvation Army Church.

They have to undergo training to become captains - training they will do while "on the job".

Mr Gardiner has been the community ministries manager for Rotorua's Salvation Army for three years.

During that time he has overseen the work of a part-time employee and about 11 volunteers who are there to help those less fortunate. Before taking up that role he was the area manager for Rotorua St John Ambulance for eight years.

Before coming to Rotorua they spent 16 years in Tokoroa where Mr Gardiner worked his way up in the ambulance service.

As the Salvation Army's community ministries manager, Mr Gardiner has been astounded at what he has seen.

"I've certainly been shocked by some of the deprivation and also some of the crisis that families get into."

However, on a positive note Mr Gardiner has enjoyed seeing the changes for the better in people's lives.

A highlight for him was seeing the generosity of Rotorua in action.

More than $50,000 was raised in food and cash for the Salvation Army foodbank during the appeal. "It has been a fantastic response. I want to thank the community and the volunteers that helped."

For the past eight years Mrs Gardiner has been involved in the community ministries as a tutor of various life skills courses. She has also seen people's lives improve.

"Some of them have no idea I've just seen so many, particularly young women, who have come in unprepared who have found that they can make a difference in their lives with some practical skills."

The couple never thought they would return to Tokoroa but as Christians they know God is calling them there.

"God's got a sense of humour. Obviously there is work for us there," Mrs Gardiner said.

Mr Gardiner said he will miss the mountainbiking tracks but both say it will be the many friends they have made that they will miss the most.

"We have been part of the Salvation Army for eight years. We have made friends in the congregation and through community ministries that we will have for life."

A new community ministries manager is still to be appointed.