Get to Know our Invercargill Location Pastors: Ps Daryl & Roberta Watson
We’re so blessed to have Ps Daryl and Roberta Watson leading our City Impact Church Invercargill Location. They bring with them not only years of ministry experience but also deep faith, wisdom and plenty of heart. We sat down with them to ask a few fun and faith-filled questions. Read on to get to know them a little better!
When and how did you get saved?
Daryl: At 16 years old, in church. We were made to go, but one Sunday during worship, the presence of God came over me so powerfully. My life was changed from that moment on.
Roberta: At 16 years old, in a small church in Orepuki. My boyfriend had been taking me to church and I started to ask questions about God. One night as I lay in bed, I asked Him, “Are you real?” I closed my eyes and saw a light so bright I couldn’t open them—and I heard an audible voice in my head saying, “I am right, I am the one.” That Sunday, there was an altar call to give your life to Christ and I walked to the front.
Tell us a bit about your background.
Daryl: I grew up on a farm and worked at a tanalising plant for nine years. After that, I moved to Te Anau where we planted a New Life church and I also drove trucks for thirteen years. We then moved to Melbourne for two years where I served as a youth pastor.
What inspired you to join City Impact Church?
Roberta: We were pastoring in Melbourne and we’d known Ps Peter and Bev Mortlock from our time leading New Life Church in Te Anau. Our original pastor from those early years was looking to retire and wanted the church to become part of City Impact Church. We received a call asking us to come and the rest is history.
Have you studied or got a qualification?
Roberta: Yes, I’ve studied project management to support my work and often do online courses in leadership, writing and more. I love learning and always have something on the go.
What did you do before becoming a Location Pastor?
I worked in retail and as a teacher’s aide for children with special needs.
Favourite book, food and Bible verse?
Daryl: Definitely the Bible. And you can’t beat seafood chowder and a good steak.
My favourite Bible verse is 1 John 4:4–5.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.”
Roberta: I’m an avid reader—my Kindle is always close by! I love historical fiction. As for food: homemade shortbread is a winner! My favourite Bible verse is John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” That’s my prayer for everyone.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Daryl: Europe—there’s so much history I’d love to explore.
Roberta: Italy! I’d love to trace where my dad was during the war. He escaped a POW camp and was sheltered by a family—I dream of finding them.
How long have you been married and do you have kids?
Daryl: Roberta and I have been married for 42 years. We have four children and fourteen grandchildren.
Roberta:
Where were you born and raised?
Daryl: I was born in Tuatapere and grew up in Orepuki.
Roberta: Riverton, Southland.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Daryl: Give God your first—save 10%, tithe 10%.
Roberta: “There are always seasons in life—embrace them and grow in them.”
Something quirky about you?
Daryl: I got the exact same marks in English and Math two years in a row for School Certificate. Still not sure how that happened!
Roberta: Haha! Nothing to see here… except I can shuck paua, I’ve started building Lego flowers and I’ve even bought podcasting gear—I want to interview older people and hear their stories. I’m thinking of calling it The Fourth Quarter!
Ps Daryl and Roberta Watson are a truly remarkable couple. Faithful, down-to-earth and full of wisdom. With a heart for people and a passion for the local church, they lead with strength, humility and vision. Whether they’re preaching the Word, connecting over seafood chowder or shortbread, or dreaming about Europe and Italy, their love for God and others shines through in everything they do. We’re so thankful for the legacy they’re building in Invercargill and beyond.