Gilberd began his ordained ministry as a curate at Devonport. As vicar of Avondale from 1968 to 1971, he gained further experience through secondment to Egglescliffe on Teesside in the United Kingdom as an industrial chaplain. On his return, he became director of the Interchurch Trade and Industrial Mission (ITIM) in Wellington. From 1980 to 1985, he was a lecturer at St John's College, Auckland, before being ordained as a bishop on 7 December 1985.[3][4] A keen fisherman and sailor,[5] Gilberd retired in 1994.[6]
^"Retired Anglican Bishop leads fight against Coromandel marina". nzherald.co.nz. 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2011. Retired Anglican Bishop of Auckland Bruce Gilberd is leading a fight against plans for a 150-berth marina at Tairua Harbour on Coromandel Peninsula.
^"New Year honours list 2002". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2001. Retrieved 3 August 2019.