ABOUT
hospital chaplaincy aotearoa
In 1972, nine church denominations came together at the request of then Prime Minister Sir John Marshall, to establish a national hospital chaplaincy service in the public health system. The Interchurch Advisory Committee on Hospital Chaplaincy (ICAC) was formed and worked in cooperation with the Department of Health.
As the organisation and its responsibilities grew, ICAC became the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy (ICHC) in 1993. Today, there are currently 93 chaplains working in 36 hospitals across the country and in October 2024, the name was formally changed to Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa.
Hospital Chaplains offer pastoral, spiritual, and religious care to those within New Zealand Hospitals following the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of health. Chaplains listen and provide service to all people regardless of their religious denomination, faith orientation, belief system, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
We are proud to be supported by Health NZ, church denominations, local churches, donors, and local committees to ensure we bring compassion, hope and care to people within the hospital community.
Our Vision
To provide excellence in Chaplaincy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Our Purpose
We provide hospitals with Christian chaplains who offer quality holistic spiritual and pastoral care for all.
Our Values
Ngakau Atatawhai
We nurture wellbeing by listening empathetically and supporting others compassionately
Whakahonore Tapu
We generate hope by upholding the dignity of others and respecting diversity
Mahi Ratonga
We seek the best possible outcome for others by valuing relationships and serving wholeheartedly
Because we all need a little extra care at times