We are currently looking for a Regional Leader for the Waikato & Bay of Plenty area! Could it be you?

After a number of years in the role, Murray Hunt is moving into semi-retirement and as a result, we are looking for a new Regional Leader for Waikato/Bay of Plenty to proactively lead SCNZ’s movement and strategy within the region toward the vision of a placed Sports Chaplain for every sports community.​​​​​​​

We are looking for someone who can build on the excellent work that others in the region have already begun, taking SCNZ in this region to the next level. You will need to adopt new leadership structures to accomodate growth, have a caring concern for those you lead, and have faith in God for funding.

More about the role here!​​​​​​

Waikato & Bays Sports Chaplain Count: 17

Stay up to date...

Keep up to date with the latest news and events popping up around Canterbury! We love collecting Sports Chaplain stories - there's always something great to share! If you would like to stay in the loop with occasional regional newsletters sent directly to your inbox please click here!

2026 Trainings

Don't miss out on the opportunity to become a Sports Chaplain. Completing your training through our Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand training programme is mandatory and covers all foundational material needed to become an SCNZ accredited Sports Chaplain. This a blended learning experience with an online course covering 22 topics and 1 day in-person workshop. The online component takes approximately 20 hours to complete.

Expressions of interest are being taken for the 2026 training cohorts - click here to see cohort dates.

If becoming a Sports Chaplain intrests you, or you would like more information get in touch!

Workshops - absolute highlights!

In 2024, we had seven new chaplains train and each brought their own flare, personality, and faith background. We really value coming together in fellowship for Stronger Together meetings, and workshops, as we learn so much about our new team mates, and hear more about their cultures and backgrounds.

Our workshops are a great way to connect personally and learn through discussion and scenarios.

Next Waikato & Bays Workshop
2026 workshop dates are currently being prepped...watch this space!

SCNZ Facebook

We have a national Facebook page where there are posts about what we are up to as an organisation, updates on all regions around New Zealand, inspirational material, and details around training and workshops.

This page is for everyone - please don't hesitiate to click that follow button! Our national SCNZ page here.

 

Wellbeing Support

 

We believe that wellness is about our whole being - mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, and physical.

Our commitment goes beyond offering resources; we want to help sports communities become supportive environments where individuals can find help, encouragement, and practical strategies to navigate life's challenges. 

 

National Wellbeing Resources

Listed on our wellbeing support page are a collection of resources tailored to support you.

All around New Zealand are services and resources that can help in your time of need. Join us in prioritising wellbeing in Aotearoa and fostering resilience within the sports community.

Browse our wellbeing resources by clicking the button to the left.

 

Regional Mental Wellbeing Support

Yellow Brick Road

Supporting families towards mental wellbeing. Regional services available.

0800 732 825

Te Korowai

In-person, phone call, or video call mental health and wellbeing support.

0508 835 676

Regional Grief Support

Aoake te Rā

Support to individuals and whānau who have lost someone to suicide.

0800 000 053​​​​​​​

Grief Centre

Offering loss and grief support and education to anyone in need.

0800 331 333

Regional Suicide Support

Mates Matter

Mental wellness and suicide prevention programmes and resources.

Contact via their website

1737

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Need to talk? 24/7 free call or text a trained counsellor 1737 any time.

1737

Regional Abuse Support

Women's Refuge Waikato

Support around domestic violence and help in a crisis.

04 297 2595

Men and Trauma New Zealand

Dealing to difficulties facing Kiwi men. Trauma recovery.

0800 63 62 63​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Other SCNZ Leaders in the region



Phil Pawley has been on board as National Director since 2018 and previous to his time with SCNZ, he served for 10 years with SCUK as sports chaplain to the St. Helens RLFC.

Phil keeps all the staff in line and ensures they are all developing and excelling in their roles, as well as overseeing the growth of SCNZ nationwide. He has recently completed a Masters of Chaplaincy and if you want to get him worked up, ask him about APA referencing.

When Phil isn’t at work (or prepping his next sermon), you’ll find him BBQing / smoking food, fishing, writing, chilling out with his lovely wife and enjoying their moko.

How SCNZ is adding value to the Waikato & Bay of Plenty

Adding Value in Waikato.

Sports Chaplaincy is growing in the Waikato, in clubs, teams and schools. Melville United AFC, Thames Valley RFU, Cambridge referees, St Paul's Collegiate and St Peter's Cambridge. Hear from Phil Pawley, our National Director, and a few sporting partners.

School Sports Chaplaincy.

We have Sports Chaplains in schools all across New Zealand. Hear from Wayne Douglas (St Paul's Collegiate chaplain) and the feedback he's been given on how he is making a difference in many young people's lives.



​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Some of our Sporting Partners in Waikato & Bay of Plenty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

National Newsletter

We write and release newsletters throughout the year that tell our success stories, update our supporters on what we've been up to, and hopefully encourage readers in life and their own journey! If you're keen to stay up to date with Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand by joining our mailing list, click here.

Consider donating.

Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is a registered charity solely reliant on donations for its funding.