Currently overseeing SCNZ in Central North Island is Wes Smith.

We are keeping Wes busy!

Wes brings a peaceful strength in his approach to leading this area. After living in Nelson for many years, Wes and the family moved to Wellington in 2022 and have settled at Otaki Beach - what a dream!

Wes is a huge football fan, and in his words “I am a HUGE fan of Newcastle United…I LOVE them.” - so his chaplaincy placement with the Wellington Saints is a new lane for him! When he’s not shaping SCNZ in his area, you’ll find Wes out in the ocean catching waves and riding tubes atop a surfboard.

To get in touch with Wes, click here.

Central Sports Chaplain Count: 7

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!

Each new Sports Chaplain we train brings 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 Central 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

Whaioro Trust

Confidential mental health and addiction support and services.

06 354 0670

Regional Grief Support

Te Aroha Noa

Grief support and education for whānau and individuals of all ages.

06 358 2255

Arohanui Hospice

One-on-one bereavement support and bereavement groups.

06 356 6606

Regional Suicide Support

YOSS

Free, non-judgemental, confidential support services for young people.

06 355 5909

Samaritans

Confidential support for people who are lonely or distressed.

06 355 2841

Regional Abuse Support

ARCS Manawatu

Abuse and rape crisis support, education, and intervention.

06 356 5868

Women's Refuge

Confidential support around domestic violence and help in a crisis.

06 354 5355


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Some of our Sporting Partners in Central North Island
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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.​​​​​​​