The Otago & Southland region is covered by the dream team of Regional Leaders: Shane and Sarah Auld.


Shane Auld

Based in Invercargill, Shane has been on the team for over 7 years and is Sports Chaplain for the Southland Sharks Basketball team. Both Sarah and Shane connect with local churches and sports communities, and find more chaplains to bring on board.

If Shane isn't at a Shark's training or recruiting new Sports Chaplains, you'll find him DIY-ing (ask him about his pizza oven!), playing with his best mate Charlie (coolest dog ever), or watching rugby!

Sarah Auld

Funnily enough, also based in Invercargill and on the team for over 7 years, Sarah is still loving all things "Sports Chaplaincy"!

Sarah chaplains the staff at ILT Stadium Southland and the Southland Hinds Rugby team, and uses her gift of writing as the author of our Inspirational Reflections and national newsletters. Both Sarah and Shane connect with local churches and sports communities, and find more chaplains to bring on board.

In her happy place, you'll find Sarah tinkering on the piano, writing poems, or learning reo Māori.​​​​​​​

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​​​​​​​To get in touch with Sarah or Shane, click here.

Southland and Otago Sports Chaplain Count: 14

Stay up to date

Keep up to date with the latest news and events popping up around Southland and Otago! We are an exciting bunch, and 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!

2024 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.

We have completed all training cohorts for 2024, however, if becoming a Sports Chaplain intrests you, or you would like more information get in touch!

Workshops - absolute highlights!

 In 2023, we had three 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. 

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

Join us in prioritising wellbeing in Aotearoa and fostering resilience within the sports community. Check out our wellbeing resources by clicking the button to the right.

How SCNZ is adding value to Otago & Southland

Basketball is Calling!

Through stress, pressure, loss, and victory, Sports Chaplains are present.

Hear from Shane Auld (Southland Sharks chaplain), Chris Homer (Otago Nuggets chaplain), and a few other names in Basketball Otago and Southland.

Variation of support.

We are in all levels of sport - community club, corporate, and elite.

Hear from Teina-Marie (Southland Touch chaplain), Sarah Auld (ILT Stadium Southland chaplain), and Shane Auld (Southland Sharks chaplain.

A different world.

All sport needs wellbeing support, even those who hoon around a dirt track!

Hear from Kel Fowler (Beachlands Speedway chaplain) down in Dunedin, and the impact he is having by being present, being genuine, and taking time for everybody.


Some of our Sporting Partners in Otago & Southland

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.