Ko te manaaki i ngā kaihākinakina.
Caring for Aotearoa's sporting community.​​​​​​​

From a handful of visionaries and a few Sports Chaplains, we have grown to a ministry that impacts sports communities throughout New Zealand.

​​​​​​​We provide pastoral care and support to Aotearoa New Zealand's sports communities. We do this by identifying, training, appointing and guiding Sports Chaplains who are available as volunteers to serve sports communities at all levels. ​​​​​​​The effect of Sports Chaplains placed in sports communities is improved mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing leading to better people, better lives, better outcomes and better communities. Sports Chaplains are not sports psychologists, replacements for player welfare officers or trained counsellors. Sports Chaplains act as first responders to assist people in need to professional services.

Rooted in purpose, united in care.

What brings us together and sends us out. The vision we pursue, the values we hold, and the mission we carry out.
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Our vision

Our vision is to support the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s sports communities through placing accredited Sports Chaplains who offer pastoral care and mentoring to everybody across all sports and all levels.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our values

Whanaungatanga / Relationship
​​​​​​​We build strong relationships with those we live, work, and serve.

Whakapono / Faith
We have a vibrant faith in Jesus, shown through how we live.

Whaiaro / Character
We live with integrity, loyalty, diligence, decency, and humility.​​​​​​​

Whakaute / Respect
We believe all are made in God’s image, worthy of love and respect.

​​​​​​​Rangapū / Partnership
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partner with like-minded others.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide Sports Chaplains who offer pastoral care, mentoring, and support to athletes, organisations, and the wider sporting community. We're committed to serving everyone regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability.​​​​​​​

Our Community

A Movement of People Who Care

Our community is made up of everyday Kiwis who are passionate about sport and people. From local volunteers to national coordinators, we're united by a common purpose: to bring care, presence and hope to the sporting world - one sideline, one locker room, one conversation at a time.

Our community values manaakitanga, whakawhanaungatanga, and integrity. We walk alongside people through life’s wins and losses, championing mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing across all levels of sport in Aotearoa.

“We are there for the people, not the scoreboard.” – Jess Smith, Sports Chaplain

Sports Chaplains

Everyday Kiwi's who give their time to support sporting communities across Aotearoa.

Clubs & Organisations

Sports bodies, schools, clubs, and national organisations who value holistic wellbeing.

Supporters & Donors

Individuals, churches, families, and businesses who give and pray to see this vital work grow.

Faith Communities

Churches and families who stand behind our Sports Chaplains as they serve.

 


Staff Team

It takes a passionate and committed team to keep Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand growing, thriving, and making a real difference.

From strategic leadership at the national level to hands-on support in local communities, every member of our staff team plays a vital role. Whether coordinating daily operations, mentoring our chaplains, or building relationships in the sporting world, each person helps carry the heart of SCNZ, bringing care, hope, and presence to sport across Aotearoa.

​​​​​​​Click here to meet the full team

National Office

Oversees the day-to-day operations of Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand and provides strategic direction and support. 

Regional Leaders

Actively recruit, train, and care for Sports Chaplains in their local areas, building strong regional networks.

Ambassadors

Champion the work of SCNZ by connecting with our chaplains, sharing the vision, and lightening the load for Regional Leaders.



SCNZ Videos

Hear it from them - we are making a real difference!

We've created these short videos to exhibit the value Sports Chaplaincy adds to New Zealand's sporting communities. These are testimonials straight from the clubs, schools, and sports organisations.

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

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

Sports Chaplains provide support in many ways during the toughest experiences.

We have Sports Chaplains in schools all across Aotearoa
​​​​​​​New Zealand.



Our History

From a simple 'yes' to a nationwide movement.

What began with one Sports Chaplain stepping onto the sidelines has grown into a network of trained volunteers supporting athletes, coaches, and clubs across Aotearoa. Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand was born out of a deep love for sport and a stronger call to care for the people in it.

Our story is one of faith, relationship, and steady growth, powered by everyday Kiwis saying “yes” to being present where it matters most.

"On the 24th of April, 2013, five of us sat around a table dreaming about what Sports Chaplaincy NZ could look like. We weren't organised, we were just a bunch of dreamers..." - Grant Harris

Discover how it all began and where we’re headed.



Funding

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


Every moment of care on the sideline - and every life changed - happens because people like you choose to invest in this mission. We receive support from individuals, churches, faith communities, businesses, and trusts.

Want to help us bring presence, prayer, and pastoral care to every corner of Aotearoa’s sporting world? Donate now or get in touch to learn more about partnership opportunities.


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