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News and Stories
Stay up to date with the latest news and events, discover stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed because of the generosity of supporters like you, and gain insights into hospital chaplaincy, wellbeing, and the support available to patients, families, and whānau during life's most challenging moments.
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Belonging Matters: Supporting Mental Wellbeing through Connection
Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au – I am you, and you are me Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is all about belonging. This year's theme, Belonging Matters, highlights the power of community and connection in supporting mental wellbeing. Belonging can be found in every part of life, from work and home to hobbies and friendships. You may not realise that someone around you is feeling lonely or disconnected. A small act of kindness, even a smile or quick hello, can make a meaningful d

Meg Lucius
Oct 123 min read


Remembering the babies who will never be forgotten: Baby Loss Awareness Week
The death of a baby is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a family can go through. Hospital chaplains are there to walk alongside parents and whānau during these deeply difficult moments, to offer a compassionate presence when words alone aren't enough. Baby Loss Awareness Week Every year from 9-15th October, people from across Aotearoa and the world come together to recognise Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW). It is a time to remember the babies who died during pregnanc

Meg Lucius
Oct 93 min read


Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week 2026
7-11 September 2026 Our hospital chaplains are here for you For 2026, Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week is all about making the spiritual and pastoral care provided by hospital chaplains more visible to the people who need it. Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa has existed for over 50 years across New Zealand to ensure patients, whānau, and staff receive the spiritual care and emotional support they need when it matters the most. Today, we operate with over 90 chaplains and mor

Meg Lucius
Sep 182 min read


Spreading Christmas Cheer
29 January 2026 In the lead-up to Christmas, the sound of carols echoed through hospital corridors across Aotearoa, bringing moments of joy, comfort, and connection to patients, whānau, and staff. Organised by hospital chaplaincy teams and volunteers, these visits offered a reminder of the hope and compassion at the heart of the Christmas season. Christmas on the Wards At Whangarei Hospital, a dedicated group of volunteers led carol singing across multiple wards throughout De

ICHC
Sep 182 min read


Moments that Change Everything
When life changes in an instant, your kindness is there. Donate today and help provide support and comfort to people like Joe*. *Name changed to protect identity Joe's Story: This Is All He Had With Him An old knapsack. A pair of worn leather sandals. That was almost everything Joe had with him when he arrived at hospital. After a life-changing injury, Joe faced a long recovery, an uncertain future, and nowhere stable to go when he left hospital. More than anything, he felt a

ICHC
Sep 162 min read


Daffodil Day 2026
Being there for the tough conversations Cancer will affect every one of us throughout our lives. It tears through families and leaves people feeling isolated and afraid, facing battle after battle with their own body. This fight takes a significant toll not just on your physical health; it affects your independence and your relationships with the people you love. Eventually, it can feel as though you are relying on them more and more just to get through the day. Daffodil

Meg Lucius
Sep 162 min read


Help Ensure No One Faces Illness Alone
Bring comfort and strength to patients in crisis Your gift will help people like Vera* find peace, courage, and connection when they need it most. *Name changed to protect identity Your donation will help hospital chaplains provide: A calm and caring presence when it's needed most; Emotional support during times of fear and change; Practical guidance to make confident, informed decisions about care; Support for reconnection with self, family, and community. Vera's Story When

ICHC
Sep 162 min read


Facing the Unimaginable
When Vanessa found out she was pregnant, she knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But she never imagined just how terrifying it would become. Bring comfort and support to families facing the unimaginable. Vanessa's Story Noël was Vanessa’s miracle baby; conceived through IVF after years of hope and heartache. From the very beginning, doctors warned her that he might not survive. But she held onto hope. Then, at just 26 weeks pregnant, Vanessa’s world turned upside down. She

ICHC
Sep 162 min read
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