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

30 May 2025 22 Years of Service After more than two decades of dedicated ministry, Wyatt Butcher retired from his role as Mental Health Chaplain at Hillmorton Hospital on Friday, 30 May. Throughout his years of service, Wyatt has become a beloved presence within the hospital, offering spiritual care, deep compassion, and steadfast support to patients, whānau, and staff. ​ His final weeks have been filled with heartfelt farewells, including BBQs (often featuring his own veniso

Looking after more than your physical health Women's Health Week is often a time to focus on physical wellbeing, encouraging women to prioritise health checks, healthy habits, and preventative care. But when a health crisis occurs unexpectedly, it can affect far more than the body. It can impact a person's confidence, relationships, work, identity, and sense of what the future holds. A story of resilience Recently, one of our chaplains met a woman whose life had changed drama

On Thursday afternoon, 17 May 2018, Porirua Hospital Chaplaincy team welcomed the very first Mental Health Chaplain Intern in all of New Zealand, Rev Cath Growcott. Rev. Canon Kath Maclean shared her dream of teaching mental health chaplains and growing the team. The stakeholders including Wellington Hospital Chaplaincy Trust, Director of Mental Health Services at Capital and Coast DHB and ICHC were in attendance. The event was joyful and filled with hope for the future.