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.​

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At Whangarei Hospital, a dedicated group of volunteers led carol singing across multiple wards throughout December. The group included Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistants, hospital staff, an ex-patient, and a special visiting team from YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Together, they brought music and warmth into spaces where people were often facing uncertainty or difficult days.

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Over two weeks, the group visited four medical wards, followed by four surgical wards. As word spread, they were invited into additional specialised areas, including cancer services, mental health, maternity, and the renal unit. Everywhere they went, they were welcomed with a wide range of emotions — smiles, tears, laughter, and gratitude — as familiar carols filled the wards.

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Many moments stood out. Nurses paused to record the singing on their phones; staff, patients, and chaplains formed a singing circle in the mental health unit; a dementia patient danced with his wife while she watched with tears in her eyes; and an out-of-tune piano in a patient lounge was transformed into something truly special.

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