News & events
Eight Volunteer Chaplain Assistants Commissioned Across Northland Hospitals
7 August 2025
July marked a significant milestone for spiritual care in Northland’s hospitals, as eight Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistants (VCAs) were officially commissioned to serve patients and staff across the region.
A special pōwhiri and commissioning service was held on 10 July at the Chapel of St Luke, Whangārei Hospital. The service was led by Rev. Amiria Te Whiu, on behalf of Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa, with support from Whangārei Hospital Chaplains Fatima Lemisio and Adrian Whale, Camron Muriwai (Takawaenga), and Fiona Greig (Team Leader, Customer Service).
Surrounded by friends and whānau, the eight volunteers were presented with certificates and flowers, acknowledging their commitment to providing spiritual support to those in hospital settings.
All eight have previously served as VCAs and have returned following a period of retraining. Their shared mission is to offer a compassionate presence and a listening ear, helping patients find peace, hope, and connection during times of illness or uncertainty.
"Spiritual well-being can be an important part of a person’s healing, but it is often hard to talk about. Some people are uncertain about what runs deep within them, what truly matters. A stay in hospital can bring those things to the surface and be confronting. That’s why we’re so grateful to have this team of volunteers who generously give their time to listen and show compassion to anyone and everyone in hospital." - Whangārei Hospital Chaplain Adrian Whale.
Volunteer chaplains serve in various capacities—some offer half a day each week, while others are present up to two days on the wards. At Whangārei Hospital, VCAs also help facilitate the weekly Praise and Prayer gathering, held every Tuesday at 12:30pm in the chapel. All staff and patients are warmly invited to attend.
This commissioning marks a renewal of the chaplaincy presence in Northland and reflects a deepening commitment to holistic care—acknowledging the spiritual needs of patients as an essential part of their healing journey.
