A New Name for Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa
January 2025
In December 2024, the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy (ICHC) officially rebranded to become Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa.
History
In the past 52 years since nine church denominations came together to establish a national hospital chaplaincy service in New Zealand’s public health system, a lot has changed in both New Zealand and the healthcare sector.
| Changing our name to Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa positions us to better serve New Zealand’s diverse communities with compassion, respect and a renewed sense of purpose.
Our organisation’s purpose remains unchanged: to provide quality holistic spiritual and pastoral care to patients, whānau, and hospital staff in times of need. However, as we look toward the future, we recognise the importance of modernising our brand to stay relevant in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Our new name, ‘Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa,’ strengthens our alignment with New Zealand’s national identity, values, and communities.
Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa | Amokapua Hohipera Aotearoa
The Māori translation of our new name is built from several constituent parts:
Amo
The word ‘Amo’ refers to the supporting posts of a wharenui (meeting house) that stand on either side of the entrance.
With their outstretched arms, these posts symbolise welcome, inviting people in and offering support, much like our chaplains who support people from all walks of life.
Kapua
'Kapua' conveys a sense of embracing and encompassing.
Together, 'Amokapua' symbolises a chaplain as one who stands with arms outstretched, ready to embrace all who seek comfort, support, and spiritual care.
Logo
Our new logo features a stylised interpretation of two outstretched arms, symbolising a warm invitation to all who seek comfort, support, and spiritual care within the hospital setting.
These arms, wrapped in a gesture of support and embrace, reflect our mission to welcome and care for people from all backgrounds.
The cross represents both the hospital environment we work within and our Christian focus, reminding us of our commitment to holistic, compassionate care.
Mission
Ngakau Atatawhai
We nurture wellbeing by listening empathetically and supporting others compassionately.
Whakahonore Tapu
We generate hope by upholding the dignity of others and respecting diversity.
Mahi Ratonga
We seek the best possible outcome for others by valuing relationships and serving wholeheartedly.
Vision for the Future
With our refreshed identity, Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa is well-positioned to help meet the future needs of New Zealand’s healthcare sector.
Our core mission, redefined values, and the high standard of compassionate care we offer will remain the same. While our name, logo, and visual identity are changing, the essence of who we are and the services we provide will continue as they have always done.
Our redefined values emphasise our dedication to offering compassionate, respectful care that meets each individual’s unique spiritual needs. We remain deeply committed to serving patients, whānau, and healthcare staff with empathy and dignity.
| Our new name reflects a timeless mission that has evolved to better serve our diverse population.
We look forward to continuing to provide the essential spiritual care that complements medical treatment and enriches the lives of patients, whānau and healthcare staff.
