In 2021, the University appointed its chaplaincy lecturer, Dr Graham Redding, to a five-year term to further develop New Zealand’s first tertiary-level chaplaincy studies programme. This was possible through the generosity of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland and the Longview Trust. Further support was gathered when The Douglas Goodfellow Charitable Trust donated $1 million in 2024.
With the growing public awareness of mental health, suicide rates, stress and bullying in schools and in the workplace, chaplains play an important role in the provision of pastoral and spiritual care across many sectors of society, including education, healthcare, aged care, law enforcement, emergency services, corrections, media, and sport. Demand for the programme is strong (57 people are currently studying Chaplaincy Studies, including research projects at master’s and PhD levels), reflecting a need for a robust professional qualification that is recognised across the chaplaincy sector.
We are $800,000 away from the full endowment target of $2.5 million, which would cement Chaplaincy Studies at Otago in perpetuity. If you can support this initiative, know that you will be making a difference across New Zealand in real areas of need.
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If you are in the UK you can donate through the Otago University Foundation (UK) website.
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