Membership
The New Zealand Healthcare Chaplaincy Association (NZHCA) is the peak professional body for healthcare chaplaincy in Aotearoa New Zealand and membership of the Association is complementary to membership of chaplaincy employing bodies. By becoming a member, you join a recognised community that is shaping the future of spiritual care in healthcare.
A key part of NZHCA’s role is advocacy, ensuring that chaplaincy and spiritual care is visible, valued, and well-resourced within the health system. The Association represents members in conversations with healthcare providers, government agencies, and professional bodies, making the case for chaplaincy as an essential dimension of holistic healthcare. This includes:
Championing the recognition of chaplaincy as an allied health profession with standards, training pathways, and the oversight of a professional body
Advocating for the chaplains / spiritual care practitioners' role in supporting patient, whānau, and staff wellbeing, as a member of the interdisciplinary team
Ensuring chaplaincy is included in policy discussions, workforce planning, and funding frameworks within New Zealand’s health system
Promoting the importance of equity and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in shaping spiritually safe and culturally responsive care
Through this advocacy, members not only benefit from a stronger collective voice but also contribute to advancing the standing of chaplaincy nationally. Belonging to NZHCA means standing together to protect, promote, and strengthen the presence of chaplaincy in healthcare now and into the future.
There are five types of membership options to choose from:
Full membership with credentialing
Full member
Associate member
Honorary member - invitation only
Affiliate member
Interested in joining us?
The New Zealand Chaplains Association welcomes those called to chaplaincy and spiritual care and those who want to support this vital work. In becoming a member, you’ll join a network of people committed to spiritual wellbeing for all who call New Zealand home.
Credentialing
New Zealand Healthcare Chaplain's Association (NZHCA) credentialling process is currently under review as we work to ensure that our requirements and processes continue to reflect current standards and best practice in chaplaincy.
We appreciate your interest in credentialling and the important role it plays in supporting professional and accountable chaplaincy practice.
Further information about the revised credentialling process will be provided once the review has been completed. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.