The Otago Tertiary Chaplains provide a range of pastoral care, emotional support and spiritual services for students and staff at the University of Otago. Chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting spiritual wellbeing, resilience, and a sense of meaning and purpose, regardless of belief, faith tradition, or background.
Services include:
- Care and support for grief, stress, everyday challenges
- Confidential, non-judgemental guidance and a safe space to explore beliefs, values, identity, relationships, and life stressors
- Community building, education, and advocacy to promote wellbeing and connection
- A nonjudgmental and confidential space for conversations regarding all aspects of life, identity, stressors, relationships, etc.
- Help with gaining access to prayer and meditation rooms across campuses
- Blessing your room or flat
- Facilitating interfaith conversations
- Liaison with and referral to other University support services, local churches, and faith communities
- Prayer
- Settling into University of Otago life and helping with homesickness
- Spiritual support and direction for individuals or groups
- Supporting Christian groups on campus
- Visiting your college
- Weddings, funerals, memorials, or thanksgiving services
- Worship opportunities
The chaplaincy team includes Ecumenical chaplains, Catholic chaplains, Muslim chaplains, and a Māori chaplain. The team also works closely with other faith leaders and communities in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
You can find the Chaplaincy lounge and offices in the Upper Room on the mezzanine of the University Union building on the Dunedin campus. Prayer rooms are available in locations across campus.
Any student or staff member, whatever their beliefs, can seek help or advice from the chaplains about any matter, religious or otherwise.
24/7 chaplaincy support
Chaplaincy support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call +64 3 479 8497 to speak to a chaplain.
If no one is in the office, the call will redirect to a member of the chaplaincy team. Urgent support is available at any time, and non-urgent enquiries can be scheduled during normal working hours.
For enquiries or to arrange a meeting with a chaplain:
Email
chaplains@otago.ac.nz
For enquiries or to arrange a meeting with the Māori chaplain:
Email
maori.chaplain@otago.ac.nz
For enquiries or to arrange a meeting with the Muslim chaplains:
Email
muslimchaplaincy@otago.ac.nz
You can also contact a specific chaplain through the Our people page, or stay updated through the Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy Facebook group
Getting connected with a faith community
There are a number of groups on campus and many local faith communities in the Ōtepoti Dunedin area.
Christian
- The Combined Christian Group (CCG) represents a range of associated churches and Christian faith groups on campus. The CCG website provides a map and information about participating churches and communities, representing diverse denominational, cultural, and theological perspectives
- Additional Christian clubs and groups are listed on the University Clubs and Societies website
Muslim
- For information about the Muslim community on campus, send an email to the provided email address above
- For the Otago Muslim Students Association, email otago.musa@hotmail.com
Other faiths
- Email chaplains@otago.ac.nz for help connecting with a faith community that suits your needs
Christian Scholars Network
The Christian Scholars Network (CSN) is an interdisciplinary network of academics, researchers, and professional staff at the University of Otago. It provides opportunities for Christians at the University to connect, encourage one another, and explore the relationship between faith, teaching, research, and academic life.
The Network has operated for over 20 years and meets quarterly in a hybrid in-person and online format, with additional informal social gatherings.