Leading the team of SCNZ Sports Chaplains in Waikato & Bay of Plenty is Murray Hunt.

Based in Cambridge, Murray has been Sports Chaplain to the Waihou Rugby Football Club for one year, and to the Cambridge Rugby Referees for three years, all while overseeing the growth of SCNZ in the Waikato & Bay of Plenty regions.

If he’s not speaking at churches, or using his natural salesman charm to bring people to SCNZ, Murray is building things like wooden furniture, trays, and photo boards with native timber. He loves rugby and cricket, and spends a lot of time with family and his four grandkids.

Contact: [email protected]

Waikato & Bays Sports Chaplain Count: 17

Stay up to date...

Keep up to date with the latest news and events popping up around Canterbury! We love collecting Sports Chaplain stories - there's always something great to share! If you would like to stay in the loop with occasional regional newsletters sent directly to your inbox please click here!

SCNZ in Waikaton & Bay of Plenty has grown!

After a number of years in the role, Murray Hunt is moving into semi-retirement and as a result, we are looking for a new Regional Leader for Waikato/Bay of Plenty to proactively lead SCNZ’s movement and strategy within the region toward the vision of a placed Sports Chaplain for every sports community.​​​​​​​

We are looking for someone who can build on the excellent work that others in the region have already begun, taking SCNZ in this region to the next level.​​​​​​​

2024 Trainings

Don't miss out on the opportunity to become a Sports Chaplain. Completing your training through our Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand training programme is mandatory and covers all foundational material needed to become an SCNZ accredited Sports Chaplain. This a blended learning experience with an online course covering 22 topics and 1 day in-person workshop. The online component takes approximately 20 hours to complete.

The next training cohort for 2024 begins on May 13th - don't leave it too late to get in touch!

Workshops - absolute highlights!

In 2023, we had four new chaplains train and each brought their own flare, personality, and faith background. We really value coming together in fellowship for Stronger Together meetings, and workshops, as we learn so much about our new team mates, and hear more about their cultures and backgrounds.

Our workshops are a great way to connect personally and learn through discussion and scenarios.

SCNZ Facebook

We have a national Facebook page where there are posts about what we are up to as an organisation, updates on all regions around New Zealand, inspirational material, and details around training and workshops.

This page is for everyone - please don't hesitiate to click that follow button! Our national SCNZ page here.



​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Other SCNZ Leaders in the region.



Phil Pawley has been on board as CEO since 2018 and previous to his time with SCNZ, he served for 10 years with SCUK as sports chaplain to the St. Helens RLFC.

Phil keeps all the staff in line and ensures they are all developing and excelling in their roles, as well as overseeing the growth of SCNZ nationwide. He is currently working on a Masters of Chaplaincy and if you want to get him worked up, ask him about his APA referencing.

When Phil isn’t at work (or working on his Masters Dissertation), you’ll find him BBQing / smoking food, fishing, writing, chilling out with his lovely wife and enjoying their moko.

Contact: [email protected]

 

How SCNZ is adding value to the Waikato & Bay of Plenty.

Adding Value in Waikato.

Sports Chaplaincy is growing in the Waikato, in clubs, teams and schools. Melville United AFC, Thames Valley RFU, Cambridge referees, St Paul's Collegiate and St Peter's Cambridge. Hear from Phil Pawley, our National Director, and a few sporting partners.

School Sports Chaplaincy.

We have Sports Chaplains in schools all across New Zealand. Hear from Wayne Douglas (St Paul's Collegiate chaplain) and the feedback he's been given on how he is making a difference in many young people's lives.



​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Some of our Sporting Partners in Waikato & Bay of Plenty
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National Newsletter

We write and release newsletters throughout the year that tell our success stories, update our supporters on what we've been up to, and hopefully encourage readers in life and their own journey! If you're keen to stay up to date with Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand by joining our mailing list, click here.

Consider donating.

Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand is a registered charity solely reliant on donations for its funding.