Pastoral care and spiritual wellbeing
Chaplaincy plays a vital role in providing spiritual and emotional support to staff and students regardless of belief or background.
We are trained professionals who offer confidential and non-judgmental guidance, counsel, encouragement and comfort to individuals facing a range of challenges, such as illness, trauma, grief, and moral distress. We offer a safe space to students to explore beliefs and values.
Chaplaincy services also offer community building, education, and advocacy; aiming to promote well-being, resilience, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
24 hour, 7 days a week support:
Call +64 3 479 8497 to speak to a chaplain.
If no one is in the office, the number will redirect to one of our team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it is urgent, we are on hand to support regardless of the time. If it's not urgent, we would be very happy to arrange a time to meet with you during normal work hours.
To meet with a chaplain or to make a general enquiry, contact:
Email chaplains@otago.ac.nz
For our Māori chaplain, you can contact:
Email maori.chaplain@otago.ac.nz
For queries directed specifically to our Muslim chaplains, contact:
Email muslimchaplaincy@otago.ac.nz
Alternatively, explore the Our people page to contact a specific chaplain
You can find out the latest about the chaplaincy through our Facebook page:
Get connected with a faith community
A faith community or group can be vitally important for maintaining wellbeing while at university. Belonging to a community places you in a bigger story that can ground you when you're feeling lost and alone.
There are a number of groups on campus and plenty of local faith communities in the Ōtepoti Dunedin area.
Christian
The Combined Christian Group (CCG) is a group of associated churches on campus.
Visit the CCG website for a map of the churches and faith groups associated with CCG
There you will find many different communities from a wide range of denominational, cultural, stylistic and theological perspectives.
You might also like to visit the Clubs and Socs website for other Christian clubs and groups linked with the university campus.
Muslim
For information about the Muslim community on campus, contact:
Email muslimchaplaincy@otago.ac.nz
For the Otago Muslim Students Association, contact:
Email otago.musa@hotmail.com
Other faiths
Email chaplains@otago.ac.nz and we can help you find a community that suits you.
Christian Scholars Network
The Christian Scholars Network (CSN) is an interdisciplinary network of academics, scholars, and professional staff who research, teach, and work at the University of Otago.
It is intended to be a forum for Christians at the university to connect, encourage each other, and discuss how their faith intersects with their academic life and scholarship.
The CSN has been around for over twenty years and formally meets quarterly in a hybrid in-person/online format to listen to invited speakers. Members also meet irregularly for social events.
To find out more or to be added to the mailing list, please contact us:
Email chaplains@otago.ac.nz