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hat the service chaplains do for the church and for God can sometimes go unnoticed. Chaplaincy coordinator Ricky Waters at Massey University and Unitec wants to get church communities involved again. The Auckland Anglican Diocese contributes annually to the running of this service and a number of Anglican priests and lay people work as chaplains at tertiary institutions around Auckland. There is a shortage of tertiary chaplains on-campus across universities in Auckland. Chaplains donate two days or 15 hours of voluntary work per week, but often this leaves gaps in which students can't easily access chaplaincy services. The church and church members can playa huge role in improving access to these services through diverse support opportunities that can suit any schedule and personal set of skills. To become a chaplain you must hold an undergraduate degree, but don't panic. If you don't hold a degree there are many important roles you can participate in as an associate chaplain at Massey or Unitec, or a voluntary chaplain at AUT. Ricky encourages those with some experience of pastoral work within the church, as well as a passion for and commitment to New Zealand's youth and an outgoing personality, to consider helping out on campus. Someone who is a good listener, someone who is a bit
outgoing and friendly, it doesn't mean you have to be
extravert, it just means you may have to make the first
move for a conversation," Ricky said. If this still doesn't sound like you there are more ways you can help, by simply praying for the Chaplains, or expressing a willingness to be a source for emergency contact or hosting international students for dinner.

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Chaplaincy coordinator at AUT Irene Ayatlo believes the purpose of tertiary chaplaincy in New Zealand is changing, and the focus has moved to building student awareness from every background. "It's for students who don't think it's relevant to them and to show them that you don't have to have a faith to get some support from a chaplain or spiritual leader," Irene said. The Massey University chaplaincy team coordinates different groups to help students in a number of ways. Groups such as News Watch at Massey on a Friday afternoon led by Chaplain Carrie Rambo help international students adapt to New Zealand culture by improving language skills through conversation. Jael Tang, Children'S Missionary Coordinator at Westside Christian Fellowship, said that she loves coming along as a volunteer to talk with students and help them fit in. "It's such a joy to hear their stories and get to know them ... I love introducing people to a new culture," Jael said.

Am Lin, a student at Massey, goes to News Watch to meet people and practice her English-speaking skills. "English is my second language and it's quite difficult for me when I just came to New Zealand. [News Watch] have local people and they are willing to support and help us," Am said. Other ways to help include offering tea, coffee and a chat to students passing through the chaplaincy office; lending a hand with activities such as the Holy Week distribution of Easter messages; or baking for office guests and group activities. Participating at AUT includes speaking at forums, helping out in groups such as Bible study or discussion groups, or by organising campus events. Irene said, "We are always looking for people to facilitate activities." If you're an active and trusted member at your church, talk to your pastor about ways you can get involved as a volunteer, or call Ricky Waters at Massey or Unitec, or Irene Ayatlo at AUT. Ricky is contactable at Massey by phone (414 0800 extn 43449) or email (AlbChaplains@massey.ac.nz) on Tuesday and Wednesday, or at Unitec on Monday and Friday via phone (815 4321 and extn number 7899) or via email (rwaters@unitec.ac.nz). You can contact Irene at AUT on Monday and Thursday via phone (921 9992 and extension number 8899 or via email (irene.ayallo@aut.ac.nz).