Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Maori chaplain for Waikato Hospital
NEW MAORI CHAPLAIN FOR WAIKATO HOSPITAL
Waikato Hospital’s new Maori chaplain says he feels greatly privileged to participate in the holistic health and wellbeing of all people coming to the hospital.
Pastor Sonny Poutapu started at the hospital earlier this month and joins Pastor Bruce Sligo, Sister Carmel, Rev Daniel Sitaram, Fr Gerard Boyce and Rev Dr Jan Calvert on the chaplaincy team.
Every year chaplains at Waikato Hospital help nearly 30,000 patients, family and staff through hardship, trauma, loss and coping with all that a loved one’s stay at the hospital involves.
Pastor Poutapu has been involved in the ministry since 2000 as Elder and Pastor firstly in Hamilton before moving home to Ngaruawahia in 2008 to establish and pastor a local church there.
In his position he has not only been pastor at the church but also minister to the marae, officiating at tangihanga/funerals, unveilings, house blessings and marriage ceremonies.
“Tena koutou katoa. Ko Sonny Poutapu toku ingoa. Tainui te waka, Ngati Koroki me Ngati Mahanga oku hapu. No Ngaruawahia ahau.”
He joins just as the Waikato Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee Charitable Trust seeks to raise funds for the ongoing work of chaplains as spiritual and emotional support staff at one of New Zealand’s busiest hospitals.
The trust is holding a concert “Hear and Care” this Saturday, 7.30pm at St Paul’s Collegiate School’s Chapel of Christ the King in Hamilton. It will feature more than 100 performers from 10 local acts.
Tickets are only $20 for adults and $5 for 17 years and under. For tickets call Louise afternoons/evening on 027 278 3366.
Door sales will be available on the night.
For more information please contact: Heather Major on 027 315 6031 or contact chaplain@waikatodhb.health.nz
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts