Codes of Practice and Ethics
Chaplaincy sometimes involves deep and personal work. It should take place on the basis of trust between two or more people. The particular dynamics of chaplaincy require good frameworks to keep everyone involved safe. Transparent and robust codes of ethical practice help ensure that both those offering and receiving care can know what is and isn’t ok.
We are members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Tertiary Chaplaincy Association (ANZTCA). A number of us are also licensed by the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Wellington. We also work alongside those associated with and governed by the International Student Ministry New Zealand (ISMNZ) network. If you have any questions or concerns, our door is always open.
We acknowledge that we come from a Christian worldview. As a part of ANZTCA, however, we are also committed to upholding interfaith understanding and offer our services freely to students and staff regardless of belief or background. We always strive to ensure everyone we meet is treated with respect. Everyone should be able to access our services in a way where they feel safe and free from manipulation or abuse of any kind. In particular, we do not condone the practice of any kind of conversion therapy and care deeply about providing a welcoming space to our rainbow whānau.
We also uphold the ethical code as required by the Cannons of the Anglican Church, and participate fully in the complaints process. Both these documents can be found below for you to read.
ANZTCA Code of Ethical Practice
We are all members of the ANZTCA, the national co-ordinating body of tertiary chaplains. Being members of the ANZTCA means we agree to working in a way that is consistent with other tertiary chaplains. We regularly meet for professional development and an annual conference and AGM. In 2022, a new Statement of Intent was developed, to clarify how we agree to go about our practice of chaplaincy across different faiths and institutions.
Click the link below to find the ANZTCA Code of Ethical Practice and Constitution.
Ministry Standards from the Anglican Diocese of Wellington
The Anglican Chaplains are licensed by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. They have a Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics, and our care for students should be done in line with these codes. We agree to this not just for the sake of our job, but also because we believe in the importance of acting with integrity and respect in everything.
The Diocesan website has a lot of information on the expectations of behaviour from someone licensed (if they are a priest or not), and also on what to do if you have a complaint.
ISMNZ Accreditation
International Student Ministry New Zealand (ISMNZ) has a particular focus on ministry to international students in New Zealand. Andrew is on team as our International chaplain, in partnership with ISM.
ISMNZ is governed by a Board of Directors that mentors and coordinates workers across New Zealand. Their website linked below gives their beliefs, and details on team members.
If you have any specific questions or concerns for ISMNZ, we recommend getting in contact with them directly through their website.