The Lead Chaplain in the Southland/South Otago region is the Rev’d Barb Walker.
Here is Barb introducing new chaplains who were commissioned in early 2025.
Involved in the Community
Rural chaplains Gray and Jennie, along with lead chaplain Barb, attended a rural health mental health meeting in Gore on 8 July 2025. Hon Matt Doocey, the Minister of Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, along with a team of people from Wellington, listened to what the people of Gore and Southland shared.
About 100 people from all the small places around this part of Aotearoa shared there concerns about the lack of specialists available to see children, lacking of beds for maternity cases, lack of GP’s increasing challenges for elderly folks living in Rural areas. Lack of Local dementia beds for folks with severe dementia.
I spoke briefly about Rural chaplaincy and that we are now out in the community ready to support those who need someone to listen to their story and their concerns.
Post cards regarding the Stewart Island Senior Living project were also available for people to take and read about this community project.
Our new fridge magnet was there and people were encouraged to take one and place it on their fridge door.
Revd Barb Walker
Below are images of Barb out and about on chaplaincy: the Tuapeka Ferry ready to receive cars and passengers, Barb on board and listening to the skipper.
