By Chaplain, LTCOL Lance Lukin
On Monday 17 August, all available Chaplains from the New Zealand Navy, Army, and Air Force; together with 29 Regular Force, Naval Reserve, and Territorial Force Chaplains were officially welcomed onto the Royal New Zealand Navy Marae at the start of the biennial Tri-Service Chaplains’ Conference.
The theme for the 2009 conference was Chaplaincy - Leadership within the NZDF Context.
The focus was on establishing clear measures for standards of excellence in New Zealand Defence Force Chaplaincy over a ten year time-line; 2009–2019. This was largely achieved through the facilitation of Rachael Stott of Winsborough Limited.
Chaplains were asked to consider:
- where Chaplaincy had come from
- where Chaplaincy is now, and
- where Chaplaincy is headed under the Defence Transformation Programme.
Guests at the conference who participated in the discussions and vision casting sessions included: the Principal Army Chaplain from Australia, Brigadier Russell Mutzelburg; NZDF, Brigadier Mark Wheeler; and the Warrant Officer of the NZDF, WO1 John Barclay.
The Very Reverend Frank Nelson - Dean of Wellington Cathedral - was also in attendance, offering daily reflections and leading the gathered Chaplains in worship.
The Conference concluded with a formal dinner where Principal Defence Chaplain, Group Captain John Neil was officially farewelled after 23 years of service as an RNZAF Chaplain.