Updated: 12th October, 2026
Many Buddhist traditions reflect on illness, ageing, death and other major transitions as part of understanding suffering and the possibility of insight. Buddhist chaplains may accompany people and their whānau through difficult times, with care and compassion as a spiritual friend. This may be in a private home. Or when appropriate in institutions such as hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, universities, or prisons. Institutions may have their own requirements for approval to practice within them.
Depending on what the person wants, chaplain support may include attentive listening, reflective conversation, meditation, prayer, helping them access their own resources and sources of strength, or simply being present with them. Chaplains work with care for the dignity, cultural needs, spiritual needs, privacy, and confidentiality of each person.
If you are looking for a chaplain click here.
NZBC Amitabha Buddhist Chaplain training 2013–2026
The New Zealand Buddhist Chaplain programme was begun in 2013 by NZBC and Amitabha Hospice, to train and recognise volunteer chaplains.
Buddhist applicants who satisfactorily completed a three-day introductory chaplain training were recognised as Apprentice Buddhist Chaplains and could practice under supervision from an experienced Buddhist Chaplain. An ABC was recognised as a Buddhist Chaplain after completing at least 200 hours of supervised practice, two written case descriptions, and recommendation by their supervisor.
Amitabha Hospice ran six introductory trainings from 2013 to 2025, and also one training for recognised Buddhist Chaplains intending to practice as tertiary or prison chaplains.
This Buddhist Chaplain programme is not a professional-level training, or a qualification from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and is unlikely to lead to paid professional work as a chaplain without additional training and experience.
Buddhist Chaplain programme under review
As good practice for any education or training, NZBC is currently reviewing the Buddhist Chaplain programme, including introductory training, supervision, and standards.
To contact Derek LeDayn, convenor of the review group, please email convenor@buddhistcouncil.org.nz
Chaplains recognised by NZBC
Following are New Zealand Buddhist Chaplains and New Zealand Apprentice Buddhist Chaplains who have agreed to be listed. Please contact an individual directly to discuss their experience, availability, and suitability.
Buddhist Chaplains
The people listed here are recognised by NZBC as Buddhist Chaplains. Their particular experience, areas of practice, and availability will differ.
AucklandCoromandel Peninsula & Hauraki DistrictChristchurchHelensville, AucklandHamiltonMahurangi West, AucklandNelsonTaupoPapamoa, TaurangaWellingtonWhangāreiThames
| Amala Wrightson, Roshi |
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| Ecie Hursthouse |
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| Marion Feasey |
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| Rukman Wagachchi |
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| Dr. Tony Fernando (MD, PhD) |
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| Karunajoti Grace |
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| Ven. Thubten Khadro |
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| Katrina Robertson |
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| Hanya Gallagher |
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| Jane Ross |
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| Julie Downard |
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| Wilhelmina Flick |
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| Heather Kempton |
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| Sandra Shanmugam Harcourt |
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| Annie McMullen |
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| Diane Johnston |
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| Lea Godfrey |
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| Serina Chang |
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| Deirdre Savage |
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| Terry Hounsome |
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| Jiko McIntosh |
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| Derek LeDayn |
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| Satyadevi Barrett |
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| Graeme Stuart Cleaver |
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| Maitrikirti (Kate Ewing) |
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Apprentice Buddhist Chaplains
The people listed here are recognised by NZBC as Apprentice Buddhist Chaplains, and must be supervised to practice. Their particular experience, areas of practice, availability, and supervision will differ.
AucklandHamiltonChristchurchDunedinInvercargillLevinNelsonNapierNew PlymouthRotoroaThamesWellingtonWhanganuiColombia (South America)Oxford (UK)
| Anjalee Pieries |
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| Conny Krebs |
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| Hean Tan |
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| Steph Madenholt-Titley |
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| Venerable Sumanasiri |
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| Prasanthi Amerasinghe |
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| Mark Harcourt |
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| Pimmy Takdhada |
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| Alex Brennan |
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| Angela Dempster-Passang |
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| Phramaha Sudchai Lekkratok |
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| Deb Moran |
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| Ramona Clark |
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| Wayne Frecklington |
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| Clare Woodham |
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| Gail Wright |
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| Jan Crawford |
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| Teresa Goodin |
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| Geoff Gensei Moore |
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| Diane Prajnalila Quin |
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| Lassara Hall |
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| Janice Hill |
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| Bhante Jinalankara |
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| Laura Cheung |
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| Tejomani Earl |
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| Corina Nino |
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| Jude Bennett |
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