About Maclaurin Chaplaincy

Find out about the chapel, the chaplaincy team and religious and spiritual groups.

The Ratonga Pā Whakawairua | Maclaurin Chaplaincy exists to serve University of Auckland students and staff in exploring matters of faith and enrich the spiritual wellbeing of the University and its community. It is supported by the Maclaurin Goodfellow Trust Board in partnership with Campus Life, which maintains the buildings and provides a part-time administrator. Chaplains are accredited members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Tertiary Chaplains Association. 

The Chaplaincy is based at the Maclaurin Chapel, a place for students and staff to gather, reflect and study. Located in a beautiful and peaceful part of the City Campus (behind Old Government House), it is open each weekday from 8:30am-5pm during semester time.

The University of Auckland also provides quiet spaces for reflection and meditation, and prayer rooms for Muslim University staff and students. 

Chaplaincy team and ministry

The Maclaurin Chaplaincy comprises of chaplains from Christian, Muslim, and Catholic faith backgrounds, and partners with members of other faiths. 

Some chaplains work especially with international students, offering connection and support with events at the chapel, as well as in other parts of Campus Life. 

There are many ethical and faith-related issues that arise in University life. Students and staff often face stressful situations and academic pressures, as well as personal questions. Our team is well-placed to help with these issues. Chaplains can meet with individuals or groups on any University of Auckland campus. 

The relation of Science and Christianity is explored through discussion groups, lectures, and events in partnership with NZ Christians in Science. 

The Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy work closely with the Maclaurin Chaplaincy, and offer Mass followed by free lunch every Tuesday at 12:10pm. For more events visit their Facebook page.  

Pouhono Wairua | Chaplains

The Reverend Petra Zaleski

Pouhono Wairua Matua | Lead Chaplain

Born in England to a multi-ethnic mother (English/Polish), Petra has lived in Iran, Indonesia and Australia before gaining New Zealand citizenship in 1987. Before her appointment as Lead Chaplain, Petra served as vicar of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Onehunga from 2016. Prior to this, she held the roles of Priest Associate at All Saints Anglican Church, Assessment Professional at Te Tāpui Atawhai the Auckland City Mission and CPE student at Friendship House in Manukau.

After receiving her Bachelor of Theology (Practical) and Graduate Diploma of Theology from the University of Auckland, Petra trained towards the priesthood for three years at Hoani Tapu te Kaikauwhau te Rongopai St John’s Theological College. During this time, she received a Graduate Diploma in Addictions and Mental Health from Auckland University of Technology and Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education from the New Zealand Association of Clinical Pastoral Education.

Most recently, Petra’s focus has turned to the art of spiritual direction, or companionship, in the contemplative and mysticism traditions with the wonderful kaiako of Spiritual Growth Ministries Aotearoa NZ.

Get in touch with Petra

Nicola Hoggard-Creegan

Ngā Karaitiana Kimi Matū | New Zealand Christians in Science

Nicola is a theologian and co-director of New Zealand Christians in Science, based at Maclaurin Chapel. NZCIS is active in hosting seminars, dialogues, lectures, and discussion groups on New Zealand campuses and in churches. Nicola is keen to talk to science students and faculty with questions or interest in this boundary, and who would like to chat or to get involved. Nicola is based in the chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Get in touch with Nicola

Shahela Qureshi

Muslim Chaplain

Shahela has worked as an educator for the last 17 years across three continents with diverse cultures and faith groups. This passion has led her to her current role of Muslim Chaplain at the University of Auckland where her goal is to be a trusted adviser and friend to the University, its students and its staff as well as to provide pastoral care and a space of understanding for people’s spiritual, mental and emotional growth. Shahela is based in the chapel on Wednesday and Friday.

Get in touch with Shahela

Won Hyuk Joung

Associate Chaplain

Won is a Presbyterian minister of UCC (UpperCity Community) Auckland. He graduated from Laidlaw with a Bachelor of Ministry, a Master of Divinity from the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PUTS), and a Diploma from Ministry from Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML). Won believes that whether we are religious or not, we are all on a spiritual journey. Every spiritual journey, in response to life's trials and griefs, or joy and challenges, is special. He would love to hear about your spiritual journey over a coffee or tea!

Get in touch with Won

May Lee 

International Students' Chaplain 

May serves as Ministry Coordinator for the International Students Ministry in Central Auckland. Her primary responsibility revolves around providing pastoral care for international students. May studied for a Bachelor of Contemporary Christian Ministry at Alphacrucis College. She has gained valuable experience through her previous tenure with TSCF and is currently working at ISMNZ. May is based in the chapel on Thursdays. 

Get in touch with May 

Dong-bin Kim 

Associate Chaplain 

Dong-bin serves as the Associate Outreach Pastor at Upper City Community, a missional ministry located in the upper city area under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ). He earned his Bachelor of Theology from Chongshin Presbyterian University in Korea and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Coramdeo Presbyterian Theological Seminary within the Oceanian General Assembly. He enjoys mingling with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and believes that within these interactions, they can influence each other. While he comes from a Christian background, he holds the belief that the church should step beyond its boundaries and engage with the world at large. 

Get in touch with Dongbin 

Religious and spiritual groups

There are many religious and spiritual groups on the campus, and members often meet in the Maclaurin Chapel or hall in an informal way. 

Club information can be found on the University's Clubs and Societies webpage.