Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
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Entry type
Officer entry
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Under training
$81,184
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Location
Varied
You're appointed to provide ministry and pastoral care to Defence Force personnel and their families.
A friend and advisor to all, you provide spiritual, religious and moral advice and assist with life-skills education.
It is a unique ministry which can take you to the four corners of the earth, on sea, or land deployments, wherever Defence Force personnel are required to serve.
You are responsible at both official and personal levels, for conducting religious services and ceremonial duties.
You need to be available to assist in times of crisis or emergency, both at the personal and organisational level, and are expected to observe high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
Requirements
Basics
- Be ordained, licensed, commissioned or otherwise fully authorised to officiate on behalf of your denomination
- Have normally completed five years full-time pastoral ministry since ordination
- Be of good character – including a comprehensive police record check
- Pass on Officer Selection Board
Education
Applicants are to have a recognised tertiary theological qualification and experience in Pastoral Ministry in accordance with their own denominational requirements. In addition applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Familiarity with and application of standard computer systems
- Be in good standing with their denomination, and have the support of their denomination
- Have your application endorsed by the Chaplains Defence Advisory Council
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate effectively with a diverse range of people
- Bachelor's degree
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
Career progression and training
01Basic training
Basic training
Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT)
(24 weeks) Location: Devonport Naval Base
All individuals selected to become a Chaplain in the RNZN are required to complete training as a Commissioned Officer. This training is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and experience necessary for commissioned service in the RNZN and the beginning of a career in leadership. This course will cover various subjects including core skills of the military, mariner, and leadership to be an effective Officer in the Navy. The course is completed in two phases of training that train key areas of development.
Phase 1 – Introduction
This phase focuses on ‘followership’ and teamwork. Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade, and kit preparation. Physical Training will be conducted at all times throughout training to develop a high level of physical and mental fitness that promotes morale, good health, and good habits. This phase will cover various topics including:
- Physical Fitness
- Service Knowledge
- Service Discipline
- Introduction to the Leadership Development Framework
- Damage Control Training
- Weapons Training
- First Aid
- Basic seamanship training
- Moving to advanced application
Phase 2 – Fit for Sea
The second phase of training will focus on attributes of being in the Navy in preparation for operational service at sea. Trainees will be taught about the roles and responsibilities on board an RNZN ship. Trainees will also spend time ashore conducting academic and leadership training to further develop as a Naval Officer. This phase will cover various topics including:
- Sea survival
- Ship familiarisation
- Leadership training
- Communications skills
- Defence and Strategic Studies
02Job training
Job training
NZDF Chaplains are required to be qualified in theological, military and chaplain specialist matters. To ensure you are qualified to appropriate levels, military and some chaplaincy training will be given in initial, continuation and advanced stages of your career with the RNZN.
You will be also be required to maintain links with your own denomination, attending training events, retreats, and annual conferences as appropriate. Chaplains may also be required to attend suitable military administration and staff courses during their career.
03Ongoing training
Ongoing training
There are a number of short courses that Chaplains are encouraged to do to assist them in their role with the RNZN. Opportunities include professional development across:
- Preparation/Enrichment
- Assist Suicide Prevention Training
- Advanced Counselling Techniques Courses
- Bi-cultural understanding and awareness
- Appropriate use of Te Reo
04Career Progression
Career Progression
You will enter the Royal New Zealand Navy with the support of your Church and remain under its discipline for the exercise of your ordination/accreditation vows. Chaplaincy therefore is an institution of both NZDF and the Church and you will need the ongoing support of both.
Both the Church and NZDF needs to understand this partnership and the possible areas of tension. It is also important that you to understand this unique relationship and to appreciate that you will have two distinct but complementary lines of accountability.
You will be required to pass an Officer's Selection Board before undertaking the Navy’s Junior Officer Common Training course. Defence Force Chaplains are commissioned on successful completion as a Chaplain Class 4 (Lieutenant), although Naval Chaplains carry no rank. Your progress through the Chaplaincy Classes, with each Chaplaincy Class corresponding to an Officer rank level, is based on demonstrated job performance and ongoing professional development, although time in rank does not guarantee progression to the next class.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$81,184
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Future potential earnings
$127,277
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & FitnessThe application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application processReady to start your Navy career?
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