New Zealand Faith Community Nurse Association closes

July 4, 2023

The New Zealand Faith Community Nurse Association (NZFCNA) has served many communities throughout New Zealand since a pilot at Nelson Cathedral over two decades ago begun by Elaine Tyrrell. This form of nursing practice combines practical nursing with the Christian ministry of health care.

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Changing circumstances have seen a drop in numbers of faith community nurses, and as a result, the membership agreed to the dissolution of the association at a special general meeting on June 10 this year.

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Our sister organisation, the Australian Faith Community Nurse Association, is available to support and share professional resources with New Zealand nurses. Also, Nurses Christian Fellowship NZ has offered a platform to maintain fellowship and education as well as a means of holding NZFCNA archives.

We are hopeful that the vision which began our specialised service may be picked up again as we believe the Church to be a movement of healing and hope.

For further information, please contact Elaine Tyrrell of the NZFCNA at [email protected] or Mark Jones of the Nurses Christian Fellowship of NZ at [email protected]

Very Rev Charles Tyrrell
chair, NZFCNA board