Chaplaincy has been part of prison life in Aotearoa for more than 150 years, but for the past 25 of those, it’s been delivered by one dedicated organisation funded by the government — us! On the fifth of November 2025, the TTPCA whānau came together for a special evening of celebration, connection, and reflection as we marked 25 years of TTPCA and the journey we’ve shared.

The celebration dinner, held in the Premier Change Room at NZCIS in Upper Hutt, brought together staff, Board members, former chief executives and Board Chairs, along with funders, supporting Churches, partner agencies, and others who have played a significant role in our story. It was a night of reconnecting, sharing memories, and giving thanks for the vital ministry of prison chaplaincy and the people who make it possible.

The celebration took place during our three‑day National Training Wānanga ā Wairua, held at the NZCIS campus — an elite high‑performance training facility used by the All Blacks and the Black Ferns. It proved to be the perfect setting as we focused on professionalism and strengthening practice, with the Premier Change Room providing a truly memorable venue for our 25‑year celebrations. Being in a space used by the All Blacks and Wrexham AFC felt like a fitting place to honour the achievements, growth, and faithfulness of the past 25 years.

A special moment in the evening was hearing Doug Mansill reflect on the history of prison chaplaincy, sharing insights drawn from his recently published book on prison chaplaincy in New Zealand. His reflections offered context and perspective on the journey that has shaped chaplaincy today.

Here are a few highlights from the evening, capturing the people, moments, and memories that made our 25‑year celebration so special.