FMD, University of Waikato
Issue No: 16 – October 2003
A day in the Life of a University Chaplain – Ecumenical Chaplain University of Waikato –
Te Whare Wananga O Waikato
I am pleased to be given this opportunity to introduce myself to the Facilities Management Division not
least of all because I a very grateful to FMD for all the help they have given me. Living on Campus is
something both Lorna, my wife and I enjoy. I am also very grateful for the way FMD look after the
Chapel. I have been a Methodist minister for 24 years and served the Church in Dannevirke, Wellington
and Hamilton (London St) before coming to the University of Waikato in December 2001. Before I
became a Minister of Religion I held down a variety of jobs including being in the British Army, serving
mainly in Germany and Saudi Arabia. Then I worked on building sites as an engineer in London,
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Melbourne finally working in Hamilton before moving to
Theological College in Auckland in 1976.
So what does a university Chaplain do all day?
Typically a Chaplain will start their day with a devotional reading from the Bible or a prayer book. This is to give a positive
start to the day. Then I set up the Chapel for Students and Staff to use. There are always a number of administrative tasks
to do including attending staff meetings and reading reports. By about 10 o’clock I try to get out around as many departments
and Halls of Residents as possible. At various times during the day I am required to counsel students. I enjoy this close
contact with students where I can be of help at a deeper level on things that matter to them and their future. . A Chaplain’s
work is not just solving people’s problems but helping to prevent them in the first place. Occasionally I’m asked to arrange
weddings and funerals and memorial services for staff and students. I run a theology group that meets monthly and set up a
number of “Spirituality Forums” this semester including one on the Lord of the Rings. There are also ceremonial tasks a
Chaplain performs such as attending orientations and graduations the blessing and opening of university buildings. There are
approximately twenty of these per year. I really enjoy all the opportunities I have of mixing with staff and students on a daily
basis.
I am responsible to the Ecumenical Chaplains committee and I have obligations and responsible to the Church of my
denomination. I belong to a support Chaplin’s support group and I work along side Fr. Rom Josko the Catholic Chaplain on
campus. I am married to Lorna who comes from Pirongia and works as a Primary school teacher. We have four daughters, two
of whom studied at this University.
I wish to thank the staff who has made themselves known to Lorna and me; we have enjoyed your warmth and willing
helpfulness.
Desmond Cooper
FMD Social Club trip to Taupo
The FMD Social Club bus trip to Taupo on the 11th October was enjoyed by all 24 trippers. We had good weather and an even
better time. Bill the bus driver was his usual excellent self, and did a great job of showing us some of the sites of Taupo and
the surrounding area. We visited the Huka Jet (see photo) and prawn farm, the Earthquake and Volcano Centre, then it was
on to the NZ honey hive where we were able to view the inside of real bee hives. Then we made a stop at the Aratiatia lake
spillway (see photo) and then Peter Plumley-Walkers favourite Taupo spot, Huka Falls. Taupo town was the next stop for a
couple of hours, where the College Hall girls (Wendy etc) enjoyed a few drinks in the local gay bar, where they felt safe. We
made a stop at the Taupo Bungee where Wayne Leong did the budget jump (see photo). Then a quick trip to The Craters of
the Moon (see photo), before we headed off for home with a food stop in Tokoroa on the way. All are looking forward to the
next social club bus trip to Raglan.
END OF YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE ACADEMY
An End of Year Celebration has been arranged for Friday 28 November and all University staff and partners are invited to attend
this function at the Academy. Enjoy a choice of jazz, disco and live band, and a buffet meal. Free drink (wine/juice on arrival).
Cost is $20 per ticket. Tickets are available from Judy Brighting (ext 4980). Tickets are limited so get in early!!!
AAPPA (TEFMA) 2003 Travel Scholarship – Susan Jensen
I could give you a full blown report of what I learnt/did etc, but I don’t want to bore you all. Here are a couple of snaps we took
while in Adelaide and Melbourne, September/October 2003. I would like to let you all know I think we do very well; our team is
small compared with some +200!! Our buildings/grounds look to be in reasonable condition compared with some of theirs. One of
the things I feel we do lack is the character of the old buildings – they look lovely.
If you are given the opportunity to apply for this scholarship please take up the opportunity. It is a wonderful and challenging task
that will change your perspective on your work.
John Cameron, Tony Dicks, and Trevor Harris – a big thanks to you all for supporting me.
Photo 1: Adelaide – St Francis Xaviers Cathedral – Victoria Square & Photo 2: Melbourne City – looking over the Yarra River
John & Susan left their partners at the table
to pose for a picture at the conference
Masquerade Dinner
An eye for an eye only leads to more blindness … Margaret Atwood
Health & Safety - new possibilities:
I have been working in conjunction with GMR Holmac to resolve the ongoing
issue of "the paint smells", "the paint fumes are giving me a headache". We
have come up with a solution which was tried in the recent repainting of IJK
toilets and seems to work very well.
The painters are adding a 'Paint Odour Eliminator' into the paint. When the
treated paint is exposed to oxygen a molecular interchange takes place
causing the paint vapours to fall away and disappear.
We have decided to use on both enamel and acrylic. I would appreciate any
feedback on this; I am trying to make life pleasant for us all.
Susan Jensen
Heard in the corridors
• The refurbished cedar work on various buildings looks really good.
• The serenity of the Chapel Lake early on a Sunday morning is wonderful.
• First impressions to the new colour scheme in EF link have been encouraging.
FMD Social Club update – lots happening over the next couple of months – read on …
XMAS FUNCTION UPDATE: The Xmas Do is at the Hamilton Cossie Club on Friday 5th December at 7pm. We have decided to
reduce the cost to $15 each, including 2 free drinks – beer, wine, juice or soft drink. Please put your name down on the board in
the FMD tearoom.
BUS TRIP TO RAGLAN: A bus trip to Raglan is planned – date to be confirmed – a Friday evening. We hope to see Midge
Marsden Band at the hotel and have a meal or do as you please. Those interested please put your name on the board in the FMD
tearoom.
AFTER WORK DRINKS/GET-TOGETHER: Please come along to our after work drinks/get together on Thursday 6th November.
LUNCH TIME SAUSAGE SIZZLE: A lunch time sausage sizzle will be on Friday 14th November at midday. There will also be
steak sandwiches. Cost is $1 for sausage and $2 for steak sandwich.
Tony Duke has prepared a questionnaire in an endeavour to find out what ideas you as FMD social club participants have. Please
complete this and send back by 14th November.
Facilitation will be produced monthly. This publication is available online at http://www.waikato.ac.nz/fmd/.
For communications relating to the FMD newsletter please contact Judy Brighting, ext 4980, email [email protected].