Listening to life stories a gift for Leanne


Huntleigh Home chaplain Leanne Munro says she has one of the best jobs in the world.

“I get to sit with senior citizens and talk to them about their lives, listen to them and hear some amazing stories about them, their families, and their past.

“Talking to people who have lived long lives and experienced a lot is actually quite a gift.”

Leanne, who is a Presbyterian minister, has been working with Enliven since 2004, when she was chaplain at multiple Enliven homes. She then left to be a full-time mum before re-joining Enliven as a chaplain in 2017.

She is currently the chaplain at Enliven’s Huntleigh Home in Karori.

Her role mainly involves providing pastoral care. She says she will talk about religion with those who wish to, but often just sits and chats with residents about themselves and their families.

“I am the chaplain to everybody who is here regardless of their spiritual beliefs or their faith connections.

“I am someone who is not an HCA, who is not a nurse, who is not the manger, and that allows me to give a different perspective.”

When the first Covid-19 lockdown happened in 2020, and Huntleigh Home had to shut to visitors, Leanne worked extra hours as pastoral care became even more important. She interacted with residents in a variety of ways, perhaps not normally associated with a chaplain, such as learning to play indoor bowls.

Leanne also runs a bible study class once a week for a small group of residents and does special services on occasions such as Easter or Christmas.

Huntleigh Home is looking for more great people to join the team. If you, or someone you know is looking for a fun and rewarding role, visit our jobs page or email: .


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