The Nathaniel Centre – the New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre – was established on 1 May 1999 as the official agency of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Conference for bioethics. We seek to bring the light of the Gospel and the moral tradition of the Catholic Church to issues in bioethics.
The key functions of The Nathaniel Centre are:
| • | Offering educational opportunities in bioethics for different groups |
| • | Acting as an advisory and resource centre in bioethics for individuals, and for educational and community groups |
| • | Promoting the study and practical resolution of ethical, social and legal issues arising out of medical and scientific research and practice |
| • | Publishing articles and information on topics in bioethics |
| • | Carrying out research and taking action to support the Church's pastoral response to bioethical issues in the community, taking into account the needs of different cultures and groups in society. |
The Nathaniel Centre is located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. It provides assistance within New Zealand, and on request, to the Catholic dioceses of Oceania.