Keep up to date with all that is happening at Waipuna Hospice with stories, updates, news, events, and more! To stay in the loop, sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter, Waipuna Connections! You can sign up by clicking here, or email us on communications@waipunahospice.org.nz.

Story: A Tale of Love and Loss

A Tale of Love and Loss – Ray Amoore I often reflect on the countless lives that have been touched by the compassionate care provided by Waipuna Hospice. Today, I am honoured to be able to share a letter from Ray Amoore with you. Ray is one of those touched by our care, and now…

Superhero Walk 2024

Move with Meaning: 2024 Superhero Walk to Honour Our Heroes and Support Waipuna Hospice We all have heroes in our lives. The ones that hold a special place in our hearts and are there for you through thick and thin. The Waipuna Hospice Superhero Walk came about as a way to honour and celebrate them,…

Story: Coping with Loss During the Christmas Season

Coping with Loss During the Christmas Season Waipuna Hospice Counsellor Karen Schilperoort gives guidance on how to get through Christmas, an often difficult season for those who have lost a loved one. As the Christmas holidays approach, anticipating special occasions can be particularly difficult for families grieving a loss. Families can find meaningful ways to…

Story: All The Stars In The Sky

All The Stars In The Sky On a sunny day, nestled in the heart of Waipuna Hospice sits Baden Jury, a patient of ours who at the time of this interview was staying in our Inpatient Unit for respite care. 35 years ago, Baden was first diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. But,…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 85

Rambling Rich – December 2023 Kia ora everyone, We have had a busy end to the year with the hospice services under significant pressure during an increasingly under-resourced period for the whole of healthcare. The team are working really hard to cover gaps in the team due to the difficult recruitment environment. With Christmas on…

Story: Die With Great Memories Not Dreams

Die With Great Memories, Not Dreams. A story about Peter Oakes, as told by Pazia Moore. “Quite frankly, it sucks to know I am dying. But that isn’t the whole picture. I’ve also got a life to live in the meantime.” I’m Pazia, the Marketing and Communication Manager at Waipuna Hospice – a role I…

Shining Stars Appeal

Remember Your Loved Ones with Our Shining Stars Appeal We are proud to introduce our new appeal called Shining Stars where people are invited to donate and dedicate a star in memory of a loved one. Explaining the inspiration behind this appeal, Waipuna Hospice Marketing and Fundraising Director, Sasima Pearce, says this initiative is about…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 84

Rambling Rich – August 2023 Kia ora everyone, Winter is cracking along, and we have taken advantage of some drier days to get some extensive thinning and pruning of the grounds at Waipuna Hospice – it always looks a bit stark after pruning, but it’s great to know that by spring, things will be back…

Story: The Privilege of Caring

The Privilege of Caring “I see it as a real privilege to be in this last phase of life with people, being able to do my bit to make it as good as possible for them.” Fieke Noteboom has been working at Waipuna Hospice for nearly five years as a Social Worker, helping patients and families…

Story: A Light During My Darkest Days

A Light During My Darkest Days A story by Lisa Fowler Waipuna Hospice cared for us physically and emotionally, preparing us for the difficult journey of grief, loss, and bereavement. With your help, they can continue providing this vital support to people in your community. In 2008, not long before my birthday in August, my…

Story: Losing the Leader in the Family

Story: Losing the Leader in the Family Losing someone who is a leader in the family is a dreadful loss. This is someone who tries their hardest to make everything okay for everyone, and when they are gone, they leave behind a hole that is impossible to fill. Life will never be the same for…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 83

Rambling Rich – May 2023 Kia ora everyone, The clocks have gone back, and the extra hour in bed has been well and truly used up! Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. The weather is usually not too bad, the trees change their colours by the second (McLaren Falls Park is…

Story: Fly me to the Moon

Exploring virtual reality in end-of-life care We’re on a mission to offer therapeutic virtual reality experiences to Waipuna Hospice patients facing limited mobility because of illness, by purchasing two Virtual Reality (VR) headsets! Waipuna Hospice is committed to providing the best quality of life for those affected by terminal illness and bereavement. Why? Because we…

Story: Quinoa the Comfort Bunny: A Cuddly Companion in End-of-Life Care

Quinoa the Comfort Bunny: A Cuddly Companion in End-of-Life Care Animal therapy is used globally to help people of all walks of life. For Waipuna Hospice, a unique service brings immense joy to patients and their families, in the form of our fluffy guest resident bunny – Quinoa. Quinoa’s human mother, hospice Physiotherapist Ann, speaks…

Story: Facing Loss Alone

Facing loss alone. Facing a terminal diagnosis comes with difficult and varying emotions for both the patient and their whānau. The process is hard, no matter the circumstances, and for those who live away from family, an instant sense of loneliness and helplessness is unavoidable. For Lucy and Richard, this became their raw reality. We…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 82

Rambling Rich – February 2023 Kia ora everyone, Well, we returned from a not-so-sunny summer break to an even wetter end of January than I have ever seen. As I write this, I see the Kaimais have had over half their annual rainfall in the last seven days! Waipuna Hospice is situated beside the Wairoa…

Story: Dying with Dignity

Dying with Dignity The importance of patient dignity in end-of-life care cannot be denied. The concept of dignity may be likened to that of love – important, widely understood, difficult to define, and something that can’t be taught in a black-or-white manner. At Waipuna Hospice, we believe respecting patient dignity and giving patients choices is…

Story: The Philosophy of the Plant Ladies

The Philosophy of the Plant Ladies We all know ‘the plant ladies’, the ones who quietly come in and visit Waipuna Hospice twice a week to look after the plants in our offices. The plant ladies are actually a professional and friendly team from Living Décor. “Both Gary and I were secondary school teachers -…

Update: Babbling Becky Issue 81

Babbling Becky – November 2022 We’ve had a great few months since our last publication, though never without its challenges! Richard (our CEO) has taken a well-deserved break, and I have the privilege of stepping up to support our team. Some of you may know me well in the capacity of Director of HR &…

Story: Hospice Is Where My Heart Is

Hospice Is Where My Heart Is Trish Thorner is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Waipuna Hospice. As a CNS, Trish’s role is all about coordinating a team of nurses and taking triage or emergency phone calls from patients and families. After working in palliative care for 15 years, hospice holds a special place in…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 80

Rambling Rich – August 2022 Hello all! It has been a while since I last wrote to you, and I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for getting behind Waipuna Hospice over the last few months. It hasn’t been an easy time for anyone, but our community really pulled together to help.…

Story: Death Doesn’t Always Go To Plan

Death Doesn’t Always Go To Plan A story about Emma Frame’s journey with Waipuna Hospice.  Death doesn’t always go to plan. However, thanks to your support Waipuna Hospice is there no matter what. Every dollar you donate helps us care for the terminally ill and bereaved in your community. Your support makes our care possible,…

Story: Meet Andrea

Meet Andrea Our Fraser Street Store Manager Andrea has been the Waipuna Hospice Fraser Street Store Manager for four years. In what is often a busy and diverse role, Andrea has many reasons to love her role. “It’s hard to narrow down why I enjoy my work as there are so many rewarding aspects. The…

Story: Forever Grateful, Forever in My Heart – A Story by Nicki Everitt

Forever Grateful, Forever in My Heart A Story by Nicki Everitt Waipuna Hospice was there for my family when we needed them the most. They took care of my mum, Stella, when she was battling pancreatic cancer, and later my family when we were dealing with the grief of losing someone so special. Mum’s journey…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 79

Rambling Rich – March 2022 Hi Waipuna Hospice supporter, I am composing this newsletter piece just as we have moved to phase three of the omicron outbreak and shortly after Russia has invaded Ukraine. What a changeable world we are living in these days. Waipuna Hospice continues to provide care for our loved ones in…

Story: A Life No One Imagines

No one imagines a life of suffering for their child. Jenny Noble, the mother of Waipuna Hospice patient, Hayden, shares her story on finding out her child has a terminal illness before the age of six, and the journey her family has gone through since. When you find out you’re pregnant, you often envision what…

Story: When Giving Back Is Who You Are

Waipuna Hospice volunteer recognised for her dedication to the cause. Our ‘family’ of nearly 900 volunteers are special folk and we appreciate just how wonderful each one of them is. In this issue of Waipuna Connections, we want to introduce you to Christine Conn, one of our diverse volunteers who is willing to help whenever…

Story: You’re Not Alone This Festive Season

You’re Not Alone Tips for managing grief during the holidays. The holidays, although filled with family, friends and celebrations, can be a stressful time of year under usual circumstances. But when you are managing grief, it can be particularly challenging. It is important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently and that it’s a normal,…

News: A Year In Review

A Year In Review An overview and highlights from the last financial year 0Phone Calls 0Total Patients 0Nurse Visits 0Family Support Contacts 0Referrals 0KM Travelled By Our Team 0Inpatient Admissions 0Current Volunteers New Patient Referrals By Age Primary Diagnosis Reasons for Admission to IPU Place of Death This data was originally published in our 2020/2021…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 78

Rambling Rich – November 2021 Hi everyone, well it has been a while since I have written to you, and a lot has happened both at Waipuna Hospice and nationally. COVID-19 has resurfaced in the community meaning level changes were rolled out across the country. Despite this, and because of our generous community, Waipuna Hospice…

Story: Running For Rich

At just 18, Sophie Adams lost her father to an aggressive form of cancer while he was in the care of Waipuna Hospice. Two years on, and Sophie has decided to give back to Waipuna Hospice by organising a running fundraiser. Sophie’s dad, Richard (Rich) Adams was diagnosed with an aggressive form of esophageal cancer…

Story: Separated By Lockdown

Lockdown was hard for everyone. But for Waipuna Hospice patient Mandy Lowe, lockdown brought with it the worst pain imaginable – being separated from her children. With the support of our generous community, Waipuna Hospice is able to make sure that while separated from those she loves most, Mandy Lowe and all our patients are…

Story: Gaye’s Commitment To Life

Gaye Barkla: Committed To Life After experiencing Waipuna Hospice’s care and compassion first-hand when her husband Ray Hooker was a patient, Gaye Barkla understands how crucial hospice care can be, and she is committed to ensuring it’s there for people who need it in the future. Gaye Barkla understands how crucial hospice care is in…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 77

Rambling Rich – June 2021 Well, we are definitely moving into a cooler and windier patch of weather as I write this. May was a busy time for the Waipuna Hospice team, especially with Hospice Awareness Week in the middle of the month. Thankfully, this year has not been as challenging as last year so…

Story: Committed To The Cause

Committed to the Cause Betty Parnwell, a volunteer at our Greerton Charity Shop, is recognised for her long service. Our ‘family’ of nearly 900 volunteers are special folk and we appreciate just how wonderful each one of them is. In this issue of Waipuna Connections, we want to introduce you to Betty Parnwell, one of…

Story: No One Should Die Alone

No One Should Die Alone Facing a terminal diagnosis alone isn’t something any of us want to think about. Having no family to turn to, no shoulder to cry on, and no one to comfort you when things become too painful is an agonising reality for many. When Jan Garrett was diagnosed with terminal bowel…

Update: Important Changes For Cheques

An Update On Using Cheques With more customers choosing to bank online, there has been a decline in the use of cheques. As a result, all major New Zealand banks have made the decision to discontinue the use of cheques as a method of payment. Due to this change, from the 14th of May Waipuna…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 76

Rambling Rich – February 2021 Happy New Year! Welcome 2021! I know it sounds strange to wish you Happy New Year when in reality you will be reading this way past 1st Jan 2021. The new year always offers me the chance to reflect and look ahead. Looking back, 2020 was a bit tough with…

Story: Crafting for A Cause

Crafting for A Cause Waipuna Hospice would like to say a huge thank you to Tricia MacLeod who turned her passion for scrapbooking into a way of bringing joy to the lives of others. Tricia recently donated over 50 hand decorated notebooks to Waipuna Hospice for patients and their families. Tricia is a keen scrapbooker…

Story: 14 Years of Volunteering with Warwick

14 Years of Volunteering With Warwick Warwick Mackay has been a Waipuna Hospice volunteer for almost 14 years, working in our retail sector and helping us raise necessary funds to support our community. Warwick first heard about Waipuna hospice when a close friend was referred as a patient. After seeing the level of care provided,…

News: $63k Raised For Waipuna Hospice

Waipuna Hospice Remembrance Tree Appeal Raises over $63k $63,962.28 has been raised for Waipuna Hospice as a result of an annual Christmas appeal, with $801,776 raised for hospice services nationwide. $801,776 has been donated to hospice services around the country following the Christmas fundraising campaign supported by all Farmers department stores, marking the most successful…

Story: Changing Tides with Denys Moss

Changing Tides with Denys Moss If you had asked Denys Moss what hospice care meant three years ago, he would have told you it was the place you go to die. Now, Denys’ weekly visits to Hospice are one of the highlights of his week. Eight years ago, Denys and his wife Lynda moved to…

Update: Rambling Rich Issue 75

Rambling Rich – Christmas 2020 When we were writing our latest newsletter, I was given strict instructions from my team to not mention that “tricky little virus” beginning with the letter “C”…so I didn’t. Instead, I thought this “ramble” would cover off the importance of wellness and how we need to look after ourselves and…

Story: Dealing With Grief This Christmas

Dealing with Grief This Christmas Living with the loss of a loved one is hard, and while grief never fully goes away, there will be times when emotions are much more heightened, and the sense of loss can feel greater. Christmas is one of those occasions and as the festivities begin, so too may your…

News: A Year In Review

A Year In Review An overview and highlights from the last financial year 0Phone Calls 0Total Patients 0Nurse Visits 0Family Support Contacts 0Referrals 0KM Travelled By Our Team 0Inpatient Admissions 0Current Volunteers New Patient Referrals By Age Primary Diagnosis Reasons for Admission to IPU Place of Death This data was originally published in our 2019/2020…

Story: Running For A Cause

Running For A Cause We’d like to say thank you to some Hospice Heroes who have run the distance for Waipuna Hospice and helped us raise crucial funds. Jamie, Kael, Cameron, and Iti, took on the challenge of running 400km in 24 hours for Waipuna Hospice in September. They put in absolutely everything they had,…

News: Westpac and BNZ Are Going Cheque Free

Westpac And BNZ Are Going Cheque-free An important update about using cheques in 2021 With more customers choosing to bank digitally, there has been a decline in the use of cheques. As a result, Westpac and BNZ have made the decision to discontinue the use of cheques as a method of payment. These changes will…

Story: Making A Real Difference with Real Estate

Making A Real Difference with Real Estate Having been a real estate agent in Tauranga for 29 years, Professionals realtor Jim Peterson has a true passion for giving back to his community. Jim has been supporting his community for years, both through volunteering and donating, but back in 2018 he decided he could do more,…

Story: A Full Circle With Sue

A Full Circle with Sue Volunteer. Nurse. Bereaved mother – Sue Pollard’s journey with Waipuna Hospice spans almost three decades, and is one rich in love, loss, and discovery. 29 years ago, Sue Pollard began her journey with Waipuna Hospice in a little weatherboard house by the hospital as a volunteer. With a “heart for…

Story: Love, Loss, and Legacies with the Hicksons

Love, Loss, and Legacies with the Hicksons There is nothing worse than losing someone you love, but there is courage in making a difference and creating a legacy in the wake of that loss. When Helen Hickson was faced with a terminal diagnosis she knew she wanted to give back to Waipuna Hospice. With the…

Story: Hospice For Mum and Dad

Hospice Is For Mum and Dad This is the story of our parents, Don and Antonia Barnes (nee Boglio) – ‘one in a million people’. – Written by son, David Barnes. Dad grew up in small town New Plymouth, while Mum was raised in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Their paths crossed at a…

Event: Shorts4Hospice 2020

Shorts4Hospice 2020 – Because Life Is Short! Local businesses rallied together by wearing Shorts4Hospice and raising awareness and funds to support their local hospice. Many people have had their lives touched by the loss of a loved one, perhaps a partner or child, friend or neighbour. Shorts4Hospice was a light-hearted way to raise the subject…

Story: A Hospice Journey With Chappy and Ruby

A Hospice Journey With Chappy and Ruby Did you know Waipuna Hospice not only provide care and support for people facing life limiting illnesses but for their family and friends as well? The majority of people receiving support are cared for where they feel most comfortable – in their homes. Our goal is to help…

News at Waipuna Hospice in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

Stay up to date with Waipuna Hospice news through our social media pages. If you aren’t in a position to donate, your support by simply liking and following our pages helps immensely. Sharing our content helps spread the word of hospice and continues to allow us to provide specialist palliative care at no cost to the community.

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Waipuna Hospice stories are the ‘why’ behind what our team does each and every day. The impact our work has on families’ lives pushes everyone from our nurses to our volunteers to continue working hard to provide support when people need it the most. We here at Waipuna Hospice don’t aim to avoid death but to enable better living as people reach end-of-life. The work we do is for the people in our community, so they don’t face death by themselves, in pain and scared. Loved ones who are left behind are then provided support and counselling to help ease their loss. Once again, we would like to thank you for any support you can give, whether that is following us on Facebook, volunteering or donating your weekly coffee amount. Every little part has a place to play.