Michael Nestmann: Assisted Dying in New Zealand

In this episode, Katy talks to Michael Nestmann about the Assisted Dying service in New Zealand.

Manager of the Community and Mental Health Autonomy Team for Te Whatu Ora, Michael takes us through how the assisted dying legislation came about, and who is currently eligible for the service which was made first available in late 2021.

He walks us through the entire process, explaining who is involved, how decisions are made, and how an individual’s wishes are honoured. We also talk about how the service could improve in the future.

Michael comes to the role from a background of working as paramedic and then nurse in his home country of Germany. Since moving to New Zealand 16 years ago, he’s since worked as a clinical lead and quality manager across Wellington.

After more than 20 years of nursing, most of it in Aged Residential Care, Michael has a strong focus on ensuring compassionate and holistic care in our communities, delivered through high-quality, patient-centred healthcare services.