2025 Programme
We’re super excited about how the Compassionate Communities Aotearoa Hui programme is shaping up, with incredibly knowledgeable people from across the motu coming to share their wisdom and lived experiences, as well as amazing local experts. Meet our speakers…
Thursday 22 May, 2025
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8am - 8.45am | Sign in / register at Whangārei Theatre Company, 71 Reyburn House Lane, Whangārei |
| Morning | Mihi whakatau, welcome, manaakitanga, Hihiaua Cultural Centre |
| What is Compassionate Communities? How is this approached in other countries and what has the journey been so far in Aotearoa (including recap of Rotorua hui). Kōrero led by Dr Carol McAllum from Honohono Tātou Katoa and Sarah Dewes from Te Atawhai Aroha Rotorua Compassionate Communities |
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| The palliative care landscape in New Zealand, including the role of hospices. An insight into the services and roles that exist within hospices across New Zealand, plus the palliative care services and roles that sit outside hospices; explore how the landscape of palliative care is changing, here and overseas. What are the unique challenges and opportunities this presents? Kōrero led by Dr Warrick Jones, Medical Director, North Haven Hospice |
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| Personal insights into the challenges of ‘long death’ (such as Dementia, Alzheimer's). An insight into ‘long death’ (e.g. Dementia, Alzheimer's) and the impact this can have on all those in the village. What are the unique challenges and opportunities this presents? Generously sharing lived experience: Kiri Neumann on caring for a family member |
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| Lunch | Connecting over kai |
| Afternoon | An insight into unexpected death How the immediate shock and trauma of suicide, stillbirth and fatal accidents affects those in the village. Exploring some of the unique challenges and opportunities this presents. Generous contributors sharing lived experience: Mel and Ben from Katikati (following the loss of a baby), Crystal Paikea from the Suicide Prevention Lead (Te Whatu Ora) and Ben Lockie from St John Ambulance |
| Connecting through experience: Hands-on field trips and workshops (choose one) Exploring the natural burial journey of Frederick Hundertwasser Led by Joost de Bruin, Director, Hundertwasser Art Centre Traditional Healing Practices of Mirimiri and Romiromi for Self and Others Led by Kiri Neumann from Toru Kākano New generation approach to funeral directing - what could the future of funeral directing in Aotearoa look like, and how can that enhance community? Led by the team from A Graceful Undertaking (own transport required - we will support car pooling at the event) |
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| 6.30pm | Dinner & opportunity to network (optional) |
Book Your Thursday Night Dinner
Come along to No.8 restaurant at Whangārei Town Basin for an Asian fusion banquet dinner while networking with your fellow event attendees. Book your spot on Eventfinda once you have added your hui ticket to the shopping cart.
Friday 23 May, 2025
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7am - 8am | Yoga/stretch class (optional) |
| 8.45am | Welcome |
| Morning | Exploring what some of our existing ‘villages of support’ look like. Schools, workplaces, marae, small communities. What can we learn? How can we do better? Elisabeth Price, Auckland University - how to kōrero about death with children and in schools Sue and Alison from Ngunguru Coastal Care - sharing experiences about leading small community care group Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell - Manaakitanga in the community at end of life |
| Building a village by being a villager How to be a friend to your future self by preparing now for your final months, weeks, and days. Lessons learnt from Hospice patients and their families. Kōrero led by Tanya Newman, Social Worker, North Haven Hospice |
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| Building a village of support towards end of life The role of end of life doulas, helping people build their own support villages Kōrero led by Treza Gallogly from End of Life Doula Association (ELDAA) |
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| Building a village for when you die Planning your farewell - knowing your rights, options and support services available to build the right village Kōrero led by Jo Samuel from A Graceful Undertaking |
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| ‘Create a local village’ workshop Hands-on group workshops to map out villages of support for ourselves - personally and professionally - and the communities we live and work within. |
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| Lunch | Choose a local cafe to enjoy lunch. |
| Afternoon | ‘Create a national village’ workshop Be part of helping to create Compassionate Communities Aotearoa as we build a national village of support. During this collaborative workshop, you will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and experience to develop a framework for compassionate communities, including planning, resource development, funding and connecting with international partners. Bring your knowledge, your wisdom, your learnings and your passion to create better end-of-life care outcomes for our communities. |
| Official close |
Saturday 24 May, 2025
Community Workshops
Opportunity to join the following meaningful hands-on workshops to deepen your understanding. For more information on workshops, facilitators and booking instructions, please go our Saturday workshops page…
- Wrapped with Aroha: Experience the ritual and the practicalities of using funeral shrouds with Ake Ake Shrouds
- Write Your Memoir: Sit down with John from Legacy Lab, and learn how to craft your memories into stories.
- DIY Funeral Workshop: Dignified funerals can be affordable for everyone. Join Gaylene and Sherie to learn how to take the lead in planning your own farewell.
- Self-Healing Workshop: Building resilience for both givers and receivers in compassionate roles with Kiri Neumann.
- A Natural Burial Perspective at Hundertwasser Art Centre: Follow Hundertwasser’s journey for a natural burial
- Weaving Wahakura for Babies Who Are Born Sleeping: Join in a harakeke weaving workshop with AllFlax.
He Hui Ahurea: Cultural Perspectives & Conversations on Death and Dying
Date: Saturday 24th May 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Venue: Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Whangārei
Cost: FREE, Open to the public
As part of the Compassionate Communities Hui – Building a Village of Support, this day-long community event invites people from all walks of life to explore the rich cultural perspectives that shape how we care for each other, particularly around death, dying, grief, and loss.
Other events…
- Information Evening on Death and Dying – Tuesday 20th May, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Hundertwasser Arts Centre. Find out more…
- Whangārei Death Cafe – Saturday 24th May, 10am – 12noon at Hundertwasser Arts Centre. If you’ve never been to a Death Cafe, this is a great opportunity to attend and see what it’s all about. Find out more…