Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about the Compassionate Communities Aotearoa Hui 2025 below. If you have further questions, please feel free to email us at hello@gowithgrace.nz.

What is the event programme?

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Building a Village of Support’.

Join us for three days of learning, sharing and inspiration as we continue the kōrero to support and grow compassionate communities in Aotearoa.

This three-day hui includes a rich and exciting programme, with two days of speakers, workshops and connected experiences to share many perspectives around death, dying, caring, loss and grieving.

This is followed by a third day, made up of a ‘Cultural Perspectives’ exhibition and interactive workshops in the community.

Who is hosting this event?

Hosted by Go With Grace and North Haven Hospice, the 2025 hui is being made possible with support from our partners, Honohono Tātou Katoa and Te Atawhai Aroha, and many others in our village of support.

Who is this event for?

Everyone connected to this space and kaupapa is welcome including health practitioners, hospices, carers, volunteers, whānau, palliative care specialists, doulas, community leaders and organisations, wellness providers and anyone interested in finding out more about this space.

Register your interest now to receive more information about the programme, venue and tickets, which will be on sale soon.

What are compassionate communities?

“If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to support, care for and be there for those who are dying, and their whānau. It’s about working together, looking out for one another and returning to a place where death and dying are a normal part of our lives.

“Compassionate communities are a grassroots movement where the community itself determines and leads the way in reskilling our approach and sharing knowledge and skills to holistically live every moment of our life right to the end. While the movement has gained significant traction internationally, this is only the second national event to be held in New Zealand.

“North Haven Hospice supports this event and is delighted to participate where we have been asked to contribute. We would encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to learn, share and contribute for the benefit of their own communities, not just for now but for our shared futures as well.”

Helen Blaxland, North Haven Hospice CEO | Te Korowai Hūmārie Tumuaki 

Is this the first Compassionate Communities Aotearoa Hui?

No. An initial gathering was held in 2023 and last year, more than 80 people gathered in Rotorua from across the country, to continue the kōrero. An important part of this hui will be continuing this conversation, and considering what direction Compassionate Communities Aotearoa should take, to ensure it remains truly grassroots, and led by the community.  See more information about feedback from the Rotorua hui below.

Where is the hui being held?

The hui is being held in Whangārei, Tai Tokerau. In the spirit of building a village, the event will be held in multiple locations throughout Whangārei, as well as collaborating with a wide number of local businesses and organisations, including:

• Whangārei Theatre Company
• Hihiaua Cultural Centre
• Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
• A Graceful Undertaking
• Ake Ake Shrouds
• Legacy Labs
• AllFlax
• Kai Toi Cafe
• No. 8 Restaurant

What do compassionate communities look like in other parts of the world?

Examples of Compassionate Communities collectives in other countries are:

• The United Kingdom
• Australia

Will resources from the hui be made available to those who cannot attend?

Yes. During the hui, there will be a large focus on knowledge sharing, to ensure all participants leave with a full kete (basket) of resources and information to take back to their own communities and share with as many others across the country as possible.

Many of these resources will be made available after the hui to those who cannot attend in person.

What accommodation is available?

We’ve created a page of information for those looking for accommodation, including a selection of prices and locations, depending on your transport and budget.

How do I get there?

Whangarei Theatre Company is in central Whangārei, at 71 Reyburn House Lane. For those of you coming from the south, you will turn off State Highway 1 onto Maunu Road, and then turn right onto Walton Street. Continue to the end of Walton Street and turn right (Hundertwasser Art Centre will be in front of you).

Carry on straight through the roundabout onto Lower Dent Street. You will drive past Hihiaua Cultural Centre on your right, then turn right onto Reyburn House Lane (past the Kai Toi Cafe). Whangārei Theatre Company will be on your right.

View and get directions on Google Maps…

Can I park at the venue?

Yes, there is parking for approximately 50 cars at the venue. Alternatively, there is a reasonable amount of street parking all within a 2 minute walk.

What was the outcome of the 2024 Compassionate Communities Hui in Rotorua?

The 2024 national Compassionate Communities Hui was held in Rotorua on 2–3 August, convened by Te Atawhai Aroha Compassionate Communities Trust.

There was unanimous support for a national network to support this emerging social movement, enabling:

• Learning from early adopters
• Sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources

Key metaphors that resonated with participants included:

• Fire pit – an inclusive energy source, sparking ideas and activity
• Ecosystem – an interconnected, evolving movement
• Bottom-up approach – led by communities

Key discussion outcomes on establishing a national network:

The purpose is to facilitate:

• Networking and connection between Compassionate Community groups across Aotearoa
• Sharing of knowledge, resources, and experience
• A collective voice and advocacy when needed

Outputs:

A shared website featuring:

• A knowledge/resource repository
• A directory of people and organisations, including their expertise and contributions
• A gift registry
• A social media presence facilitating connection and conversation

Regular events and engagement:

• Zoom meetings for connection and collaboration
• Networking, information-sharing, and education events
• Annual face-to-face hui, rotating between different regions
• International connections with the global Compassionate Communities movement

Strategy

To grow the national network from regional groupings that give shape to a national body that develops a plan and activities to achieve the desired outputs. To do so in a way that reflects the Treaty of Waitangi / Biculturalism with a 2 whare model (Te Whare Tāngata Whenua and Te Whare Tāngata Tiriti).

Immediate Next Steps (Within 4 Months):

• Regional clusters to meet and identify a key contact person
• Te Atawhai Aroha to coordinate with regional reps and form a national steering group
• Share participant emails and bios
• Distribute hui presentations and volunteer guidelines