Welcome to Dying Matters Week Hawke’s Bay.

Dying Matters Week 2025 in Hawke’s Bay  is being brought you by a team of local people passionate about improving ‘death literacy’ and fostering compassionate community.  The organising committee was drawn together by Alysha Macaulay, Celebrant, Death Doula and host of the Grief on Various Degrees podcast and includes youth workers, Cranford Hospice staff, grief therapists and more.

This is an inaugural event for Hawkes Bay centred in Hastings, with the aim of offering a range of opportunities to broaden the discourse around death, learn from local expertise, find support and information for end-of-life planning, and navigate grief or loss. Join us from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th September at the Hastings library and other community spaces around Hawke’s Bay.

2025 Programme of Community Events

Please use the form below to book free community events at venues around Hastings. To read more about each event, click on/hover over the info icon on the event tile. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the page to see paid events.

Book Your Events

1. Click on all the events you would like to attend (a blue tick will appear)
2. Add your details so we can contact you with event updates and changes
3. Click on the 'Confirm my bookings' button to complete your registration

Monday 1st September

The Acorn Project, Kerrie Waby & Grayson Uncles @ 212 Queen Street, Hastings Monday 1 st September 10 am – 11am

With Kerrie Waby & Grayson Uncles. Come and learn how we support and walk alongside young people under the age of 25 years and their family living with cancer. A great opportunity to chat face to face, ask questions and check out some of the resources we use with children, young people and families.

Coming to Grips with Grief and Loss Sue Haldane from Grief Room Therapy @ 212 Queen Street, Hastings Monday 1 st September 10 am – 11am

Sue will be available for an informal conversation about the varied experiences of both grief and loss.

Break the Deathly Silences An informal café conversation about all things death related Rebecca Field, Rebecca Ross, Stephanie Hutchinson @ Westermans Café Monday 1 st September 2pm – 3pmGet Your Ducks in a Row, 1 - 2:30pm

An informal café conversation about all things death related with Rebecca Field, Rebecca Ross, Stephanie Hutchinson. Taking inspiration from the Death Café concept, this is a chance to gather informally over a cuppa and maybe even a slice of cake and discuss any topic in the realm of dying, death and bereavement.

When I Die Workbook with Kathryn Perks @ Hastings Library Monday 1 st September 4.30 – 5pm

When I Die Workbook with Kathryn Perks. Learn about this useful resource – a workbook which provides space to record personal information and end of life preferences.

What is an End of Life Doula? Alysha Macaulay @ Hastings library Monday 1 st September 5 - 5.30pm

Just as there are birth doulas or midwives to help prepare for birth, so too are there end-of-life doulas who provide compassionate, emotional and practical non-medical support for individuals facing a life-limiting diagnoses, and their families. A chance to learn more about this growing service.

Tangihanga Theatre Performances, PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS AT iTICKET

Buy your tickets online at https://gowithgrace.nz/product/tangihanga-hastings/

Tuesday 2nd September

Coffin Club Open doors @ The Old Netball Courts, 707 Sylvan Rd Hastings Tuesday 2 nd September 9am to 12pm

The Coffin Club welcome the opportunity for you to see how you can have some control in preparing and personalising your final "bedroom". Our club is also proud and privileged to donate baby coffins to Hastings Hospital and various birthing units and hospitals in the North Island. Preparing your own coffin can be fun and empowering and you are only limited by your own imagination.

Wāhine & Wā Conversations on Death, Nature, and Healing Raynor Huia, Georgina Langdale, Kerry Gilbert & Sue Webb @ Heretaunga Women’s Centre Tuesday 2 nd September 11am – 2pm

Wāhine & Wā Conversations on Death, Nature, and Healing with Raynor Huia, Georgina Langdale, Kerry Gilbert & Sue Webb @ Heretaunga Women’s Centre. A women-only event exploring four unique yet interconnected themes: Matariki and the natural cycles of life and death; the healing power of nature; grief, resilience and support; and insights into suicide prevention. Join us for kōrero, storytelling and shared wisdom in a safe and welcoming space. Registrations are essential. Book online using this form or phone us on 06 878 5401.

What does dying look like? A conversation with Cranford’s Dr Martyn Horsfall @ Hastings library Tuesday 2 nd September 5.30 – 6.30pm

What does dying look like? For many the only dying process they’ve seen is via films or tv and that is often not an accurate portrayal. The dying process is unique to every person however there are a few common changes that happen to almost everyone when they are in the last days of life. Join Cranford Medical Director Dr Martyn Horsfall to learn more. Questions encouraged!

Wednesday 3rd September

Assisted Dying Presentation and Q&A Michael Nestmann. Manager of AD Team, Te Whatu Ora @ The Acorn Project Wednesday 3rd September 10.30 – 11.30 am

Michael will provide an overview and information on the Assisted Dying application process and take any questions you may have.

Assisted Dying – small group option Q&A Michael Nestmann. Manager of AD Team, Te Whatu Ora @ Hastings library Wednesday 3 rd September 1pm – 2pm

Presentation and Q&A with Michael Nestmann. Manager of AD Team, Te Whatu Ora. Michael will provide an overview and information on the Assisted Dying application process and take any questions you may have.

The Last Ecstatic Days Movie night @ Havelock North Focal Cinema 3 Wednesday 3 rd September 6pm – 7pm

Registration required – limited seating - $10 fee Described in the Boston Globe as a “…courageous end-of-life chronicle, which overflows with compassion and shows us how to live mindfully while embracing curiosity about what lies beyond.” Small entry fee of $10 (pay at door via eftpos or cash) to help cover cost of screening rights. Please arrive in good time especially if you are wanting to buy drinks and food.

Thursday 4th September

Wills, PoA, Living Wills Christine Symes from Bramwell Bates @ Hastings library Thursday 4 th September 9.30am – 10.30 am

Caring for the Caregiver Rebecca Ross and Sue Haldane @ Hastings Library Thursday 4th September 11.30am – 12.30pm

Caring for the Caregiver with Rebecca Ross and Sue Haldane. This session focuses on the provision of support and resources to individuals who are caregivers, helping them manage the challenges of caring for others while also prioritizing their own well-being.

Compassionate Communities Stephanie Hutchinson and Rebecca Ross @ Hastings Library Thursday 4 th September 1pm – 2pm

With Stephanie Hutchinson and Rebecca Ross. The Compassionate Communities initiative recognizes that caring for others during times of crisis and loss is a social responsibility not just a medical and social services one. Come and learn more and meet some of the people hoping to sow and cultivate the seeds of compassionate community here in Hawkes Bay.

Wills, PoA, Living Wills Christine Symes from Bramwell Bates @ Hastings library Thursday 4 th September 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Wills, PoA, Living Wills Christine Symes from Bramwell Bates.

The Acorn Project Kerrie & Grayson @ 212 Queen Street, Hastings Thursday 4 th September 5.30 – 6.30pm

With Kerrie & Grayson.

Coming to Grips with Grief and Loss Sue Haldane from Grief Room Therapy @ 212 Queen Street, Hastings Monday 1 st September 5.30 – 6.30pm

Coming to Grips with Grief and Loss Sue Haldane from Grief Room Therapy. Sue will be available for an informal conversation about the varied experiences of both grief and loss.

Advance Care Planning and More with Jo Drylie CNS Cranford and Kathryn Perks @ Hastings library - 5.30 – 6.30pm

Think of this as a Planning 101 and a gift for your loved ones. Cranford CNS Jo will introduce the importance of an Advance Care Plan and Kathryn will speak to her workbook When I Die - both resources to help you be as prepared as possible for the inevitable.

Friday 5th September

Crematorium Open Morning 204 Orchard Road, Camberley, Hastings Friday 5 th September 9am – 11am

Registration essential INFO: this is an opportunity to visit your local crematorium and ask questions! Registration required so we can advise of any change in times.

Advance Care Planning and More, Jo Drylie CNS Cranford and Kathryn Perks @ Cranford Hospice: Elms House 304 Knight St - 1pm – 2pm

Think of this as a Planning 101 and a gift for your loved ones. Cranford CNS Jo will introduce the importance of an Advance Care Plan and Kathryn will speak to her workbook When I Die - both resources to help you be as prepared as possible for the inevitable.

Hospice 101 @ Cranford Hospice: Elms House 304 Knight St Friday 5 th September 2.30 – 4pm

An opportunity to learn about  Cranford and how we serve the community. You will hear from the various team leaders and also get a tour of our building and gardens. If you also register for the ACP session from 1- 2pm, there will be afternoon tea provided in between sessions.

Saturday 6th September

How to help when a loved one is grieving Sue Haldane from Grief Room Therapy. @ Hastings Library Saturday 6 th September 11am-12pm

Funeral Home Open Day @ Tong & Peryer 509 Queen Street West, Hastings Saturday 6 th September 1pm – 2pm

Distilling Death A conversation over cocktails Stephanie Hutchinson @ Hastings Distillers 231 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings Saturday 6 th September 3pm – 4.30pm

Distilling Death A conversation over cocktails with Stephanie Hutchinson. Death and dying is an awkward topic for a lot of people. And a little liquor can help dispel awkwardness! With delicious libations to choose from (pay your own way), this is a chance to enjoy the delightful ambience of a fine Hastings institution and delve into the realm of death discussion. Themed cocktails may well be on the menu.

Sunday 7th September

Dying Matters Q&A Panel Ask Us Anything! @ Hastings Library Sunday 7 th September

This is your chance to ask whatever questions you may have related to the realm of dying, death, and bereavement. The panel will include Cranford staff, an end of life doula, a funeral director, a lawyer and more!

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