Melanie Humphries-Connolly, End of Life Doula

Region: Wellington (Porirua, Hutt Valley 2025)
Business: Tender Loving End of Life Care
Website: www.eldaa.org.nz
Email: melnotes@protonmail.com or tenderlovingeolc@gmail.com
Affiliations: ELDAA – End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa, Death Without Debt, College of Nurses Aotearoa

I provide compassionate, holistic care and support to those with life-limiting illness and their whānau, helping them make informed, empowered choices, ensuring that each person’s end of life experience is one of peace, comfort, and dignity.

Why you are involved in Dying Matters Week?

I am passionate about creating safe spaces where communities can come together to have honest and open conversations about dying, death, grief, and loss. By talking about these natural parts of life, I believe we can help reduce fear and anxiety, bring a sense of peace and comfort, and support people in feeling more prepared.

Tell us about the 2025 Porirua Programme

Wellingtons programme ranged from self-care and ritual workshops to practical sessions on advance care planning and legal matters related to the end of life. Events included a movie fundraiser, crematorium open day, Death Café, poetry performances, and storytelling—offering a variety of meaningful ways to engage with and reflect on death, dying, and grief. Find out more…