Sarah Dewes

Region: Rotorua and Bay of Plenty
Organisation: Te Atawhai Aroha Compassionate Communities Rotorua Trust
Website: www.taa.nz
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ComComRotorua
Email: comcomrotorua@gmail.com, or  info@taa.nz

We grow community preparedness for end of life, dying and death through networking, education, and advocacy for a natural burial site.Supporting whānau led affordable eco funerals, by offering wānanga about natural body care, and cooling alternatives to embalming.

Why are you involved in Dying Matters Week?

It is such an amazing way to connect with, and be supported by everyone else around the country, ease of access to shared resources, and a fantastic bunch of people to work with.

Tell us about your Rotorua Programme

We worked with: Rotorua Community Hospice, Police, Coronial office and Coroner, Rotorua Library, Rotorua Multicultural Council (Sikh, Muslim and Fijian Catholic), Manaaki Ora, Suicide Postvention. Rotorua Lakes Council (Crematorium staff and sexton), Hone Hato St John’s, Palliative Care Team at Rotorua Lakes Hospital, Family Focus (Grief support), Waharoa productions (Tangihanga), Community Law, No one Dies Alone volunteers, Te Atawhai Aroha volunteers. Find out more…