2026 Compassionate Communities Hui – Highlights
The third Compassionate Communities Aotearoa Hui was recently held in the beautiful Hawkes Bay and was a wonderful gathering from across the motu, celebrating connection, collaboration, learning and sharing.
It was a fantastic reminder of the depth of wisdom, innovation and compassion being brought to life across New Zealand every day, and is another step forward in the journey of building compassionate communities across the country. Special thanks to Cranford Hospice in Hawkes Bay for hosting this year’s event, where presentations were shared on a wide range of topics, including some powerful new initiatives and resources, some of which are outlined below.
New initiatives and resources
Tīrama Mai te Pō
A podcast about loss, grief, death, and dying from a Te Ao Māori perspective.
The podcast shares kōrero from both kākāpō – whānau sharing their lived experiences and kākā – practitioners who work with whānau on related kaupapa. Discover perspectives, resources, and stories primarily by, for, with, and of Māori. Listen on Spotify…
Pou Kāpura Website
A website that enables whānau to access, understand and discuss the end of life options available to people who have a terminal illness, including assisted dying (euthanasia). A result of Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell’s research into assisted dying experiences for Māori, the site provides information to help people and their whānau prepare for what lies ahead. Visit the website…
Warewaretia Performance
An amazing theatre performance performed and written by Kristyl Neho from Wahanui Productions. This deeply personal solo theatre work explores the experience of living alongside dementia and Alzheimer’s through the eyes of a daughter and whānau navigating the gradual loss of someone they love.
Grief Education in Schools
(GESA)
Grief support in schools was an important topic raised at the hui by Lee-Anne Duncan from Too Young. Along with others, Lee-Anne has formedGESA, with their first action to make a submission to the review of the Health and Physical Education learning area.
We also have new school-specific content on the Go With Grace website including books, research, support groups and podcasts to support school staff and young people..
More valuable hui contributors
Here’s a snapshot of some of the other amazing contributors, resources and initiatives shared at the hui.
- Growing Through Grief shared all their valuable community resources
- A highlight of the hui was attendance by Moxy, the wellbeing pony, who supports local end of life doula, Alsysha Macaulay in her mahi. Read more about Moxy’s healing powers.
- Death, Reimagined is a documentary series that explores the many experiences and ways we leave this life, the practical, the spiritual, and the emotional. If you would consider sharing your sacred end-of-life journey as part of the project, you can contact [email protected]
- Learn more about Earth Friendly Cocoons, made in the Hawkes Bay using natural materials.
- The After Club (Napier) is a space for women in Napier who have lost their husbands or partners – to connect, laugh, support one another, and remember that no one has to do this alone. Over time, this special initiative may expand to other parts of the motu.
Browse hui resources
Kathryn Perks attended, with her highly regarded End of Life Planning journals called When I Die
Wardini Books from Napier brought along a great selection of books about grief and loss, including Blindfulness, a deeply personal reflection on losing sight, and learning how to live again. The author, Earl Japf, and his partner also attended the hui!
Te Atawhai Aroha Compassionate Communities Rotorua Trust supports family-led, affordable and eco-friendly funerals and tangihanga, and has developed two sets of conversation cards designed to help people share their wishes and learn more about whānau and friends. Order yours and start these important conversations today.
2026 Compassionate communities hui photos
