Rotorua Community Hospice invites locals to start the conversation this Hospice Awareness Week
No one likes talking about death — but avoiding the conversation can make things harder later.
This Hospice Awareness Week, Rotorua Community Hospice is inviting the community to start those important conversations by giving away a handcrafted coffin in partnership with the Kiwi Coffin Club.
The campaign is part of a wider initiative called No One’s Getting Out of Here Alive, encouraging people to:
- get their plans sorted
- have the conversations
- learn how Hospice helps
While death is a natural part of life, many of us avoid preparing for it. When plans aren’t shared, families are often left making difficult decisions during already emotional times.
“Having a plan and sharing it with your loved ones can make a huge difference,” says Rotorua Community Hospice. “It helps reduce stress for families and gives people confidence that their wishes are understood — helping them live every moment.”
As part of the campaign, Hospice is encouraging people to think about some simple but important steps:
Get your plans sorted
Do you have:
- a Will?
- an Enduring Power of Attorney?
- written funeral preferences?
- documented final wishes?
Rotorua Community Hospice’s Peace of Mind Guide, available at Hospice Shop Rotorua, helps people work through these questions.
Support is also available through:
https://everywill.co.nz/c/rotorua-community-hospice
Some people also choose to leave a gift in their Will to support Hospice care for future generations.
Have the conversations
Have you talked with your whānau about:
- where are your important documents kept?
- who holds your Will?
- your treatment preferences if you couldn’t speak for yourself?
- what matters most to you at the end of life?
Starting these conversations early can make things much easier later.
Learn how Hospice helps
Hospice supports people living with life-limiting illness and their whānau by providing:
- 24/7 specialist nursing and medical support
- personal care assistance
- equipment such as hospital beds and mobility supports
- guidance for whanau about what to expect
- care in the place people call home — whether that’s their house, residential care, or hospital
Rotorua Community Hospice provides all its care in the community and does not have an inpatient unit.
As part of Hospice Awareness Week, community members can enter the draw to win a coffin for $10 per ticket, helping start a conversation many people put off for too long. Tickets are available from Rotorua Hospice, 1469 Hinemoa Street and Hospice Shop Rotorua, 1134 Eruera Street. Terms and conditions apply.
Because while it may feel uncomfortable, being prepared is one of the most practical and caring things we can do for the people we love.