Totara Hospice Blog

Celebrating 40 Years of Compassionate Care: A Legacy of Love and Healing

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:57:11 +1200

As I pen these words, I am filled with joy and gratitude. I stand in awe of the incredible journey Tōtara Hospice has been on – 40 years of unwavering dedication to caring for people with terminal illnesses in our community. It is a journey that has touched countless lives, including mine,...

TV Interview - Tōtara Hospice explains why it will offer assisted dying

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:01:14 +1200

Watch Tōtara Hospice CE Tina McCafferty and medical director Dr James Jap explain to Jack Tame on Q&A why they’ll be the only hospice in the country to offer assisted dying services.

Contributing to the community: Paul Maguire

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:37:24 +1200

It’s National Volunteer Week, a time to honour the energy and mahi of volunteers in Aotearoa New Zealand. We sat down for a chat with Volunteer Driver and Gardener Paul Maguire to find out more about his volunteer work and why he does it. Hi Paul, so tell me, what do you do at Tōtara...

Forever in our Hearts

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:27:03 +1200

Our family purchased a plaque for Alexia on the memorial walkway at Tōtara Hospice on what would have been her 35th birthday. We felt that this was a way for us to keep our precious loved one close to our hearts and minds forever. Alexia and Warren, our son, met in London and moved...

A Day in the Life of our Takanini Distribution Centre Manager

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:03:17 +1200

Delivering Just the Good Stuff Kelly’s role is a greatly varied one, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. From supporting her team and shops to organising deliveries, increasing sustainability measures, and even jumping on the truck when needed. ...

Turning Grief into Growth

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:44:11 +1200

Meet our new Volunteer Manager Genevieve Simati, who has recently joined the team. Having had her husband Tala, cared for in the community by Tōtara Hospice, Gen as she likes to be called knows first-hand what Hospice offers both patients and families. “We spent years feeling like we...

One Year On: Aradhna’s Story

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:29:28 +1200

On the anniversary of her husband Kuben’s passing, Aradhna reflects on the past year and celebrates his life by raising an incredible $3,905 for Tōtara Hospice. One year ago, Kuben Padayachie sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer. His wife, Aradhna, is grateful to the team at...

Thank You from Dr James

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:28:26 +1200

As the Medical Director of Tōtara Hospice, I don’t often write to our supporters, I tend to spend my days helping improve our patients’ quality of life and death. But, I wanted to acknowledge everyone who has donated to us over this critical period. During the multiple lockdowns...

A Day in the Life of a Tōtara Hospice Social Worker

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 15:40:41 +1200

Jessica Londhe, Tōtara Hospice Social Worker, has just stopped for a quick coffee break after visiting two of her at-home patients this morning. She pauses for a deep breath. It’s been a tough morning supporting families as well as the terminally ill. Her role is a...

Future of Palliative Care Interview with Kathryn Ryan

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 11:16:52 +1200

Listen to our Chief Executive Tina McCafferty along with Hospice NZ acting Chief Executive, Wayne Naylor, talk to Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand about the future of hospice. Currently, hospices need $293,000 a day just to stand still but with patient numbers growing year on year, and no...

A Difference Maker

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:48:43 +1200

Sally shares her passion to give back. There are many reasons people volunteer: for some it’s the connections, the desire to give back, or even as a new interest or hobby. Sally Barclay has been an amazing volunteer at Tōtara Hospice for well over 10 years now, and her reason...

Remembering Rosie, A Life of Service

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:34:40 +1200

Your kind donations supported Rosie’s dignity. When Rosie’s health went quickly downhill in 2021, it was only fitting that in her final months she was shown the care, compassion, and welcoming environment she had always displayed to others, and at Tōtara Hospice we...

Q+A with Jack Tame - Funding Crisis

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:13:47 +1200

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Round the Clock Care

Thu, 27 May 2021 11:35:43 +1200

Thanks to you, we’re working around the clock supporting patients and their whānau providing the best individual care. Have a read over all the moving parts to see what happens on any given day, to ensure Tōtara Hospice continues to operate efficiently. 2:20am: When...

Kids get real with Dr James!

Thu, 27 May 2021 11:02:22 +1200

Kids Pod is a podcast where kids get to ask adults the questions they really want to know! Recently Kids Pod reached out and spoke with Dr. James Jap about his role as the Medical Director at Tōtara Hospice and as a Palliative Medicine Specialist. Q: What is a Palliative Care...