Our recent visit to Hospice Waikato offered a moving glimpse into the incredible work happening behind the scenes of this essential community service.
Originally operating as a hotel, the facility has since transformed into a place of comfort, care, and compassion.
The Hillcrest facility houses an 11-bed in-patient unit, staffed by five of Waikato’s leading palliative care doctors and a dedicated team of specialist nurses.
Care here is holistic and heartfelt, extending to ‘Rainbow Place’, a paediatric palliative care program that supports 62 children with life-limiting conditions. Though funding limits them to 62 young patients, the care provided is deeply personal and filled with joy.
During our visit, we were privileged to see a room set up for a young boy, complete with a rainbow parachute, sensory lighting, books, dinosaurs, and an X-box, crafted to ensure his stay was magical.
Hospice’s care extends well beyond the Hillcrest site, reaching over 1,500 patients across the Waikato each year. Community nursing teams manage pain and symptoms at home, and a state-of-the-art virtual communications space keeps doctors and nurses connected for real-time support and consultations, reducing unnecessary travel while maintaining a high standard of care.
To future-proof their services, Hospice Waikato has strategically acquired five surrounding properties, including family-sized homes near the main facility. One of these properties, Kōwhai House, was purchased entirely through bequests and serves as a home-away-from-home for rural families who have a loved one being cared for in the Inpatient Unit.
One key component of hospice care is the psychosocial support provided by their Family Services Team, which offers emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural support. They have grief and bereavement counselling available for up to 18 months post-loss.
Their Kaiāwhina ensures culturally responsive care for Māori patients and whānau, embracing Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four cornerstones of wellbeing): spiritual, emotional, physical, and social.
Complementary therapies such as a massage therapist, occupational therapy, and spiritual care are also available, offering a comprehensive and compassionate model of support.
Hospice also offers a range of accessible equipment, including specialised chairs and mobility aids, to support patients to remain comfortable as they are cared for in their homes. From adjustable recliners to wheelchairs and supportive seating, every detail is thoughtfully considered to make spaces as inclusive and accommodating as possible.
With approximately 70% of funding coming from Health New Zealand, community support is crucial in keeping hospice services free for patients and whānau who need this end-of-life care.
Income generated from Hospice Waikato’s nine (plus one online) thrift stores provides an all-important income stream to assist with bridging this funding shortfall, however along, it simply isn’t enough.
In partnership with local brewery Good George, Hospice Waikato recently launched a special Orange & Lime Gin, with proceeds going directly to Hospice Waikato.
This initiative idea reflects their creative approach to fundraising, which is so crucial in meeting this funding shortfall.
Other current fundraising initiatives are ‘Thrifty Threads’ – mega thrift sale, held annually at the Meteor Theatre the ‘Nourish a Week’ tax-deductible donation of $1,000 which funds seven days of nourishing, home-style meals for patients receiving Inpatient Unit care and Christmas merchandise including Simon Gault’s Christmas cakes.
Funds raised, along with donations, grants and generous gifts left in wills, play a key part in the provision of hospice care also.
Hospice also has another charitable tradition where they partner with retailer, Farmers, which I am sure most are familiar with. The Tree of Remembrance and the Christmas Bauble Campaign is an annual Christmas tradition, providing an opportunity for the community to remember a loved one at Christmas.
This familiar sight invites people to donate and to write a heartfelt wish in remembrance of a loved one or in support of Hospice Waikato.
While many know that donations go directly to supporting hospice services, what is less known is that the wishes themselves are honoured in a deeply symbolic way. A beautiful ritual held on-site, these written wishes are cremated together into ash and buried in the Hospice remembrance garden, a sacred space, during a Karakia (Māori blessing).
This touching ceremony embodies not just generosity, but collective hope, remembrance, and emotional release, adding a powerful layer of meaning to a cherished tradition.
At the heart of Hospice Waikato are 700 volunteers, whose dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.
One unforgettable story shared with us was of an 18-year-old patient who had never experienced a school ball. In response, a group of volunteers created a full prom experience, complete with hair and makeup, a stunning dress, and even a ride in a horse and carriage.
It is this level of community care, love, and commitment that defines Hospice Waikato. We left inspired, humbled, and with a deep appreciation for the incredible impact they have on so many lives.
Written by Franchesca Hawkings, Administration Assistant
