22 August 2025, Tauranga – This September, Tauranga will take part in Dying Matters Week Aotearoa, a national initiative to help New Zealanders talk more openly about death, dying, grief and planning ahead. Running from 1–7 September 2025, the week will include local events, workshops and conversations that invite the community to live and die well by planning well.

Locally, the programme is being led by three local end-of-life doulas: Gaylene Delaney, Robyn Wilson and Carol Wales. End-of-life doulas provide non-medical support, guidance and companionship to people and their whānau through the dying process, helping them navigate emotional, spiritual and practical aspects of end-of-life care.

Tauranga highlights for Dying Matters Week include:

• Farewells and natural burials – Tuesday 2 September, 6-7pm, Tauranga Library, 21 Devonport Road
  This practical session by Hope Family Funerals will help you record your wishes, understand funeral options and costs, and relieve stress for those you leave behind. We’ll also introduce natural burial as a simple, environmentally conscious option and explain how it works.
• Q&A session with end-of-life doulas and Katikati Coffin Club – Thursday 4 September, 10-11:30am, Greerton Library, 139 Greerton Road
  A relaxed session with Gaylene Delaney and fellow end-of-life doula Carol, joined by members of the Katikati Coffin Club. This is an open opportunity to ask questions and explore practical tips for planning ahead.
• Tauranga Dying Matters Expo – Sunday 7 September, 9:30am – 4:00pm
  Hosted at Hope Family Funerals in Te Puna, this day-long expo will feature a mix of expert speakers, interactive sessions, practical demonstrations and various stalls by organisations such as Holland Beckett, Alzheimer’s Society and Katikati Coffin Club. Topics include advance care planning, myth busting with Waipuna Hospice, grief support, legal matters, funeral planning, assisted dying, memory-making and a demonstration for assembling a kitset coffin. Koha entry. For the full list of speakers and stalls, as well as the livestream link, visit the Facebook Event page: tinyurl.com/bddh8ben

Why it matters

Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to planning for death or talking about loss. Dying Matters Week is about removing the stigma and providing accessible, community-led opportunities to learn, share and connect.

“Death affects every one of us, but so often it’s hidden away or avoided. This week is a chance to bring it into the open, whether that’s writing a will, learning how to support someone grieving or simply starting the conversation,” says Gaylene.

Dying Matters Week Aotearoa is being led by Go With Grace, with the support of regional coordinators and sponsors, and national partners: Hospice New Zealand, The Eldernet Group and End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa (ELDAA).

For more information or to register for the events, please visit: www.gowithgrace.nz/dyingmatters/bay-of-plenty-events/taurang

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