A little bit of paradise

By Gemma Vallender on June 26, 2024
For most people being at home while they are on their end of life journey is important to them; this is no different for Andy and it’s easy to see why. Andy and Tracy live in the old Raumai School which has been uniquely transformed into their home. They have over the years, shared their […]

The Hair Market paying it forward

By Gemma Vallender on August 9, 2023
Not many who frequent a hair salon stop to think about the number of empty bottles and used hair foils that salons go through.   Michelle Boudreau, from The Hair Market, has and has done something about it, all while finding a way to pay it forward. In December 2021, Arohanui Hospice gratefully received a monetary […]

Meet Faith and Keith Martin

By Gemma Vallender on August 9, 2023
Volunteering is in the blood for husband-and-wife duo Keith and Faith Martin, who both have always looked to help their community. Faith joined hospice as a volunteer in 2013 and Keith followed only a couple of months later. When asked what the biggest highlight has been for each of them, they beam. You can feel […]

Feilding Friends' phenomenal fundraising efforts

By Megan Smith on March 14, 2022
Feilding Friends of Hospice is the kind of community-led fundraising group Arohanui Hospice is eternally grateful for. Formed in October 1989 under the chairmanship of Garry Klee, their original goal was to help raise enough money to complete the construction of the Arohanui Hospice building at 1 Heretaunga Street. Fast forward to present day and […]

Paying it forward one cake at a time

By Megan Smith on March 14, 2022
When a patient asked us to help make his dream of marrying his long-time love come true, we had no idea the cake baker who would help us would have her own story of hospice. This beautiful story came from Aimee Waite of the Wildflower Cakery. “The opportunity to make a wedding cake came about […]

Arohanui Hospice Board welcomes new trustee

By Megan Smith on February 2, 2022
The Arohanui Hospice Board welcomed its newest trustee, Dr Curtis Walker, at its first meeting for 2022 last night, via Zoom. Board Chair Lorraine Vincent says Dr Walker’s arrival completes two years of significant succession planning and governance changes for the Board. Dr Walker (Te Whakatōhea rāua ko Ngāti Porou) is a general physician and […]

Arohanui Hospice encourage community to visit Tree of Remembrance

By Megan Smith on December 2, 2021
Arohanui Hospice’s Trees of Remembrance will be blessed tomorrow Wednesday, 1 December, outside Farmers stores in Palmerston North and Levin. Arohanui Hospice Chief Executive, Clare Randall, says Farmers department store has teamed up with hospice services across Aotearoa for the 8th year, to help raise funds in support of keeping hospice services free of charge. […]

Veteran fundraiser retires as trustee of Arohanui Hospice

By Megan Smith on December 2, 2021
Long-time Arohanui Hospice trustee Roger Clausen has retired as a board member of Arohanui Hospice. Roger has been a long-time supporter of Hospice, having been on the board for 28 years and held the position of chairman for eight years. Current board chair, Lorraine Vincent, says she has been incredibly privileged to work alongside Roger […]

Meet our volunteers: Sew On

By Megan Smith on November 26, 2021
Meet ‘Sew On’ a group of volunteers who have been meeting for 3 years in a bustling workshop above our Lombard/Walding St shop in Palmerston North. Think Santa’s workshop - if everything were fabric. They’ve created a labour of love, upcycling donated clothing and fabrics that would otherwise not sell. Everything is donated, apart from […]

Kind Hearted students bake treats for Arohanui Hospice

By Megan Smith on November 26, 2021
Children at Palmerston North’s Riverdale School are lapping up lessons in kindness. For teacher and Kind Hearts Club leader Lynette Kenyon, the idea of involving children in doing things to help others was born out of her being on the receiving end of a random but well-considered good deed. An unexpected stay in the children’s […]

Palmerston North volunteers ensure hospice patients enjoy flowers and fragrance

By Megan Smith on November 26, 2021
Every room in Arohanui Hospice looks out into the extensive gardens that surround the facility. From almost every window, you can see the lovingly maintained landscape which is positively packed with flowers, fragrance and foliage. Arohanui Hospice’s volunteer coordinator Jill Rolls says that patients and their families frequently mention how much comfort and resilience they […]

Meet our team: Rachel Fulton-Cameron

By Megan Smith on October 5, 2021
Having joined Arohanui Hospice as the Kitchen Coordinator nearly six months ago, Rachel loves her role at Hospice. As a child, her grandmother owned a cake shop and she began working in hospitality herself at 14 before going on to graduate as a qualified chef. While previously working in rest home kitchen environments, Rachel realised […]

Meet Our Team: Bridget Verry

By Megan Smith on September 6, 2021
Bridget joined Arohanui Hospice in January 2014. Find out why she loves her role with us here at Arohanui Hospice. "Being Arohanui’s Business Systems and Reporting Manager is a role that I thoroughly enjoy. No two days are ever the same – the fast pace and variety are what I absolutely love. One day I’m […]

Meet Our Volunteers: Lorraine Haydock from the Strumpettes

By Megan Smith on September 3, 2021
Who are the Strumpettes? We are a group of retired people from Palmerston North with a mutual love of entertaining and playing the ukulele. The Strumpettes became independent group in 2018 and performed our first concert for a 50th Wedding Anniversary on 6th October. Originally we were a minor support act for a musical theatre […]

Arohanui Hospice forced to cancel Hearts and Homes 2021

By Megan Smith on September 1, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we have made the tough decision to cancel the Arohanui Hospice fundraising event Hearts and Homes for 2021. The iconic fundraising event was scheduled to run on the 12th and 13th November. This will be the first time this biennial event has been cancelled since its inception in […]

Meet Our Team: Christine Ironside

By Melissa Gardi on August 28, 2021
Arohanui Hospice Shop – Feilding’s Christine Ironside is passionate about people, living in Feilding and the craft of upcycling. In her role of Assistant Shop Manager, she looks forward to every day connecting with the community – volunteers, donors and shoppers. Here, she tells us why. When I first moved to Feilding a few years […]

Memory of volunteer honoured with new car for Hospice

By Megan Smith on August 24, 2021
A Manawatū Hospice have an extra car in their fleet, to assist with house calls, thanks in part to a community volunteer who received their care. $15,000 towards Arohanui Hospice’s new Mazda 3 was paid for from profits of the mini golf course managed by Feilding Host Lions Club. The hospice cared for club member […]

How Arohanui’s Community Team Can Help

By Melissa Gardi on August 24, 2021
Since 1991, Arohanui Hospice has supported patients and their families/whānau the Palmerston North, Manawatu, Rangitikei, Tararua, Horowhenua and Otaki regions. Here, Director of Clinical Services, Kate Bird, gives insight on the community service that Arohanui Hospice provides. What is the first point of contact with Arohanui for a patient? When somebody is referred to our […]

Inspire Net: A local company with a big belief in giving back to the community

By Emily Taylor on August 17, 2021
Manawatū based internet service provider Inspire Net has been servicing New Zealand for over 20 years and sponsoring connectivity at Arohanui Hospice for the last 10. Owner James Watts talks about doing whatever it takes to put the customer first and why he is a big believer in giving back to the community. Who are […]

Hearts and Homes - Save the Date

By Megan Smith on August 16, 2021
Arohanui Hospice presents to you, 2021's exclusive charitable event, Hearts and Homes ‘The Rural Tour’. Friday and Saturday, 12 and 13 November 2021. Be sure to save the date for this exclusive event. Follow your heart on a self-drive tour to a selection of the finest homes and gardens in Marton, Rangitīkei. Enjoy a fabulous […]

Arohanui Hospice's veteran fundraiser raffles off his motorbike

By Emily Taylor on August 9, 2021
Adapted from an article written by Janine Rankin for the Manawatu Standard. Arohanui Hospice’s former trust chairman and current trustee Roger Clausen is committing to reaching his $200,000 fundraising goal by raffling off his precious motorbike before retiring in November. After riding 72,000 kilometres around 34 countries, Arohanui Hospice’s veteran trustee, adventurer and fundraiser Roger […]

Meet Our Team: George Dempster

By Melissa Gardi on August 1, 2021
In his role as Spiritual Care Coordinator, George Dempster cares for the spiritual needs of each hospice patient and their family / whanau. Here, he shares his Arohanui story. I joined Arohanui Hospice about eight years ago – my role is to provide spiritual care.  In most situations, a patient or family member is referred to me […]

The heart & soul of palliative care has not changed

By Emily Taylor on July 30, 2021
Adapted from an article written by Judith Lacy, Editor, for the Manawatū Guardian.  Image courtesy of the Manawatū Guardian. Dr Simon Allan, Director of Palliative Care reflects on 30 years of care in our community. There’s a misconception Arohanui Hospice is a sad, gloomy, depressive place, Dr Simon Allan says. It’s anything but, according to […]

New “PassionPeople” appointed to the Arohanui Hospice board

By Melissa Gardi on July 28, 2021
It has certainly been two years of change for the Arohanui Hospice Board. The sudden death of trustee Mary McKenna in September 2019, who had been a special part of Arohanui Hospice since its inception, set the wheels of succession in motion. Last July, following a Taika Waititi-inspired hunt for PassionPeople, the volunteer governance team welcomed new […]

Arohanui Hospice: 30 Years and Beyond

By Melissa Gardi on July 11, 2021
Three decades ago, Arohanui Hospice first opened its doors with the vision that all people with life-limiting conditions live well and die well, irrespective of their condition or care setting. Our community has grown since 1991, and so have we, providing palliative care services throughout the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Tararua and Horowhenua regions. 1984 Initial discussions began around the need […]

Suffrage in Stitches – Creative Legacy

By Melissa Gardi on June 27, 2021
Te Manawa currently is hosting an exhibition called ‘Suffrage in Stitches’. This project commemorates 125 years of Suffrage in New Zealand and was an initiative by St Vinnies Resew, an up-cycling, sustainable sewing initiative, in collaboration with Wellington Museum where it was first displayed in 2019. Arohanui Hospice's Day Stay Coordinator, Faye Lloyd, heard about […]

Meet Our Team: Jill Rolls

By Melissa Gardi on June 22, 2021
At the heart of Volunteer Coordinator, Jill Rolls’, working life you’ll find aroha – warmth, affection and connection with the people of our community. Here, she shares her Arohanui story. After working 28 years at ACC, I retired in 2018 and wanted to do something meaningful with my time. My husband was already volunteering for hospice […]

National Volunteer Week Thank You

By Melissa Gardi on June 22, 2021
Aroha is a word you often hear around the office hallways and rooms at Arohanui Hospice. It has a strong influence on hospice’s outcomes – love for patients, for families, for community at region. This warmth, affection and connection extends throughout our wider community, as shown through the generous time that our volunteers give – […]

Meet Our Team: Kate Bird, Director of Clinical Services

By Melissa Gardi on June 9, 2021
Arohanui Hospice's services are people-focused. Supporting anyone living with any life-limiting illness, Arohanui is available to help them ‘live every moment’ in any way that’s important to them, in any place they call home. Here, Kate Bird, from our clinical team, shares why she’s passionate about the care that Arohanui provides. My father is a […]

A Ride To Remember – Fundraising for Arohanui Hospice

By Melissa Gardi on May 31, 2021
If you want to support an organisation, there are many ways to do it. You can donate money, goods or time, but if you think outside the box, anything could potentially make a meaningful contribution. Just ask Ashley Wildbore from Feilding: he just got on his bicycle and rode. This was no ordinary cycle ride, though. […]

Meet our Volunteers: Georgia Borrie

By Melissa Gardi on May 30, 2021
Arohanui Hospice offers a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities. For local resident and university student, Georgia Borrie, helping others by volunteering is a normal part of her life. Here, Georgia shares what a day of volunteering looks like, and why she gives her time to Arohanui Hospice Shops – Lombard Street. Why did you become […]

Discover or donate to make the world a better place

By Melissa Gardi on May 26, 2021
From solid furniture to preloved clothing and retro items, stepping into any Arohanui Hospice store is like entering another world. Browsing the shelves, clothing racks and floor section, you’re bound to find some useful items for your home or wardrobe, along with a few curiosities that make the experience so enjoyable. ‘‘We love getting quirky or […]

Meet Our Team: Julia Mutch, Community Palliative Care Nurse

By Melissa Gardi on May 26, 2021
Julia Mutch helps patients and their families during their journey with hospice care. Here, she talks about why she's passionate about palliative care and what she loves about being a nurse. When did you join Arohanui Hospice? I initially started as a nurse in the IPU in 2018 and then moved to community and IPU, […]

Returning Care and Aroha to our Community.

By Emily Taylor on May 19, 2021
Arohanui Hospice is generously supported by several grants and foundations who believe in our outstanding care and our vision of helping our patients ‘live every moment’. Special thanks to the following organisations for their recent support of Arohanui Hospice:   Rotary Club of Milson Rotary Club of Milson who has supported us with the purchase […]

Lorraine Vincent, Chair of Arohanui Hospice, on Celebrating Thirty Years

By Melissa Gardi on May 19, 2021
Thirty years is a long time. It is a lot of volunteering. It is a lot of corporate support. It is a lot of community. It is a lot of candles to fit on a birthday cake. And it all adds up to a lot of aroha. As we celebrate our 30th year, we thank everyone […]

Celebrating 30 Years of Volunteering

By Emily Taylor on May 19, 2021
Arohanui Hospice kicked off its 30th anniversary celebrations with a party held specially to thank our volunteers on Saturday 8th May.  Held at Roslyn School Hall, 120 volunteers gathered to celebrate this special occasion with lovely afternoon tea and, of course, birthday cake. The birthday cake was cut by recently retired volunteer Yvonne Orpet who […]

Anika's Story

By Melissa Gardi on May 19, 2021
Arohanui Hospice will always have a special place in my family’s hearts. Almost ten years ago, my dearly loved grandfather, Dr. Anand Srivastava, was diagnosed with prostate cancer which progressed to stomach cancer. He was a strong character who never gave up, overcoming many challenges throughout his life, always believing that ‘everything happens for a reason’ […]

What you need to know about Arohanui Hospice – debunking hospice myths

By Emily Taylor on May 17, 2021
There are many misconceptions and myths associated with Hospice care, including what happens when you are referred to the Hospice, where your care takes place, how care is paid for and what care is provided. Here are some common misconceptions that have been communicated to Hospice staff. The facts and truth in response to these […]

Meet Our Team: Mandy Bartosh

By Melissa Gardi on May 15, 2021
Mandy Bartosh is the Manager for Arohanui Hospice Shops – Roslyn. Here, she shares why she’s passionate about giving back, is inspired by Hospice Shop volunteers and loves everything that op shopping is about. After both my parents passed away within eighteen months of each other, I was inspired to pay it forward by volunteering […]

Arohanui Hospice Celebrates 30th Anniversary

By Melissa Gardi on May 10, 2021
2021 marks a huge milestone for Arohanui Hospice – the In Patient Unit opened 30 years ago this month. While celebrations kick off in May, there will be events and celebrations throughout the year starting with an afternoon tea to thank past and present volunteers. Volunteers contribute significantly to Arohanui Hospice, contributing more than 58,000 hours […]

Meet Our Team: Clare Randall

By Melissa Gardi on April 20, 2021
Focussed on nurturing a community of care, Arohanui Hospice’s Chief Executive, Clare Randall, shares what Arohanui means to her. The moment I was introduced to hospice – more than thirty years ago – I felt a strong connection. This bond has only grown stronger over the years, as I’ve got to know patients in the community. After […]

Meet Our Team: Caroline Blacklock

By Melissa Gardi on March 30, 2021
When it comes to supporting our community, Caroline Blacklock is all about making a conscious impact in her role as manager of Arohanui Hospice Shop - Levin. Here, Caroline shares how you can help others by volunteering, donating and shopping. I used to be a nurse, which gave me insight to how supportive hospice is […]

Arohanui Appeal: Mel and Jason's Story

By Emily Taylor on March 22, 2021
My name is Melany, but mostly I go by Mel. I was born in Dannevirke and now live in Feilding – I had an idyllic upbringing on the farm that my parents remain on today. I am the youngest of three: My brother is home on the farm; my sister is just down the road […]

Support received, support returned

By Emily Taylor on March 1, 2021
Our care is provided free of charge and just over half of our funding comes from the District Health Board.  The rest comes from fundraising, bequests, and donations: from the generous supporters in our community who believe in our outstanding care and our philosophy of helping our patients to 'live every moment'. Our heartfelt thanks […]

What your support has achieved in 2019 - 2020

By Emily Taylor on February 26, 2021
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and lockdown, our staff adapted to the challenges, continuing to provide excellent palliative care to those with life-limiting illness in our region - and to support thousands of family members, whanau and carers throughout their loved one's journey. 927 patients with life-limiting illnesses have been cared for by Arohanui Hospice […]

Our Volunteers: Giving back to Hospice

By Emily Taylor on February 26, 2021
  Volunteers play an essential role at Arohanui Hospice.  From working in our Hospice shops to supporting the kitchen and housekeeping in the inpatient unit; from maintaining our gardens to going all-out for our fundraising events, we couldn't do what we do without them. We're extremely grateful for the incredible support of our 770+ volunteers:  […]

Meet our Arohanui team: Jennie Lewer

By Melissa Gardi on February 10, 2021
  Why visit a hospice shop? Find out from Arohanui Hospice Shop - Feilding's manager, Jennie Lewer, who shares her deep affection for the Feilding community and what we’re able to accomplish by supporting our local Arohanui Hospice Shops. What led you to your role at Arohanui Hospice Shops? I’ve been with Arohanui Hospice for […]

Tree of Remembrance 2020 launched by Deputy Mayor, Aleisha Rutherford

By Melissa Gardi on December 3, 2020
Christmas is a time of year when we think of people who won’t be with us during the festive season. They may have died, they may be living overseas or in other parts of the country, or perhaps they just can’t be with us at this time of year. With the season of giving upon […]

2020 Volunteer Recognition Event Nominee: Donna Clapham

By Melissa Gardi on November 18, 2020
Arohanui Hospice Shops’ volunteer, Donna Clapham, was recently honoured in November at the Volunteer Resource Centre Manawatu’s 6th annual Volunteer Recognition Event. For the past five years, Donna’s made a significant impact on our community, bringing joy to peoples’ lives with her recycling and upcycling of donated items that are sold at Arohanui Hospice – […]

Lesley’s story: “Everything was special.”

By Emily Taylor on September 2, 2020
Lesley Redward’s husband, Raymond was diagnosed with cancer while they were travelling overseas in July 2014, and they were advised that the diagnosis was terminal. The news was devastating, and the couple returned to Woodville when the majority of the seasonal work had been completed. Raymond wanted Lesley to be able to finish the season. […]

Arohanui Hospice appoints new “PassionPeople” to the Board

By Emily Taylor on August 6, 2020
Arohanui Hospice’s recent Taika Waititi-inspired hunt for the Passionpeople uncovered some amazing talent. Seventeen applications were received for three vacant seats on the volunteer Board. The three successful applicants selected at the July Board meeting were David Andrews, Bernie Hanaray and Sharon Wards. Board Chairperson Lorraine Vincent admitted it was a challenging task deciding on […]

Hospice patients and volunteers contribute to Suffrage in Stitches

By Emily Taylor on May 31, 2019
Arohanui Hospice Day Stay patients and volunteers have produced one of the 546 panels for Suffrage in Stitches, a collaborative community project led by Vinnies Re Sew in Wellington. The project’s aim is to commemorate the 1893 suffrage petition and represent it through fabric, stories and conversations. The 546 panels represent the number of sheets […]

Miniature pony trots in and steals hearts at Hospice

By Emily Taylor on April 4, 2019
By Alex Loo, Manawatu Standard Sonny Hooke, Who's family used to own horses, thought 16-year-old Ferbie was "Beautiful". A pint-sized pony has brought a smile to the faces of hospice patients in Palmerston North. Ferbie​, a 16-year-old miniature pony and Shetland cross, visited patients and staff at Arohanui Hospice on Thursday morning. Hospice worker Faye​ […]

Eketāhuna lawnmowers rev up to raise money

By Emily Taylor on March 11, 2019
By George Heagney, Manawatu Standard It started as a bit of fun tearing around a paddock on a ride-on lawnmower. Now, Alan Gray's lawnmower race has grown into an annual fundraiser. The Eketāhuna Lawnmower Racing Club's racing event was held in one of Gray's paddocks on Saturday as a fundraiser for Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North. Twenty-three riders […]

No respite from growing need for hospice care

By Emily Taylor on February 17, 2019
By Janine Rankin, Manawatu Standard Ageing baby boomers will create one of the greatest challenges Arohanui Hospice's new trust chairwoman Lorraine Vincent expects to face as she takes the reins toward the end of the service's third decade. The former Manawatū District Council chief executive has just taken over from city lawyer John Freebairn, who […]

Farmers stores raise $776,607 for NZ hospices

By Emily Taylor on January 25, 2019
A record-breaking $776,607 has been donated to hospice services throughout New Zealand following the Christmas fundraising campaign supported by all Farmers Departments stores. This is the fifth year that Farmers has supported Hospice, donating nearly $3.5 million to help keep services free of charge. The donation of $32,214 for Arohanui Hospice will contribute to the […]

Thank you Daphne Sowerby, Feb 1930 – Dec 2018

By Emily Taylor on January 7, 2019
Daphne Sowerby was a valued friend, dedicated supporter and wonderful ambassador for Arohanui Hospice for nearly 28 years. Aged 88, Daphne died peacefully at Nelson Residential Home in Feilding on 22 December 2018. Since 1991, she gave thousands of hours of her time to benefit Arohanui Hospice; making and selling baking, craft items, jams, plants […]

A little means a lot

A little means a lot

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