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Dying Matters Week is being marked around the country from September 1 to 7, with a week of events encouraging people to talk more openly about death, dying, grief and planning ahead.
The aim is to create a safe space for people to share experiences, learn from professionals, and take steps towards end-of-life planning to give peace of mind for themselves and their families.
Locally, the programme is being coordinated by Hibiscus Coast volunteer Marama Winder. She and her team are organising events at Ōrewa and Whangaparāoa Libraries, as well as Harbour Hospice. Marama is a biologist, end-of-life doula, interfaith minister and grief guide who supports women over 50 through major life transitions.
The week will include panel discussions, displays and a film screening, all open to the public and free to attend.
At Ōrewa Library: Monday September 1, 10am–12pm: Panel discussion featuring local experts including hospice workers, legal advisers, funeral directors, grief guides, end-of-life doulas and celebrants. Morning tea provided. Throughout the week: Children’s and elder’s art and poetry, a curated book display, resources table, and floral art display.
At Whangaparāoa Library: Friday, September 5, 10am–12pm: Panel discussion with end-of-life experts. Sunday, September 7, 1pm: Film screening of When You Die – In the Realm of Death and Dreaming. Followed by tea, cake and discussion. Info: maramawinder@gmail.com More gowithgrace.nz/dyngmatters
Death without Debt workshops
Local funeral celebrant and hospice volunteer Kelly Townsend is on a mission to help families avoid the financial stress that often comes with end-of-life arrangements.
Kelly is a facilitator for Death Without Debt, a national not-for-profit organisation founded in 2020. The group’s goal is, to make sure every New Zealander can have an affordable and dignified farewell.
“The average cost of a funeral in NZ is now around $13,000, and we know that 47 per cent of New Zealanders cannot access even $5000 if they need it quickly. We also know that over the next 10 years, the number of deaths is estimated to rise from around 35,000 to 55,000 per year.”
The organisation runs workshops across the country that show how to keep funeral costs low, in some cases, under $2000, by taking a more hands-on approach. The workshops also clear up common myths about legal requirements and what families can manage themselves.
One of Death Without Debt’s key concerns is the red tape involved in cremation, which accounts for 80 percent of deaths in New Zealand. Kelly says the paperwork can be a barrier for families trying to manage costs or take a more personal approach.
As part of Dying Matters Week, Death Without Debt is offering free one-hour webinars on September 3 and 7. To register or learn more, visit deathwithoutdebt.org.nz or gowithgrace.nz
“Sending a loved one off to a crematorium using a budget cremation service as soon as they die can have consequences. Six months later unprocessed grief can show up, because there wasn’t the time to say good-bye properly” says Kelly. “This is where community know-how comes to the fore. Our ancestors cared for their loved ones at home. There should be no reason we can’t do the same.”
Kelly says it is starting to happen. “On the Hibiscus Coast, Death Without Debt, end-of-life doulas and community-focused funeral directors have worked together to support some beautiful, family-led and reasonably priced end of life experiences recently.
