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Death is something every family eventually encounters, yet it remains one of the subjects many of us find hardest to talk about.
Dying Matters Week, which runs nationwide from September 7 to 13, aims to make those conversations a little easier, encouraging people to talk about later life, dying, grief and loss, as well as the practical decisions that can make things easier for those we leave behind.
This year’s theme, Shaping Your Legacy, asks people to think more widely about what a legacy means. It can include the practical things we leave behind, such as property and possessions, but also family traditions, favourite recipes, stories, values, achievements and memories.
Dying Matters Week was initiated in Aotearoa by Go With Grace and now includes events around the country. In Auckland, Honohono Tātou Katoa: Creating Compassionate Communities is also closely involved, working alongside communities, Auckland Libraries and hospices to provide education, events and support.
Its compassionate communities approach recognises that caring for people through illness, dying, loss and grief is not solely the responsibility of health professionals, but something families, friends and communities can share.
On the Hibiscus Coast, Ōrewa and Whangaparāoa libraries will provide spaces where people can learn, reflect, remember and, importantly, talk.
Love Notes to the Departed:
Ōrewa Library, September 7 to 13, during library opening hours
An interactive exhibition inviting people to remember those who have died through heartfelt written messages and artwork.
The artworks accompanying the display were created by local artist and art teacher Camilla Copley and her Year 9 and 10 students from Hare Krishna School.
Create your Bucket List:
Ōrewa and Whangaparāoa libraries, September 7 to 13
Dying Matters Week is not only about preparing for death – it is also about making the most of life.
Interactive Bucket List boards will encourage visitors to think about the things they still want to see, experience or accomplish. Take-home posters will also be available, giving people the chance to create their own lists, put them somewhere visible and perhaps encourage family and friends to join them.
The idea is simple: plan ahead, enjoy the present and make time for the things that still matter.
Books for all ages:
Ōrewa Library, during library opening hours
A curated collection of books for children and adults will provide another way to explore subjects surrounding death, dying, grief, loss and remembrance.
Books can often help start conversations that people may otherwise struggle to have, particularly within families or with children, while also providing different perspectives on experiences that affect everyone at some point.
Flowers for reflection:
Floral centrepieces will sit at the heart of the Dying Matters Week displays at both libraries.
The seasonal arrangements, donated by Flowers by Joanne in Ōrewa and Flower Talk in Red Beach, symbolise reflection, remembrance, hope, love and the beauty of life.
At the conclusion of Dying Matters Week, both arrangements will be donated to Harbour Hospice.
Together, the events reflect the wider aim of Dying Matters Week – to make conversations about death and dying feel less daunting, while encouraging people to think about how they want to live, what matters to them and the legacy they may leave behind.
Further Dying Matters Week events are being held across Auckland through Honohono Tātou Katoa and throughout Aotearoa through Go With Grace.
