Hospice Whanganui was honoured to welcome Minister of Health, Hon. Simeon Brown, and Whanganui MP Carl Bates for an official visit on Thursday 6 November 2025.
The visit provided an opportunity to share the heart of Hospice Whanganui’s work – our patient- and whānau-led approach to care, guided by Te Hau Awe. Our leadership team spoke with the Minister about how our nurse-led model supports patients and whānau across Whanganui, from our inpatient unit to care in people’s homes.
Minister Brown and Mr Bates met members of our clinical, support, and volunteer teams, gaining insight into the integrated services that help patients live with dignity, choice, and comfort through life’s final chapter. Both acknowledged the immense value of hospice care in communities, recognising the compassion, skill, and aroha that underpin the work of hospice staff and volunteers nationwide.
Hospice Whanganui CEO, Helen Leslie, says the visit was a valuable chance to highlight the challenges and opportunities in palliative care delivery across Aotearoa.
“It’s always a privilege to welcome national representatives and show them the depth of care that happens behind the word ‘hospice’ — it’s about living well and walking alongside whānau, providing the best specialist palliative care where they want to be.”
As a former national health standards leader, Mr Bates reflected on his long association with hospices around the country and the vital role they play within each community. Minister Brown noted the importance of understanding how hospice care is delivered in different regions and expressed appreciation for the unique way Hospice Whanganui serves its community.
Hospice Whanganui would like to thank the Minister and Mr Bates for taking the time to visit and hear our stories.
For more about Hospice Whanganui’s work and the people we serve, visit About Us.