Early Roots of Hospice Care
In the 19th century, dying patients were cared for at home, as hospitals focused on curing illness. Religious orders in New Zealand pioneered dedicated homes for the chronically ill and terminally unwell:
1899: St Joseph’s Home for Incurables opens in Wellington under the Sisters of Compassion.
1952: Sisters of Mercy establish hospice wards beside Auckland’s Mater Misericordiae Hospital.
These early centres combined clinical nursing with spiritual support—but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the modern hospice philosophy—emphasising quality of life, family involvement and holistic care—emerged.
40 Years Of Experience
Funding & Community Support
Our dedicated volunteers, sponsors and retail customers ensure every dollar raised here stays here, supporting free, compassionate care for local patients and whānau.
The Modern Hospice Movement in New Zealand
1967: St Christopher’s Hospice opens in London, inspiring an interdisciplinary approach to palliative care.
1975: The term “palliative care” enters the lexicon, highlighting symptom relief as both science and art.
1979: Mary Potter Hospice—New Zealand’s first modern hospice—opens in Wellington.
1986: Hospice New Zealand is formed to coordinate standards, funding advocacy and education; today over 35 hospices serve communities nationwide.
Hospice Mid-Northland Takes Shape
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Hospice Bay of Islands Founded
June, 1988Hospice Mid-Northland was formed in 1988 under the name Hospice Bay of Islands. -
Sourcing First Volunteers
December, 1988In December 1988, several public meetings were held to establish a group of volunteers who would provide service to assist and improve the quality of life for people with a terminal condition and their families. Sixty people attended these initial meetings. -
40 Volunteers Trained
30 March, 1989By the end of March 1989, 40 volunteers had been trained. By December 1989, Bay of Islands Palliative Care Society Inc had been formed -
First Temporary Offices Established
July, 1991In July 1991, a grant from Lotto enabled the BOI Palliative Care Society Inc to rent rooms in Kingston House -
Improve Self-Esteem
December, 1993In December 1993, the name was changed to Hospice Bay of Islands Society Incorporated. -
Kingston House Purchased
1st January, 1996In 1995-96, Kingston House was purchased with community help for Hospice and other community organisations. -
Purchased 4c hobson Ave
1st January, 2004Brought 4c Hobson Ave which provded us with space for a Shop and Processsing Centre for our doanted items -
Named Change
June, 2009In 2009 the membership voted to change the our name to Hospice Mid-Northland to better reflect the area that we serve. -
Purchased 7 Hobson Street
January, 2010Brought 7 Hobson Ave, Keriekri for our Shop -
Moved Premises
January, 2013Moved to Fairway Drive, Kerikeri Retirement Village -
Sold 4c Hobson Ave
January, 2018Sold 4c Hobson Ave Shop -
Purchased new Offices and Site
June, 2018Brought property at 464 Kerikeri Rd. This enables us to future proof any expansion requirements, built the Processing Centre and Furniture Shop (Green Shed) with a grant from the Pub Charities Trust
Funding & Community Support
37% Government Funding: Provided by Te Whatu Ora for clinical staffing and core services.
63% Local Fundraising: Retail shops, events, donations and bequests raised by Mid-Northland community members to cover the balance—approximately $1.3 million annually.
Our dedicated volunteers, sponsors and retail customers ensure every dollar raised here stays here, supporting free, compassionate care for local patients and whānau.
Looking Forward
Rooted in a global movement and nurtured by local generosity, Hospice Mid-Northland continues to innovate in palliative and bereavement care. As we honour our past, we remain committed to “Living Every Moment” — ensuring dignity, comfort and connection for everyone we serve.
Thank you to every volunteer, donor, farmer, retail partner and sponsor who has walked this journey with us. Together, we make hope and care possible in Mid-Northland.
