A Lasting Legacy: Remembering Jan Cullinane

When Janice ‘Jan’ Cullinane moved to Nelson in her mid-twenties to take up a position with the Nelson Mail, she could never have known the lasting impact she would one day have on the community she came to call home.

Born and raised in Hastings, Jan trained as a teacher before beginning a career in journalism. She started with the Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune as a reporter and later became a sub-editor. Her move to Nelson marked the beginning of a remarkable 26-year career with the Nelson Mail, where she eventually became Chief Sub-Editor. Friends believe she may have been the first woman in New Zealand to hold such a position.

Although Jan had no family connections in the South Island, she never regretted making Nelson her home. Through golf, community activities and, later, her involvement with Stoke Baptist Church, she built strong friendships and became part of a community she valued deeply.

‘Jan was intelligent, independent and incredibly loyal to her friends. Although she arrived in Nelson knowing very few people, she built a wonderful life here through the friendships she made, her golf and her church community. She never sought recognition, but she cared deeply about people and valued the community that became her home. Her decision to leave a gift to Hospice feels very much like Jan – quietly helping others and making a difference long into the future.’  – Long term friend, Diane Sutherland-Arbuthnot

Jan’s decision to leave a gift to Nelson Tasman Hospice in her Will reflects the care she had for the community around her. Her generous bequest will help ensure that local people facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness continue to receive specialist care, support and compassion when they need it most.

Like all gifts left in Wills, Jan’s legacy extends far beyond the gift itself. It represents a commitment to future generations and a belief that everyone in our region deserves access to quality hospice care, free of charge.

Today, Jan’s kindness and foresight continue to make a difference. Through her legacy, she will help support local patients and whānau for years to come – a lasting gift to the community that she valued greatly.

Jan’s story was kindly shared by her friend Diane. If you would like to share your story, we would love to hear from you.