About Your Hospice
Nelson Tasman Hospice provides specialist palliative care services for people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them, their whānau and carers, through illness, death and bereavement.
We work as a team. We know that people with life-limiting illnesses need a holistic approach to their care, not only focusing on physical symptoms but also supporting patients and their whānau with the social, emotional, and spiritual impact of their illness. The level of care we provide is based on the needs of the patient and whānau. Our care is available throughout the Nelson Tasman region and is provided in the home, in aged-care facilities, in hospitals, and in our purpose-built Specialist Palliative Care Unit (SPCU).
Our services are free of charge; however, it does cost to provide them. At present we receive 52% of our annual running costs from Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough, the remaining 48% must be raised every year. We could not continue providing these services without the generosity of our corporate sponsors and community, or our Hospice Shops
Learn more about Nelson Tasman Hospice Trust
Nelson Tasman Hospice has been providing palliative care services to the region since 1987, made possible with support from the local community.
To care always – Atawhaitia, manaakitia mō ake tonu. All people in the Nelson/Tasman community have access to high quality compassionate palliative care.
To assist patients to make the most of the life that remains and to ensure that patients die comfortably, with dignity and in the place of their choice. To provide support and care for the family/whānau and close friends during the patient’s illness and in bereavement.
Respect and Dignity – Whakaute me whakarangatira
This value commits us to honour the autonomy and worth of all people. To work in partnership with colleagues, patients, their whānau and people in the community. This requires us to acknowledge that each person is unique with their own physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural strengths and needs.
Advocacy – Kaiāwhina
This reminds us to ensure everyone can equally and fairly access our care services. Supportive networks allow us to ensure all voices are heard and individual rights are upheld.
Compassion – Manakitanga
An important part of our role in the community. Compassion compels us to be sensitive and supportive to one another. Manakitanga means ‘to extend aroha to each other’.
Quality -Kounga
A commitment to excellence through sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise within Hospice and the Nelson Tasman community. We do this with ongoing quality improvement, regular training and a devotion to best practice in all aspects of our work.
Trust – Tiakitanga
This value reinforces the values of compassion, quality, advocacy, respect and dignity by ensuring that we sustain a commitment to integrity and honesty.
Vacancies
Work with Nelson Tasman Hospice Trust
The top of New Zealand’s South Island has it all – be it outdoor adventures, boutique vineyards, gourmet food or beautiful scenery. This is your chance to work and play in a special place at a time of unprecedented opportunity.
For over 30 years Nelson Tasman Hospice has been a regional leader in providing specialist palliative care for people with life limiting illnesses, enabling them to live “every moment” until they die. Our passionate colleagues and volunteers embrace our vision – to care always – to meet the needs of our ever-growing community, and our mission – to assist patients to make the most of life that remains.
If you are interested in joining this dedicated team, helping to deliver quality care to people in our community please click the link below for details of current opportunities.
Palliative Care
‘Palliative care’ is the provision of caring and dignified support and services for people of all ages facing a life-limiting condition.
If you have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, palliative care aims to:
- allow you to live the way you want during and after treatment and
- equip your family and caregivers to support you while taking care of themselves.
Palliative care is provided wherever the person is, whether that is in their homes, in hospice facilities, in hospital or in aged residential care.
Hospices, such as Nelson Tasman Hospice, are the main providers of specialist palliative care services.
Assisted Dying
The assisted dying service allows people with a terminal illness to request medication to end their life. This service is only available for people who meet strict eligibility criteria.
The End of Life Choice Act in Aotearoa came into effect in November 2021 legalising Assisted Dying for eligible individuals with a terminal illness. Nelson Tasman Hospice adopted a position of conscientious objection, viewing Assisted Dying and palliative care as distinct services, while respecting the rights of patients to choose Assisted Dying. This position has never been one of isolation. From the outset, we have actively sought opportunities to collaborate with Assisted Dying providers to ensure that patients and whānau experience care that is seamless, respectful, and grounded in compassion.
Building Collaborative Pathways
In early 2023, a joint communication pathway was developed between Nelson Tasman Hospice and local Assisted Dying providers. Since then, regular meetings and updates have strengthened relationships, providing clarity for colleagues and smoother processes for patients. As the regional Assisted Dying team observed: “The good communication between the Assisted Dying team and Hospice helps patients to navigate services at a difficult time.”
Our own teams have also seen the benefits, particularly the value of having clear processes and regular opportunities for interface with Assisted Dying providers. These connections enhance care for patients and families, while also supporting staff wellbeing through shared understanding and consistent practice
Hospice NZ
Nelson Tasman Hospice Trust is a full member of Hospice New Zealand
Hospice New Zealand is the national organisation that represents all hospice services in New Zealand. Hospice isn’t run by a “head office” body, as all NZ Hospice members are independently governed and managed at a local level. Hospice New Zealand work in partnership with all member services to ensure people needing end of life hospice care are well supported.
Recent Articles
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Thank you Pub Charity, for helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients
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Auction Items for Keir Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament 2026
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More ways to give: our new Donation and Distribution Centre
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Thank you, Nelson Pine Industries
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A Lasting Legacy: Remembering Jan Cullinane
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New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) funds essential equipment our Hospice Op Shops
We’re incredibly grateful to New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) for a grant of $7,707.22 towards essential equipment for our new…
