Sandy Millar - Celebrant & End of Life Doula

08/04/2026

Often, just showing up is enough 🙏

06/04/2026

A taphophile like me loves wandering through cemeteries, especially the fantastic Purewa, where there's a mix of ancient and recent graves.

02/04/2026

Join us at the Botany Library for this very special Death Café, in Spanish! It's a great opportunity to meet other Latino people and talk about things that matter at the end. There's no need to book for this free event - just turn up on the day. For more information, scan the QR code, visit the website, and share with your friends and family 🙏 https://www.honohono.net/events-offerings

30/03/2026

Fascinating presentation last night to ELDAA from the incredible team at Organ Donation NZ, who shared donation pathways, myths about donation (indicating it on your driver's licence is NOT enough); our collaboration with Australia; and why it's so important to spread the word about the value of having a conversation before it's too late. Check out the heart-felt plea from Wikitoria, who decided to turn her son's tragic death into a life-giving gift.

Wikitoria lost her son Clifford in an accident in 2012. She shares her experience of the organ donation process below, which also included taking Clifford home to the family marae for a night.

25/03/2026

Join me this evening for our inaugural Death Café in the Botany Library. Do your shopping, then pop up to the library for a cuppa and a chat, in a non-judgemental setting. We start at 6:00pm and go for about an hour. If the weather's putting you off, don't worry - there'll be more opportunities to join the conversation. Check out the website for other events across Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, and let's get talking! https://www.honohono.net/events-offerings

16/03/2026

A great video from a 92 woman who has great advice for living well into your later years. Released in January 2026, it covers physical exercise, finding meaning post-retirement, conversations about death with family, forgiveness, relationships with adult children, writing your memories down, and paying attention. (If you find it a bit slow, increase the playback to speed to 1.25 or 1.5 😉)

A Submission by Lorraine. Lorraine spent thirty eight years as a high school guidance counselor in Pittsburgh. This video is about what she wishes someone ha...

16/03/2026

Join me this Friday at the Onehunga Library for our first Death Cafe of the year. This open discussion is suitable for all ages and stages. Pop along for good company, a cuppa and interesting conversation.

A monthly group-led discussion about death with no agenda.

09/03/2026

Check out my latest blog, where I explain why you might want to join me at a Death Café. These free events are a collab between Honohono Tātau Katoa and Auckland Libraries, and we're offering heaps across the Tamaki Makaurau over the next few months. See you there!

What’s your first thought when I mention I’m going to a Death Café? Maybe you consider it macabre, not the sort of thing you do after late night shopping or on a sunny Sunday afternoon. But you might be surprised to learn that hundreds of people across Aotearoa are grabbing their phones and bag...

04/03/2026

Interesting - and provocative - read, about how we dispose of ashes here in Aotearoa, and across the world. There aren't many rules guiding us in NZ, but loads of cultural considerations. And - according to Andrew Malcolm of FDANZ - if you're planning on planting a rose on top of Mum's ashes, think again. The heavy metals that are a result of the cremation process are likely to be too much for the plant.

With every milestone, including death, being shaped by social media, scattering ashes can become a spectacle that clashes with Māori beliefs and local bylaws.

02/03/2026

You don't need to jump in, boots and all. End of life conversations can happen slowly, gently, at your own pace ... https://preparingtheway.com.au/conversation-about-end-of-life/?

Planning ahead doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn how to start a meaningful end of life conversation with clarity, care and confidence.

28/02/2026

You might have seen my post on Insta or FB a couple of weeks ago about Death Cafes, a conversation about death and dying guided by the people who show up on the day and supported with great resources. If you’re curious to know more, want to meet other people in the community, or just love coffee and cake, check out the range of events hosted by Auckland Libraries across the region. Or consider hosting one in your own home (or mine!) across the central and eastern suburbs – flick me a text on 021 189 5597 for more information.
https://www.honohono.net/events-offerings

24/02/2026

If you're keen to attend a Death Café in Tamaki Makaurau, check out the dates for a library near you. More dates are being added all the time, so check back again soon - and share this post with your friends and family! https://www.honohono.net/events-offerings