Go With Grace

02/03/2026

What does dementia-friendly Aotearoa look like?
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To make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia, their carers and whānau; Alzheimers New Zealand has created free programmes and initiatives that contribute towards a dementia-friendly New Zealand.

“We want Aotearoa New Zealand to be an open and inclusive society – a friendly place where people living with dementia can exercise their right to feel valued and safe, and where they can contribute to and participate in their communities, and where they get the help and support they need.”

Find out more about their free programmes for individuals and organisations at https://alzheimers.org.nz/explore/dementia-friendly-nz/become-a-dementia-friend

25/02/2026

**NEW PODCAST EPISODE**
Moving Memories: Saving Life Stories for Future Generations
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In this episode, Katy talks to Nicola Kane, who is on a mission to save as many life stories as possible!

Nicola set up Moving Memories after losing her Dad in 2018. Regretfully, with him went many of his stories and memories, and Nicola wants to make sure other families don’t face the same loss.

Nicola supports whānau to capture the life memories of loved ones, in a beautiful legacy video that can be passed down through future generations. As well as recording stories, she believes a video also captures the true essence of the storyteller – their voice, personality, quirks, mannerisms and all the things you just can’t capture in written form.

This is a true passion project for Nicola - she describes it as the best job in the world!

🎙️Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NUYM5bBmCpgdB29MjXhTK?si=Lq9gVKuvTwOSM3LeYloJUg

22/02/2026

March 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS
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📆8 March - Death Cafe Lower
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/death-cafe-lower-hutt/
📆20 March - Brain Health Symposium
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/2026-brain-health-symposium/
📆21 March - Family-led Funerals Workshop (Auckland)
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/family-led-funerals-workshop/
📆21 March - DIY Funeral Workshop (Kapiti)
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/diy-funeral-workshop-kapiti/
📆 22 March - Death Cafe Manawatu
📆28 March - Hospice Tairawhiti Long Lunch
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/hospice-tairawhiti-long-lunch-wearable-arts/
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View all upcoming events at https://gowithgrace.nz/resources/events/

02/02/2026

**Planning Ahead for Later Life – Make 2026 Your Year**

The holiday break often brings whānau together, creating space for kōrero we don’t typically make time for. Did any conversations come up this holiday season about:What matters to you as you age?; Your wishes if you were to get sick?; What a good death might look like for you?

These conversations can be hard, emotional, and deeply personal, but they can also bring peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. If they didn’t happen, that’s okay. It’s never too late to begin.

Make 2026 your year to get your affairs in order so you can embrace the present more wholeheartedly!

We’ve put together five simple steps to get your planning journey started.
1. End-of-Life Planning
2. Healthcare Planning
3. Legal Planning
4. Financial Planning
5. Support Team Planning

👉Read our planning guide at: https://gowithgrace.nz/gwg-news/new-years-action-list/

02/02/2026

February 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS
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📆9 Feb - Free Ageing & Caring Together Well Symposium
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ccreate-age-8a5256271_the-ageing-and-caring-well-together-symposium-activity-7417767719867076608-gBOe/

📆10 Feb - Free Workshop: Behind the Scenes with a Funeral Director
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/workshop-behind-the-scenes-with-a-funeral-director/

📆12 Feb - 2026 Assisted Dying Conference
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/2026-conference-imagining-the-ideal-assisted-dying-service/

📆21 Feb - The Threshold Practice: A Mortality Mindfulness Event
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/the-threshold-practice-a-mortality-mindfulness-experience/

📆22 Feb - Death Cafe North Canterbury
https://gowithgrace.nz/product/death-cafe-north-canterbury/
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View all upcoming events at https://gowithgrace.nz/resources/events/

30/01/2026

**NEW PODCAST EPISODE**
Beautiful Farewells: Advice from a Funeral Celebrant

In this episode, Katy sits down with Libby Carson, a celebrant and executive member of Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how farewells are evolving. Libby reflects on her personal experiences and shares stories and practical advice for families who are facing funeral planning for the first time. She also gives a preview of their upcoming Behind the Scenes with a Funeral Director workshop.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gNjAmWme1kjUz2Qg4b1Pj?si=kvbCi3e5RFC7t6nTUP3wcg

23/01/2026

**NEW PODCAST EPISODE**
Treza Gallogly: Providing Holistic End of Life Support through ELDAA

In this episode, Katy talks to Treza Gallogly, delving into an old profession that has resurfaced around the world in the last few decades, and more recently in Aotearoa. There is a growing movement of doulas across the country and one of the people behind this growing movement is Treza Gallogly, the Chair of ELDAA - the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa.

🎙Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62CG5enjImpFKRsHwvHJvJ?si=Q7GLYzGBS2qiPAeGt6Vhig

19/01/2026

As New Zealand’s population ages, the number of people dying each year will rise rapidly. With hospices already experiencing funding shortages, who will care for us at the end of our lives?

Read more about New Zealand's looming crisis in palliative care at
https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/19-01-2026/how-we-die-inside-new-zealands-looming-crisis-in-palliative-care?fbclid=IwY2xjawPafEhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5NXNGejNZWFVHRUhEUFFUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlSqA5Cbiv2Xyybmi1oXoy-pbHhHN7EmpeV6x2eAIAkoLDtJy2LanAEMrJow_aem_01zlV2w5oMI4oc3Wk0_xiQ

As New Zealand’s population ages, the number of people dying each year will rise rapidly. With hospices already experiencing funding shortages, who will care for us at the end of our lives?

24/12/2025

Podcasts to help support and acknowledge grief these holidays

For those who have lost a loved one, the holiday season can elevate feelings of grief and loneliness at a time when the world expects joy. We've compiled these podcasts as something you may want to share with someone who is grieving, in the hope they find some comfort and connection through these shared stories and conversations.

🎙Grief in Common – How do you cope with grief at Christmas?
🎙Good Mourning – Coping with Christmas: Advice and Stories for Grievers
🎙Good Grief – 11 Truths About Grief at Christmas: What No One Talks About
🎙Okay, Now What Podcast – Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season
🎙Grief Out Loud Podcast - How Grief Is To Feel, Not Fix — Even at the Holidays
🎙Grief Out Loud Podcast - It’s Okay That It’s Not the Same – Grief at the Holidays

Explore podcasts: https://gowithgrace.nz/resources/podcasts/grief-in-the-holiday-season/

21/12/2025

** New Podcast**
Sovereign Departures: Helping People Face Mortality With Compassion

In this episode, Katy talks to Sherie Sullivan from Sovereign Departures. Sherie helps individuals and whānau navigate dying, death and grief in her varied roles, as end-of-life doula, death coach, family-led funeral guide and community death-literacy educator.

Sherie shares beautiful insights into how she supports people to understand their true values and let go of fear so they can safely face their mortality and plan ahead with clarity and compassion.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rp5Z0MSiNTJeKfCM8N9rA?si=wyV3twb8T8CKKDAz0OHmkw

20/12/2025

** NEW PODCAST**
The Impacts of Grief in the Workplace: Creating Compassionate Leaders

In this episode, Katy talks to Judi Johnson, founder of Grief support- Embrace Your Future, an organisation dedicated to reshaping the way leaders and workplaces understand, respond to, and integrate grief awareness into their cultures. Through her webinars and leadership training, Judi helps organisations build compassionate and psychologically safe environments where grief is acknowledged rather than avoided, and where people leaders have the tools and confidence to support staff through some of life’s hardest moments.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2utQWH108gP6157OHPJ4vC?si=5c6565c4a46f4e61

18/12/2025

🎄 Give the Gift of Compassion This Christmas 🎄

As the year draws to a close, the festive season can be a time of connection and celebration but for many, it can also bring grief, loneliness, and quiet reflection. Loss, caring responsibilities, and changed traditions can feel heavier when the world expects joy.
In our latest article, we reflect on why compassion matters more than ever at this time of year, and share simple, meaningful ways we can support one another in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

👉 Read more: https://gowithgrace.nz/gwg-news/give-the-gift-of-compassion-this-christmas/