As a Mary Potter Hospice supporter, you may know that the Mary Potter Annual Awards, proudly sponsored by KPMG is held each year. It acknowledges people, partners and groups who contribute to Mary Potter Hospice care. The event is typically in October. This year, though, a severe weather warning pushed it to November.
If you were there that night, you would have enjoyed the beautiful venue, kai and the company of around 100 people. This included supporters, volunteers, health partners, trustees, and staff. Mary Potter Hospice patron, Dame Kerry Prendergast, was there too. The evening showcased how people and organisations support patients and whānau. They do this through time, generosity, partnership, practical skills, and long-standing commitment.
The 2025 Award Winners were selected from nominations across the Mary Potter Hospice. Their stories reflect the breadth of community support that sustains hospice care in your community, while expanding its reach.
VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Volunteers contribute time, skills and care that directly support patients and families. These awards highlight people who improve the experience for those receiving hospice care.
Volunteer Award
Jenny Burdan – Porirua Day Service
Jenny’s involvement in the Day Programme at Te Whare Rānui offers patients consistent support and reassurance. Her focus on transport, weekly check-ins, and gentle coordination makes the programme reliable. It becomes a regular part of many people’s routines, helping both patients and their whānau.
Volunteer and Fundraising Award
Rod and Carol Lingard
Rod and Carol have supported hospice care for more than 25 years through the Nick Lingard Foundation, established in memory of their son. Their contributions range from donations to hands-on volunteering, festival fundraising and grant support. This has enabled services and projects that benefit communities across Kāpiti and Porirua.
Long Service Awards
Jenny Spiers has helped with Meal Service, remembrance events, fundraising, and finance admin for 25 years.
Geoff Richards has spent 30 years helping Mary Potter Hospice. This includes gardening, Meal Service, Street Appeal coordination, and community fundraising.
Alison Bailey has been helping with dinner service at the IPU for 25 years. She brings warmth and consistency to her volunteer work.
FUNDRAISING AWARDS
These awards acknowledge the generosity that enables hospice services to remain free of charge for patients and whānau.
Fundraising Award
Trust House Foundation
Trust House has been supporting hospice care for 23 years. They have contributed over $870,000 to community services and facility developments. Their support has strengthened care in Porirua, including help to establish Te Whare Rānui. This enabled projects that benefit patients and whānau across the region.
RETAIL AWARD
Retail income helps fund hospice services. This award recognises outstanding contribution to that effort.
Mike Bacon
Mike’s leadership of the Mary Potter Hospice Trade Me shop has enhanced its fundraising impact. The online store raised over $118,000 last year. This was thanks to careful presentation, volunteer coordination, and attention to detail by Mike. The funds went directly to providing free care for patients and their families.
HEALTH PARTNER AWARD
Health partners boost hospice care and enhance wellbeing in communities.
Health Partner Award
Mana Wāhine
Since 1991, Mana Wāhine has supported wāhine Māori and Pacific Peoples through culturally grounded breast and cervical screening. Their community-based approach provides safe, informed, and supported health journeys. This helps improve health outcomes in Kāpiti, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD
This award recognises work that creates safer, more stable environments for patients, whānau and staff.
Health and Safety Award
Joachim Scale
Joachim oversees the safety and upkeep of multiple hospice buildings. He skilfully handles the challenges of old infrastructure with care and professionalism. His work ensures services continue with minimal disruption and in safe, well-supported environments.
QUALITY AWARD
Quality enhancement strengthens the experience of patients, whānau, volunteers and staff.
Quality Award
Imelda Coleman
Imelda boosts quality improvement in many areas. She helps with companion services, patient visits, case reviews, and organisational initiatives. Her recent work collecting patient and whānau feedback has led to improvements that will enhance future care delivery.
TE WHETU AWARD
This award recognises someone who embodies Hospice values and makes a big difference in care quality.
Te Whetū Award
Dr Teresa Stempa
Teresa demonstrates aroha, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga. She offers clinical expertise, clarity and warmth within the Wellington Community Team. Her support for patients, whānau, and colleagues is unmatched. This on top of her dedication to teaching and professional growth. This means strengthened hospice care and confident hospice workers.
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU
Hospice care is made possible through generosity, collaboration and dedicated service. Each award recipient represents a different way that care is strengthened for people and families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.
Thank you to our event sponsor KPMG.
Your Impact and our heartfelt thanks
To read more stories of the people and partnerships that strengthen hospice care, explore the full 2024/5 Mary Potter Hospice Impact Report.