At Mary Potter Hospice, the small, thoughtful gestures often have the greatest impact — and Jon, our Hospitality and Volunteer Manager in the Inpatient Unit (IPU), plays a key role in making those moments happen.
Jon has been part of the Hospice team for 15 years. With a diverse background in hospitality, banking, travel, and art, he brings a calm and steady presence to the busy environment of the IPU.
Each morning, Jon begins his day preparing and serving breakfast and morning tea — sometimes up to 12 meals — not only for patients, but also for visiting family members. “I always try to be there in the mornings so I can meet and talk with people,” he says. “It helps to make things feel a bit more familiar.”
He also stocks the communal lounge, answers practical questions, supports families, and works closely with more than 120 volunteers. Jon trains new team members and helps coordinate volunteer shifts — making sure everyone has the guidance they need.
“Every day is different,” he explains. “I don’t always know what to expect when I walk through the door, but that’s part of what I enjoy about the role.”
One of the things Jon values most is creating a welcoming environment. “I try to treat people as I would anyone — with respect and a sense of normality. That approach seems to help put people at ease.”
For Jon, simple conversations often stand out the most. “Once, a patient told me I was the most ‘normal’ person they’d spoken to that day — and that made them feel comfortable enough to chat and have a laugh. Those moments stay with you.”
Mary Potter Hospice provides free care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as to their whānau. The work extends beyond medical support — it’s also about practical help, thoughtful listening, and creating a space where people feel supported.
“We often hear that people’s experience at the Hospice is quite different from what they expected,” Jon says. “That’s something we hear regularly, and it’s reassuring to know we’re making things a little easier.”
The work of Mary Potter Hospice is only possible through community support. Donations help ensure services remain free and accessible to anyone who needs them.
If you’d like to support the Hospice — by donating, volunteering, or simply learning more — we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can continue to support people through every stage of their journey, in a way that’s thoughtful and reassuring.