More than 80 staff, volunteers and supporters gathered on Thursday, 15 October to celebrate two milestones for Mary Potter Hospice in Kāpiti: an upgraded community base and nearly 30 years of care.
Kaumātua Peter Jackson led a blessing as part of the celebration. Chief Executive Tony Paine and Board Chair Prof. Gregor Coster addressed those gathered. Guests also shared a special anniversary cake to mark the occasion.
The Kāpiti community made the upgrade possible. They raised over $456,000 through donations, fundraising events and grants. People contributed their professional time, reduced their fees, or helped stretch the budget further.
Inside, patients and whānau will find a dedicated outpatient consultation room and refreshed spaces for counselling and art therapy. There’s also an updated Day Room with an open-plan kitchen. Improved workspaces, soundproofing and heating make the building more comfortable and practical.
Mary Potter Hospice Chief Executive Tony Paine said the improvements would make a real difference to the experience of patients and whānau.
“When people come to hospice, they’re often facing a very difficult time in their lives. Having comfortable, welcoming spaces where they can receive care, talk privately and feel supported makes a real difference.”
A community that has cared for 30 years
When the Kāpiti community base was built in 1996, it was designed to support a team of six. Today, the building hosts around 20 staff and volunteers. This shows how much hospice services in the area have grown in the last 30 years.
The Kāpiti team supports around 200 people each year, helping local patients and whānau access specialist palliative care close to home.
“To everyone who has donated, volunteered, fundraised or supported us in so many ways over the years, thank you. This is something the whole community can feel proud of, and we’re incredibly grateful.”
— Sandy McGregor, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
Looking to the future
The Kāpiti upgrade is the first step in a wider three-year plan to improve Mary Potter Hospice facilities across the region, including plans for a new Inpatient Unit at Kenepuru and a new Wellington City community base.
For nearly 30 years, people across Kāpiti have helped make local hospice care possible. Their generosity has now helped create a more comfortable, practical base for the team and the patients and whānau they support.
Celebrating together
Take a look at some of the moments from our Kāpiti community celebration.
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