Wrapped in Care

Although Hospice Waikato’s main base is located in Hamilton East, a team of community nurses provides care for 95% of patients in their own homes, across a region stretching from Coromandel in the north to National Park in the south. The Hamilton East site is home to the organisation’s administrative team and a purpose built 11-bed Inpatient Unit, which provides symptom management and end-of-life care for patients unable to be supported at home.

Hospice Waikato also provides specialist services such as Rainbow Place, its paediatric arm. Rainbow Place supports children diagnosed with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, offering guidance, advocacy, and compassionate care for both the children and their families.

The hospice’s “cloak of care” extends further to include specialist palliative care doctors, counsellors, social workers, kaiāwhina to support cultural connections, an occupational therapist, and an equipment division that loans clinical equipment to patients so they can be cared for at home. More than 700 volunteers also contribute across the Waikato region. “Our service would look very different without the generosity of these wonderful people,” the team noted.

When asked about the main challenges, Hospice Waikato staff agreed that funding is the biggest. Health NZ covers approximately two-thirds of the cost of care, leaving the hospice to rely on community support for the remainder. This funding is not for “nice to haves” but for essential services. To help bridge the gap, Hospice Waikato operates nine thrift shops (plus one online) that generate significant funds. Community donations, grants, and fundraising events remain vital to their ability to provide care.

Over the years APL has supported Hospice Waikato in many ways. As our major market facing brand, our sponsorship is branded under APL however everyone in the Profile Group should be proud of this support. At the organisation’s largest annual fundraiser, the Hospice Waikato & Montana Food and Events Bucket List Banquet, APL donated an auction item that went on to become the highest-selling in the event’s history. That single gift funded patient meals in the Inpatient Unit for more than half a year.

More recently, APL donated aluminium for a memorial tree project, designed with kōwhai and leaves to honour Hospice Waikato’s “legacy legends.” AGP supplied glass, and APL Manufacturing provided soundproof doors for new consultation pods, enabling doctors to use their time more effectively by having quiet, private spaces for patient consultations. A Group effort for an important cause.

The long-standing partnership between Hospice Waikato and APL continues to make a tangible difference. By sharing this story, the aim is to ensure all APL staff can better understand, support, and champion the vital work Hospice Waikato provides.

When asked what message they would most like to share with APL staff, the team responded simply: “We want to raise awareness of the importance of community support. If you want to help, shop in our shops, donate your quality second-hand goods, or even get involved in volunteering yourself.”

For those who would like to learn more about Hospice Waikato and how to get involved, visit the Hospice Waikato website: www.hospicewaikato.org.nz