Death & Dying Info Evening at Hundertwasser Art Centre

🍃 Join us for a thoughtful, interactive evening exploring death and dying in an open, respectful way at the Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery, 81 Dent Street, Whangārei

Entry: $15.00 per person (includes light catering)

Bookings essential

Inspired by Hundertwasser's concept "Le Jardin Des Morts Heureux" (The Garden of the Happy Dead), this evening offers a kōrero on death, dying and ecological approaches to end-of-life.

Together, we'll explore:

• Natural burials
• Alternatives to traditional funerals
• Family-led farewells and healing
• The role of End-of-Life Doulas
• Palliative care options
• Te Ao Māori perspectives
• Planning ahead to ease the burden for whānau

This is not a presentation — it's a conversation. Bring your questions, curiosities, and concerns. Every voice is welcome.

Our panel of local experts includes:

• Jo Samuel – A Graceful Undertaking
• Trinity Hereora – Aratohu Tangihanga
• Stephen Jenkins – WDC Natural Burials
• Katy Mandeno – Go with Grace
• Sherie Sullivan – Sovereign Departures
• Helen Blaxland – North Haven Hospice

Understanding Natural End-of-Life Options in Aotearoa 🌿

In Aotearoa New Zealand, there's growing interest in alternative approaches to death, dying and funerals that better reflect our connection to the land and diverse cultural traditions.

Natural burials represent a return to environmentally sustainable practices, where bodies are laid to rest in biodegradable caskets or shrouds, allowing them to naturally return to the earth. As Hundertwasser envisioned: "trees growing out of people, where there are no dead, only life."

Te Ao Māori offers profound wisdom around tangihanga (funeral rites) that have sustained Māori communities for generations, emphasizing the importance of community, connection to whenua (land), and proper farewells.

End-of-Life Doulas are becoming increasingly recognized in New Zealand as valuable guides who can support the dying person and their whānau through the final journey, offering practical, emotional, and sometimes spiritual support.

Planning ahead for end-of-life matters is one of the most considerate things we can do for our loved ones. By documenting our wishes, we relieve our whānau of difficult decisions during their time of grief.

This conversation evening aims to break down taboos around discussing death while providing practical information about the choices available to New Zealanders. In our busy modern lives, we often push thoughts of mortality aside, but engaging with these topics can lead to more meaningful living and more peaceful dying.