Family Carer Education

The Kōwhai Programme was created in 2010 to provide education for whānau who are caring for loved ones who are using the Otago Community Hospice service. As well as advice, the programme also provides an opportunity for people to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

The Kōwhai Programme traditionally has been delivered via face-to-face sessions in Dunedin, Wānaka, Alexandra, Cromwell, Oamaru and South Otago.

We also recognise that the need for the Kōwhai Programme is ongoing and may not be accessible to all due to time or distance. We have created this website to ensure those who can't attend our sessions, or those who need reminders, can access all the resources on offer at all times.

We also have developed a podcast for carers which is available to anybody in the community whether engaged with any hospice or not, in the community.

Programmes in 2026 :

Dunedin

Time: 12:00pm - 2.30pm (includes a light lunch)

Location: Otago Community Hospice, 293 North Rd, Dunedin

January/February Programme - 27 Jan; 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb

April/May Programme - 14, 21, 28 April; 5, 12 May

June/July Programme - 30 June; 7, 14, 21, 28 July

September/October Programme - 8, 15, 22 29 Sept; 6 Oct

Nov/Dec Programme - 17, 24 Nov; 1, 8, 15 Dec

You can download or print a copy of the Dunedin Programme for Jan/Feb here.

Kōwhai via Zoom

We also offer the chance to attend Kōwhai via zoom on Tuesday evening concurrent with the Dunedin programme. While there is great benefit in attending the group in person and connecting with others (and get lunch served to you!) we understand that not everyone can do so. So if other commitments, or distance, prevent you from attending in person you are welcome to attend via zoom.

Zoom sessions run from 7pm to approx 8.30pm, dates as above.

Central Otago (1st Thursday of the month)

5 Feb, 5 Mar, 2 Apr, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 Aug, 3 Sept, 1 Oct ,5 Nov, 3 Dec

North Otago (2nd Thursday of the month)

12 Feb, 12 Mar, 9 Apr, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 Aug, 10 Sept, 8 Oct , 12 Nov, 10 Dec

For any queries, please contact the Kōwhai Programme Coordinator Denise van Aalst ph: (03) 473 6005 or 0800 473 6005 or email: denise.vanaalst@otagohospice.co.nz

Kōwhai Programme Resources

Psychological Health
Te Taha Hinengaro

Family Health
Te Taha Whanau

Spiritual Health
Te Taha Wairua

Physical Health
Te Taha Tinana

Ending Life Well Podcast
A podcast series for carers

Hospice Shops

Our Hospice Shops rely upon good quality items being donated. If you are clearing out the cupboards, please consider donating to one of our Hospice Shops.

Find out more