Our Position

The End of Life Choice Act 2019  (EOLC Act)

Nga Whaea Atawhai Sisters of Mercy have provided care to New Zealanders since 1850. Thanks to their desire to achieve excellence in all they do, the name Mercy is now synonymous with care for vulnerable, sick and disadvantaged people. Today, Te Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice continues this rich heritage and has provided palliative care for the people of Auckland for more than 40 years.

The philosophy underpinning the care at Te Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice is that all human life is to be treasured and treated with dignity. We consider that the provision of high-quality palliative care alleviates suffering and provides support to the patient and their whānau so they may use their precious time in ways which are most meaningful to them. Te Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice adheres to the core principle of palliative care, which is to provide holistic care that does not seek to shorten life or delay death.

In relation to The End of Life Choice Act 2019, which came into force in New Zealand from 7th November 2021, Te Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice does not provide assisted-dying services as described in the EOLC Act. This service is not part of our scope of practice, which is based on humanitarian, ethical, professional, and values-based considerations.

We assure all patients and their whānau that we continue to care for them with the deepest levels of compassion and dignity, and the highest standards of palliative end of life care.