Term 3, 2026 Course B
September 17: “Demystifying Death -Understanding the End of life”
Speaker: Dr Kate Reid, QSM, PhD, FCIS, FGNZ, JP, MA, RN. Senior Lecturer, University of Canterbury, School of Health Sciences.
Kate's nursing experience is grounded in oncology and palliative care, incorporating clinical practice, leadership, education, management, research, governance and mentorship positions, in local, national and international roles.
Dr Reid will share her experience of the normal signs and symptoms of the dying body and mind, dispel myths and be open to any questions you have been ‘dying to ask’, so that we may feel dispel fears and better support our friends, family and community in this normal natural part of life. Kate will talk about dying and death with an interested audience today, using the appropriate language and not hiding behind the euphemisms such as “Passing” which she has strong aversion to.
September 24: “Therole of the Funeral Director”
Speaker: Tony Garing, JP, General Manager and Funeral Director at John Rhind.
Tony is also a member of Woolston Brass, Christchurch Rotary, a Justice of the Peace, and Board Member of WindsorCare.
The presentation will encompass topics including guiding bereaved families through the end-of-life process, legal requirements and physical care of the deceased. The management of everything from transporting the body and preparing it for burial or cremation, to organising the ceremony itself.
October 1: “Cultural Approaches to Funerals”
Speaker: Tony Garing, JP
This presentation will outline traditional and alternative funerals covering such topics as Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist ceremonies and customs. It will include new thinking regarding ceremonies such as cremation first and followed by a ceremony. Tony will also discuss how funerals increasingly focus on the deceased rather than a religion or ideology.
October 8: “End of life choices”
Speaker:Stuart Brougham, VP, End of Life Choices NZ.
Stuart joined the Society in 2020 after becoming concerned that his parents’ wishes in terms of palliative care were not being followed. He participated in a number of debates on EOLC leading up to the 2020 referendum. Stewart was the Christchurch Regional Representative before taking up a position on the National Committee in 2022.
This presentation will discuss assisted dying and the legal ramifications of the 2019 End of Life Choice Act.
October 15: “Legal Aspects”
Speakers: Jeroen Vink and Chantal Morkel, Barristers and Solicitors, partners at Malley & Co Lawyers.
Jeroen was named one of NZ Lawyers’ Rising Stars for 2024, recognising New Zealand’s top young lawyers who are defining the future of the legal profession. Chantel commenced her legal career in South Africa. She specialises in business, trust, asset planning, property and retirement village development.
Discussion will cover legal aspects of 'approaching the end of life', especially matters relating to wills, powers of attorney and probate.