Hospice South Volunteers Win Prestigious National Health Award

Hospice South's volunteer team has been recognised with a Minister of Health Volunteer Award, taking out the Community NGO category at a ceremony held at Parliament.

The award acknowledges the contribution of more than 400 volunteers who collectively provided over 46,500 hours of service in the past financial year — the equivalent of 127 hours of care every day.

Volunteer Coordinator Toni Eade and Shirley Keen, a volunteer with more than 33 years of service, accepted the award on behalf of the team. The presentation was made by Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown, alongside Health NZ Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley and Director General of Health Audrey Sorenson.

"This award belongs to every volunteer who gives, or has given, their time to Hospice," Eade said.

"This recognition reflects the compassion and commitment of our volunteers, who support individuals and whānau through some of life's most challenging moments."

The Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been held annually since 2013, honouring individuals and groups who contribute to health and wellbeing across New Zealand. This year's recipients ranged in age from 17 to 90.

Hospice South Chief Executive Pete Thompson said the recognition highlighted the strength of the region's volunteer community.

"Our volunteers are the backbone of Hospice South. This honour reflects not only their generosity, but the standard of care and compassion they deliver every single day."

Hospice South volunteers support the organisation across retail, fundraising, patient support, administration and community engagement, helping ensure specialist palliative care services remain available free of charge.