Consumer Advisory Group
Strengthening community voice in Palliative Care
The Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) plays an important role in our strategic direction. The group has helped open new ways for the Hospice to connect with the community. It works in two main areas: raising awareness about the Hospice and the range of services we offer and listening closely to how people see us and how well we support their physical, spiritual, psychosocial and cultural needs.
The insights and feedback gathered by the group are helping shape both our day-to-day work and our long-term planning. The group reflects the diversity of the Hutt Valley community and upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in its approach. Each member brings meaningful community connections, experience with hospice care, and a commitment to collaboration that respects differences and promotes equity.
This year, the group actively contributed to the co-design of resources that reflect and uphold Māori perspectives, ensuring cultural authenticity and respect. Additionally, they have contributed to collaboration with Pacific Health Services, to tailor communication to better serve Pacific communities and ensure their voices and needs are reflected in our messaging.
The CAG was instrumental in the design and development of our bereavement survey, ensuring it was shaped by lived experience and community insight. Their involvement helped shape the survey to be sensitive, inclusive, and focused on capturing meaningful feedback from whānau.
The group was also actively involved in the redesign of care planning processes to strengthen patient choice and voice, ensuring care is more person-centred and responsive. The CAG also contributed to the development of Clinical and Strategic Plans, helping to shape the future direction of hospice services. Their insights informed staff education sessions focused on improving the experience of patients and families, and they participated in governance discussions and community consultations to ensure broader perspectives were considered in decision-making.
Te Omanga Hospice was recognised by the Health Quality and Safety Commission (Te Tāhū Hauora) as a national example of strong community engagement. The CAG was highlighted for using a self-assessment tool and involving people in the design of services. This work reflects Te Omanga Hospice’s commitment to working with whānau, learning from lived experience and building strong partnerships.
Meet the members of the Consumer Advisory Group
Mark Scott, Chair, Consumer Advisory Group
I have a half century of experience as a journalist, communications consultant and organisational strategist in New Zealand, Germany and the United States.
As a cancer survivor, I’m now fortunate to be able to bring strategic direction to Te Omanga Hospice’s interactions with patients, their families and the wider palliative care sector in New Zealand.
I am committed to equity in service delivery and to listening to, and acting on, the experiences of those we support to ensure we continue to provide sector-leading patient-centred care.
Charlotte Crowe
After caring for my husband, who passed away from Motor Neuron Disease in December 2023, I feel honoured to be part of the Consumer Advisory Group. This is a way for me to give back in his memory and to support others on a similar path.
I’m passionate about advocating for people with long-term, non-cancer, life-limiting illnesses, drawing on the insight gained through our experience with MND. With a background in HR, events, and recruitment across both public and private sectors, I value being able to listen, connect, and contribute in a meaningful way.
At Te Omanga Hospice, I’m grateful for the opportunity to use both my personal and professional experience to help strengthen the incredible care the Hospice provides.
Noeline Aitken
I’m often asked why I chose to do volunteer work with Te Omanga Hospice. Simply put, I was motivated by deep gratitude. Three of my loved ones my mother, brother & partner all required & received hospice care before they died. The more recent being my brother & partner who died seven months apart.
I cannot put into words how impressed & grateful I was at the expertise, exceptional care, love & compassion received before they passed away.
It is a joy to be one of the large volunteer team at Te Omanga Hospice. I participate in a range of different roles, but my involvement in the Consumer Advisory Group is an absolute privilege & a wonderful opportunity.
My professional background was in corporate environments, with no medical knowledge at all. However, I am grateful for the opportunity to support in whatever way possible as we focus on some impressive goals to improve, communicate & deliver superb care for our people in need. Free & available for one & ALL!!
Sophie Munro (Ngai Tumapuhui-ā-rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu)
I am a proud mokopuna of Tumapuhui-ā-rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu, and I bring cultural and strategic leadership to social and health policy. My expertise spans disability (Tangāta Whaikaha), whānau wellbeing, and kaupapa Māori design, underpinned by a background in Health Psychology and senior roles across government. I apply design thinking, behavioural insights, and trauma-informed approaches to ethical, whānau-first policy, with work published by Yale University and recognised in award-winning initiatives including disability employment and privacy frameworks.
Beyond the public sector, I volunteer in advisory board roles, active in my hapū and contribute to community research focused on improving outcomes for rangatahi affected by FASD. I am deeply committed to principled public service and advancing meaningful, culturally grounded outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.
Janis Awatere
Kia Ora
Ko Janis Awatere ahau, Te Ātiawa.
In my role as Kaitiaki at Kokiri Marae Haurora and Social Services, I coordinate Te Mauri.
Te Mauri is a ropū for Maori whānau on a journey with cancer that supports the whole of the whānau, not just the individual.
Beginning in 2017, Te Mauri was the first indigenous response for whānau that was steeped in Te Ao Māori.
Whānau experience Kōtahitanga and Whānaungatanga alongside karakia, kai, education, support and our pūrākau stories of creation.
Te Mauri encompasses Wairua and Mauri, the essence of life.
Joanne Doherty
Our whānau received care, compassion and expertise from Te Omanga Hospice when Jack, my husband, died over two years ago. It is a privilege to give back through the Consumer Advisory Group.
I am a writer who has worked in health for five decades, in recent years in the cancer pathway for Māori whānau. I am Tangata Tiriti and committed to building equity in palliative care.
I live in Muritai and belong to Te Wakaiti Marae in Featherston.