Melanie Humphries-Connolly

Kia ora, I’m Mel.

With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, specialising in palliative care, hospice, older adult mental health and dementia care, along with my training as an End of Life Doula, I offer compassionate, holistic support to individuals and their whānau.

Through calm presence and deep listening, I provide practical guidance, advocacy, and sacred care that honours the emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural aspects of each person and those close to them. I believe everyone deserves a gentle and dignified transition, held with love.

Planning & Empowerment

Helping you organise important decisions with care and clarity.

• Advance Care Planning

• Organising personal affairs

• Knowledge and insight to make informed decisions

• Advocacy and deep listening

  
  

End of Life Care

Providing personalised, practical, and emotional care.

• Respite care and carer support

• Companionship and bedside vigil

• Education about the dying process

• Creating tender, meaningful moments

  
  

Rituals & Emotional Support

Honouring your spiritual and emotional needs through meaningful practices.

• Sacred space, ritual, and ceremony creation

• Holistic aromatherapy

• Legacy work and memory-making

  
  

After Death & Bereavement Care

Gentle care for you and your whānau beyond death.

• After-death care, including natural body care (Manaaki Mats available), or support for other choices made by the person and their whānau

• Funeral and memorial guidance

• Support through grief and loss

Community Engagement

I actively contribute to my local community by co-facilitating Death Cafés and supporting national initiatives such as Dying Matters Week, Compassionate Communities, and Death Without Debt.

A Little About Me

I’m also a mother, musician, yoga enthusiast and nature lover. My practice is grounded in compassion, respect, and a deep appreciation for life’s impermanence.

Feedback from those I've supported:

'"Mel accompanied me and Mum at the end of her life, her presence was profoundly supportive — not just in practical ways, but emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. She is a treasure.”

 —Tink Stephenson (whānau)

“It was such a relief to meet with you and feel I have someone to share the load with. I feel much better about facing my death with your support.”

— C.G. (individual)

“I just wanted to touch base and let you know that all went well for my dad’s life celebration. You made a huge difference to us, and I know my mum really appreciated your company and excellent support.”

— Whānau

Please feel free to phone or email me to arrange a complimentary 30-minute chat.

I’d love to explore how I can support you during this important time.

Available for in-person and remote support.