Melanie Humphries-Connolly

Kia ora, I'm Mel.

I am a trained End of Life Doula and Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience, specialising in palliative and hospice care, mental health for older adults, and dementia care.

With my comprehensive nursing background and role as an End of Life Doula, I provide a holistic approach that supports the physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being of individuals, whānau, and their circle of care. Through my calm presence, I offer practical guidance to address the unique needs of each person, while helping whānau and care teams navigate this important time. I am dedicated to ensuring that each person's end of life experience is one of peace, comfort, and dignity.

I am passionate about transforming how we approach death—'to do death better'—with compassion, and understanding. My journey has been shaped by a deep respect for life's impermanence, developed through time spent with the dying. My practice is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a compassionate, well-supported transition from life to death and beyond.

I actively engage in my community through a variety of initiatives, including co-facilitating the Hutt Valley Death Café, hosting workshops and Death Over Dinner events, and supporting key movements such as Compassionate Communities, Dying Matters Week, and Death Without Debt.

In addition to my professional role, I am a mother, musician, yoga enthusiast, and Deathwalker, with an appreciation for nature and a love for warm, sunny tropical islands.

Services and offerings

• Advance Care Planning

• Guidance on getting your affairs in order

• Empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your end of life choices and care

• Support and encouragement to maintain a sense of control and autonomy along the way

• Listening deeply and advocating for you when needed  

• Planning well for a peaceful and gentle death

• Education on the dying process and what to expect

• End of life companionship and vigil at the bedside

• Co-creating sacred space, rituals and ceremonies

• Holistic aromatherapy for spiritual and emotional support

• Legacy work - creating meaningful moments and memories

• After death care - Manaaki Mats available (cooling resource for deathcare)

• Funeral and memorial guidance

• Bereavement and loss support 

  
  

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.