Shared history, shared purpose: new partnership to shape home care for kaumātua

8 July 2026

Nurse Maude Association and Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust have entered a new partnership to co-design the future of home care for the community in Ōtautahi, bringing together more than a century of community care experience with a kaupapa Māori approach to whānau support. 


The organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their shared commitment to design and deliver home care services grounded in whānau, responsive to Māori, and connected to the wider needs of the community. 

The partnership brings together Nurse Maude's long-standing expertise in home and community health care with Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust’s kaupapa Māori approach and extensive experience supporting whānau from māmā and pēpi through to our kaumatua services such as our Taurite Tū; Wai Ora and Oranga Tonutanga programmes. Together, the organisations will explore new models of care that support whānau and kaumātua to remain well, connected and living independently at home. 


The signing, held in the lead-up to Matariki, reflected the shared values and whakapapa of both organisations. Matariki is a time to remember those who have gone before us, give thanks for the present, and look ahead with hope. 


A strong theme throughout the day was the legacy of Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts and Sibylla Maude, two remarkable wāhine whose vision, compassion and commitment to their communities continue to shape the work of both organisations. This partnership honours that legacy, while creating opportunities for future generations. 

While the partnership has a strong focus on improving outcomes for Māori, both organisations believe the learning and approaches developed through this mahi have the potential to strengthen home care services for everyone in Ōtautahi. 

Reflections from our leaders 


Karen Coutts, Chair of Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust, said the partnership represented an important opportunity to strengthen support for whānau across every stage of life. "Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust has long supported whānau through all ages and stages of life. This partnership adds to our kete by strengthening our ability to support kaumātua in their homes, so they can remain well, connected, and present for their mokopuna and whānau for longer."


Jane Cartwright, Chair of Nurse Maude, said the partnership reflected the natural connection between two organisations and their shared commitment to their communities."Nurse Maude has deep admiration for Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust and its enduring commitment to whānau and community care. We are proud to enter this partnership and work alongside them to better support kaumātua, whānau and hāpori. We know Sibylla would approve, and she would encourage us to get on with the good work together."

 

Geoff Milner, Manahautū – Chief Executive of Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust, said the partnership built on the legacy of both organisations. "Both of our organisations were founded by strong wāhine with a deep commitment to serving their communities. We often come back to the questions, 'What would she do?' and 'What would she think?' This partnership honours that legacy by looking to the future and working together in the best interests of kaumātua, whānau and the wider community." 


Louise Zacest, Chief Executive of Nurse Maude, said the partnership was an opportunity to develop new models of care that better reflect the aspirations of Māori while strengthening services for the wider community. "While this partnership has a clear focus on improving support for Māori, we believe the approaches we develop together can strengthen home care services for everyone who accesses care in Ōtautahi. When care is grounded in whānau, dignity and connection, everyone benefits." 


Handbook titled “Memory and Understanding” with a pen and colorful sticky notes on a wooden table
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Two people lean in forehead to forehead, sharing an intimate moment in front of a green and white wall.
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Two women smiling at a table with papers and pens in front of a green wall and screen
Bright hospital room with two beds, windows, a table, and a sink in the foreground.

Nurse Maude welcomes investment in paediatric palliative care

14 May 2026
Nurse Maude welcomes the Government’s announcement of 15.5 million in additional funding for paediatric palliative care, recognising the difference this will make for children, young people and their whānau across Aotearoa. Louise Zacest, Chief Executive of Nurse Maude, says the investment acknowledges the complexity and importance of providing compassionate, specialist care at some of life’s most challenging times. “Caring for children with life-limiting conditions, and supporting their families, requires highly skilled, multidisciplinary teams and a strong network of services. This funding is an important step toward strengthening that support for families when they need it most.” In Canterbury, Nurse Maude already provides specialist paediatric palliative care both in the community and within its hospice, supported through a combination of its own investment and the generosity of its community. “We are proud to have specialist paediatric palliative nurses as part of our team, delivering care wherever it is needed — whether that’s in a child’s home or in our hospice,” says Zacest. Nurse Maude’s new hospice, opening on 17 June, has been thoughtfully designed to support children and their families, including dedicated paediatric facilities and an adjoining room so whānau can stay close to their child during inpatient care. This space has been made possible through a generous bequest from Cantabrian Mr Cyril Smith.
Smiling man with “Delivering trusted, quality care since 1896” text and 130-year anniversary badge on blue background

Nurse Maude awarded Highly Commended in Readers Digest Trusted Brands

1 May 2026
We are delighted to share that Nurse Maude has been recognised in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands awards, receiving a Highly Commended award in the “Home Health Care” category in both 2025 and 2026.