DEATH MATTERS ALLIANCE – Planning with purpose

DEATH MATTERS ALLIANCE

• We offer information and education about end of life planning and alternatives to traditional and expensive funeral packages.
• We aim to facilitate and encourage conversations about death, dying and end of life planning.
• Having plans clearly laid out, in advance, can help to prevent unnecessary family conflict, reduce or avoid funeral debt, and facilitate healthier grieving.  By encouraging open conversations about death we hope to take the fear out of it.
• You can’t plan for what you haven’t talked about.

Main goals

• End of Life Planning
• Reducing funeral debt
• Reducing family stress
• Honouring grief
• Befriending death

End-of-Life Planning – Monique will guide you through creating an ‘Advance Care Plan’ that clearly documents your wishes for your end-of-life care, funeral, and everything in between. Having these conversations now gives you peace of mind and ensures your family knows exactly what you do – and don’t – want, removing uncertainty during an already emotional time.

Reducing funeral debt – Did you know you don’t have to engage a funeral director? Discover how, with a bit of planning, you can do it all yourself and save thousands of dollars by being your own funeral director. Or understand what is involved in funeral planning so that if you do engage a funeral director you can choose their services to suit you, your needs and your budget. Knowledge is power.

Reducing Family Stress – A clear end-of-life plan takes the burden of difficult decisions off your loved ones when they are grieving. By discussing your wishes in advance and making responsibilities clear, you can help prevent misunderstandings, reduce family conflict, and make a challenging time a little easier for everyone.

Honouring Grief – When practical decisions have already been made, your family has the freedom to focus on what matters most – grieving and remembering. Whether it’s building a casket, involving grandchildren in meaningful ways, creating a slideshow, or holding a celebration of life when the time feels right, thoughtful planning allows space for a more personal and healing farewell.

Befriending death – By gently opening conversations around life and death, we can reduce fear, strengthen community connections, and create spaces for greater understanding, support, and preparation for the journey ahead.

Together, we can create communities where these conversations are welcomed, shared, and part of everyday life.

Who are we….

Bronwen is passionate about preventing funeral debt.  She gives TED-style talks about death, dying, and DIY funerals helping groups and families to kickstart the conversation around end-of-life planning and everything it involves.

Monique is an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and legacy creator passionate about helping people navigate end-of-life with compassion, education, and thoughtful planning. She supports individuals and families to honour life, create meaningful farewells, and preserve lasting legacies.

Karen is passionate about building stronger relationships within communities. She believes that nurturing meaningful connections between people helps create communities that are better equipped to support one another through ageing, illness, dying, and grief.

Contact details

Bronwen 0276333221
Monique 0274040856
Email : deathmattersalliance2026@gmail.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/deathmattersalliance

A “thank you” to Bronwen at Death Matters Alliance for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

01/09/26