Supporting children & whānau on life’s toughest journey.

We are paediatric palliative care specialists. We care for babies, children and teenagers with serious illness and their whānau, from Wellington to Hawke’s Bay.

The way we care

MEDICAL EXPERTISE

Our team is led by one of New Zealand’s only specialist paediatric palliative care doctors. We work collaboratively with each child’s healthcare team (e.g. GPs, paediatricians), providing expert pain and symptom management.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

We believe in wrap around care. Our psychologist works alongside children, whānau and their schools to provide emotional support and guidance, including bereavement support.

WHEREVER YOU NEED US, FOR FREE

We come to where you need us - whether that’s at the hospital or at home. Our service is provided at no charge.

HELPING LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

We focus on helping each child make the most of whatever time they may have. We get to know them and what they love, and support them to live life to the fullest.

If you are a caregiver or health care professional to a baby, child or teenager with serious illness in the lower or central North Island, please connect with us at any time for free support.

Meet the Team

  • Dr Amanda Evans

    FOUNDER, PAEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE SPECIALIST

    Amanda studied medicine at the University of Auckland, undertaking her paediatric training at KidsFirst, Waitakere Hospital, and Starship Children’s Health. She has worked at Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, John Hunter Children’s in Newcastle, NSW, and Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington. Amanda set up Rei Kōtuku in 2023.

  • Mary Bond

    CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST

    Mary has 25 years of nursing experience, mainly in Neonatal Intensive Care and more recently as a Specialist Community Palliative Care Nurse at Wellington’s Mary Potter Hospice.

  • Claire Ewens

    EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

    Claire has 10 years experience working within schools and Early Learning Centres. Her focus is building emotional literacy and resilience skills in children and young people.

Our sponsors

We are a privately funded 3-year pilot and the only specialist paediatric palliative care service outside of Auckland. We couldn’t provide these services without the generous support from our sponsors.