Colorful neon sign with illustrations of two women with long hair, hearts, flowers, natural burial shroud and a kiwi carrying a banner that says 'go with the jo's'

β€œBringing death care back home is about remembering what our ancestors always knew.”

β€œBefore, during and after - we are here for those who wish to approach death naturally and consciously. We are honoured to walk beside you, for as long or as little as you need. Held with care. Guided with heart.”

Before, During & After

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Before, During & After πŸ•ŠοΈπŸ€πŸ•ŠοΈ

What Is A Deathwalker?

A Deathwalker is a trained professional who offers compassionate, non-judgemental, holistic support to individuals and their loved ones during the final stages of life. This care is non-medical and centres on emotional presence, practical guidance, and spiritual support, honouring each person’s unique beliefs and wishes.

A Deathwalker will walk alongside families/whanau through the many stages of dying, helping to ease fear, encourage open conversations, and create space for meaning, connection, and peace. Their role is to empower those involved to approach death with dignity, understanding, and heartfelt care.

  • We believe death is not something to be hidden away. It is a sacred threshold, and it also belongs at home, with family/whanau, held by those who we love deeply.

    Bringing death care back home is about remembering what our ancestors always knew: that care, ritual, and presence are powerful healers. When we slow down and tend this time with intention, death becomes less about fear and more about connection.

    From the first whisper of prognosis through to Advance Care Planning (ACP), sitting bedside vigil, transition and afterdeath care, we walk beside you with open hearts and steady hands. We create space for the conversations that matter, gently and honestly, and always in your own time, so wishes can be honoured and respected.

    Our work is family/whanau-led and guided by beliefs, cultural practices, and spiritual needs. We listen first. We follow your lead. This is YOUR journey, not ours. We are simply companions along the path.

    We are big on CHOICES and believe that you have the right to choose how YOUR final chapter unfolds … the way that YOU wish. Your final curtain call details deserve to be fulfilled whether it be simple, earthy, elegant, totally fabulous or somewhere in-between. We will help assist you in putting the YOU back into unique.

    We invite you to connect with us for a complimentary 30-minute Zoom or in-person conversation to talk through your needs. Together, we can thoughtfully tailor our support to honour your wishes and align with your budget.
    Our standard rate is $60 per hour.

Also known as an End-of-Life Doula, Death Doula, Death Coach, Death Midwife, End-of-Life Companion, Death Companion, End-of-Life Coach or Soul Midwife.

A woman Jo Carter, End-of-Life Doula, with long blonde hair and a white top, smiling, surrounded by a floral border of green leaves and branches.
A woman Jo Payne, End-of-Life Doula, smiling inside a decorative circle made of green leaves.

β€œSacred textiles may be lovingly woven into the design. A fragment of a wedding dress, a well-worn garment or a cloth infused with memory can become a vessel of story, devotion and love/aroha. Each fibre carries meaning. Each stitch holds remembrance.”

Let’s Connect

We are here.
If questions are stirring, or you feel a quiet nudge to reach out, you are warmly invited to connect with us. You may use this form or reach us by email, text, phone or Zoom. However you arrive, know this: if we can help, we will meet you with care, presence, confidentiality and an open heart.