Our History
Mercy Hospice Auckland began as St Joseph’s Hospice in 1979 making us one of New Zealand’s oldest hospices. Care for the dying has been integral to the work of the Sisters of Mercy since their foundation in Ireland in the 19th century.
Whilst the Sisters have served the Auckland community in this work since the 1950s at Mater Misericordiae Hospital (later Mercy Hospital) it was the advent of the hospice movement which led to the establishment of St Joseph’s Mercy Hospice in its own right. Even when the Sisters of Mercy sold Mercy Hospital in 2002 they retained the hospice because it is such a fundamental expression of their mission.
In 2006 the hospice was renamed Mercy Hospice Auckland in preparation for its move to purpose-built premises in Ponsonby and its wider role in the community. Our inpatient hospice unit at the new building has been named St Joseph's, retaining an important link with our history. The original building, site and $3.5 million have been generously donated by the Sisters of Mercy.
Our hospice provides for the cultural and spiritual needs of all Aucklanders offering support from a team of caring professionals and volunteers.
Mercy Hospice Auckland is now run by CEO Jan Nichols appointed by the Mercy Healthcare Board of Directors. Nearly 65% of operating costs are provided by the Auckland District Health Board with the remaining 35% having to be raised from the community. The Mercy Hospice Auckland Foundation has established an Endowment Fund to provide income to support the hospice’s future operational costs.
For more information on the Sisters of Mercy please visit their website www.sistersofmercy.org.nz