Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki has received a significant boost thanks to the generosity of Patea Kilwinning Lodge No. 18 and the New Zealand Freemasons Grand Charity. A total of $10,000 has been donated to enhance the hospice’s stock of essential equipment, ensuring patients and their family and whānau receive the support they need.
The donation was made possible through funds from the former Manaia Lodge, which sold its lodge rooms in Manaia and merged with Patea Kilwinning No. 18. Patea Kilwinning Lodge contributed $5,000 from these funds, which was then matched dollar-for-dollar by the New Zealand Freemasons Grand Charity. This funding allowed the Hospice Taranaki team to purchase a range of much-needed equipment, particularly for South Taranaki, where resources were running low.
Marie O’Brien, South Taranaki Equipment Officer, provided a wish list of essential items, which this donation has helped to fulfil. The additional equipment will ensure that all patients across South Taranaki have access to the resources they need. It will also help meet the growing demands of patient care, providing vital comfort and support.
Patea Kilwinning Lodge No. 18, operating under the banner of Freemasons Taranaki (New Zealand Constitution), continues to play an active role in supporting communities across South Taranaki. Though the lodge had to sell its own rooms in Patea, meetings are now held at the Masonic Lodge on Broadway in Stratford. The lodge remains committed to serving the region, from Hawera to Patea, welcoming new members and supporting local initiatives through charitable donations.
Taranaki District Charity Officer, Roger Gregory, who co-ordinated this donation, also works closely with lodges across the district to apply for funding from the Grand Charity in Wellington. These funds support a range of charitable causes, including schools, clubs, special grants for individuals, and other community-focused projects. Plans are already underway for a district-wide initiative to raise further funds for Hospice Taranaki, reinforcing the Freemasons’ long-standing commitment to community care.
Hospice Taranaki CEO, Paul Lamb, and the wider team are deeply grateful for this generous contribution, which directly impacts the quality of care provided to patients, their family and whānau. This act of kindness represents the values of compassion and service, ensuring that those in need receive the very best support during life’s most challenging times.
For those interested in learning more about Patea Kilwinning Lodge or exploring opportunities to become involved, the lodge welcomes enquiries from men in South Taranaki who share their commitment to service and community support.
Photo, left to right:
Marie O’Brien – South Taranaki Equipment Officer Hospice Taranaki
Glenda Butturini – Quality & Systems Manager Hospice Taranaki
David Stowell – Treasurer/Secretary Patea Kilwinning Lodge 18
Graeme Harvie – Worship Master of Patea Kilwinning Lodge 18
Roger Marshall – District Grand Master Taranaki – Freemason
Paul Lamb – CEO Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki
Roger Gregory – Taranaki District Charity Officer – Freemason
