Waerea Study Resources
Educational Resources
Accessible resources for assisted dying
Assisted Dying Service: General Information
Heath New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
About the Assisted Dying Service Overview information
This information sheet provides an overview of the assisted dying service available in New Zealand since November 2021. It is a practical guide for people and their whānau on what to expect throughout the process, from eligibility through to planning for an assisted death.
- Eligibility criteria and what conditions must be met to access the service.
- The formal assessment process, including the role of attending doctors and independent assessors.
- How whānau can support a person through the process.
- Planning for an assisted death, including choosing a date, time, method, and who is present.
- The person’s right to change their mind at any point.
- Information on cost, and what is and is not covered by the service.
- Contact details for Health New Zealand and the SCENZ Group.
Assisted dying service general information sheet
Assisted Dying Service: Easy Read Guide Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
This is an easy read version of the assisted dying service general information sheet, designed for people who find plain, simple language helpful. It covers the same key information but with added detail on:
- The role of whānau and family in supporting the person through the process.
- Cultural practices that can be included on the day, such as karakia (prayers, incantations, chants), music, or readings.
- Plain language explanations of key terms and concepts throughout.
New Zealand Health Research Council funded national wide study ‘Exploring the early experiences of the assisted dying service in Aotearoa New Zealand’
Website: Exploring the early experiences of the assisted dying service in Aotearoa
Books to support whānau in preparation for Assisted Dying
The Many Faces of MAID: What to Expect When Someone You Know Chooses Medical Assistance in Dying
Cynthia Clark and Carol Cram
If you are supporting a loved one through a medically assisted death, or grieving one who has passed, this book was written for you. Seventeen families and loved ones share their honest, personal stories of walking alongside someone who chose assisted dying. Their experiences are wide and varied, from peaceful to painful, expected to unexpected. This book is not a guide, but a gentle reminder that whatever you are feeling is valid, and that you are not alone in this journey.
Education and Training Recommendations
Education and training for student healthcare professionals during tertiary education.
Inclusion of assisted dying for Māori in clinical training for students.