11 October 2006
Keith Quinn Appointed Patron Of Te Omanga Hospice Foundation
Te Omanga Hospice today announced that well known sports commentator, Keith Quinn, has agreed to become patron of the Te
Omanga Hospice Foundation.
The Te Omanga Hospice Foundation, which was launched this week, has been established to help bridge a funding gap
currently running at $2.3 million a year. This is the shortfall between the funding the Hospice receives from the
District Health Boards and the actual cost of providing a free service to terminally ill patients and their families in
the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.
Mrs Biddy Harford, Te Omanga Hospice’s chief executive says, “We are delighted Keith has agreed to become patron of the
newly established Foundation. He is someone who identifies with the work of the Hospice, having had a family member with
a terminal illness. His willingness to become involved and lend his support to Te Omanga is very much appreciated.
”Keith is a remarkable New Zealander; widely recognised as the country’s leading sports commentator. Since his first
broadcast in 1967, he has covered seven Olympic Games, nine Commonwealth Games, all five Rugby World Cup finals, and
over 200 rugby test matches. Keith has won numerous honours for his contribution to sport including the Sir Lance Cross
Memorial Trophy from the New Zealand Olympic Committee for services to Olympic and Commonwealth media coverage, the
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) Lifetime Award for outstanding contribution to sport, and in the 1997 Queen’s
Birthday Honours made a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM; equivalent of the British MBE).”
Te Omanga Hospice endeavours to help its patients make the most of their remaining life and to ensure that they die
comfortably, with dignity, and in their homes if that is their wish. The Hospice is a service, not just a building,
which also provides care and support to the patient’s family and close friends during the illness and in bereavement.
Mrs Harford says, “The Hospice believes our services should be available to all who need it; regardless of their means.
However, the annual cost of providing our services is around $4.4 million, of which only $2.1 million is currently
funded by the Crown through the District Health Boards.”
The Hospice funds the shortfall from the communities it serves and is reliant upon the support and generosity of people,
businesses and philanthropic trusts throughout the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.
“While we are very appreciative of the community’s ongoing generosity; the cost of providing comprehensive care is
increasing each year. For this reason, the trustees believed it prudent to establish a Foundation that could in time
reduce the ongoing uncertainty associated with the Hospice’s current funding arrangements,” Mrs Harford said.
ENDS