Meet The Team

Tina McCafferty – A Life of Compassionate Leadership

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Tina is of Scots-Irish descent and has called Aotearoa New Zealand home for the past 26 years. She is deeply committed to South Auckland — its people, its strength, and its future — and to ensuring that every individual in this vibrant and diverse district has equitable access to hospice palliative and end-of-life care.

With over thirty years’ experience in healthcare — spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, and governance — Tina has been Tōtara’s Chief Executive since 2015. Her decision to join Tōtara was grounded in a deeply held belief: that how we care for people at the end of life is a profound reflection of our humanity, our compassion and our commitment to equity.

For Tina, Tōtara’s work is about honouring a life lived, creating space for legacy, and supporting whānau to live well through loss. She sees this as essential to the overall health community across the full cycle of life.

“We are community”

Dr James – A Voice of Care in Palliative Medicine

 
With over 17 years in palliative medicine, Dr James transitioned from hospital care to hospice work, driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—and in their final moments. At Tōtara Hospice, he found a place where compassion meets clinical excellence, and where every day offers the chance to ease suffering and restore dignity.
 

The work at times is emotionally intense, often involving back-to-back conversations with families facing loss. That’s why self-care and team care are essential. Whether it’s stepping outside for fresh air or encouraging colleagues to take a moment to reset, Dr James ensures the team stays grounded—so each whānau receives the presence and support they deserve.

Some of his most rewarding moments come when pain is lifted and people rediscover comfort. Patients often arrive feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, but with the right care, they begin to feel more at ease, supported, and themselves again. These transformations—like a good night’s sleep after months of suffering—are what make the work so powerful. Yet, misconceptions about hospice persist; Dr James hopes that open conversations will help people seek support earlier, when it can make the greatest impact.

Known for his bright yellow scrubs and occasional cartoon-themed ties, Dr James brings warmth and approachability to every interaction. For him, palliative care is about living well until the end—sharing stories, laughter, and connection.

“Don’t call me a hero,” he says. “The real heroes are the people we care for—their courage, their trust, and their love are what inspire us every day.”

Read Dr James’ interview with RNZ – Helping dying people “feel comfortable to be themselves”

Clarice – Every Breath Matters

After two decades as a physiotherapist across New Zealand and Australia—spanning sports rehab, elder care, and neurological recovery—Clarice now leads the Allied Health team at Tōtara Hospice. As Allied Health Manager, she oversees a diverse group of professionals including counsellors, social workers, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. Together, they partner with nurses and doctors to provide care that nurtures the whole person—caring for not just their medical needs, but their emotional wellbeing too.

Clarice believes hospice care is about honouring life, even at its end. It’s not about giving up—it’s about finding meaning, connection, and strength in the moments that matter. Whether supporting patients and whānau directly or empowering her team to do their best work, she is committed to helping people live as fully as possible, right to the end.

What grounds her in this emotionally demanding work is faith, movement, and connection—with the people she loves. Running, gym time, and reflection help keep her centred. One moment that stands out for Clarice is helping a patient, Kenneth, stand and hug his children after months apart—a gesture of love that said more than words ever could.

For Clarice, a “good death” means being heard, feeling love, and having choice. Her advice to anyone facing a terminal diagnosis is simple: speak your truth, say what matters. “Hospice is here not just to support dying—but to help people live meaningfully, for as long as they can.”

Dr Bart – Glorious Chaos and Quiet Strength After years in general practice and aged residential care—including serving as Chief Medical Officer at Selwyn Village—Dr Bart found a new calling in hospice. What began as part-time work at Tōtara Hospice soon became a full-time commitment, drawn by the depth of connection and purpose found in palliative care. Today, he works across inpatient, community, and aged care services, embracing the variety and unpredictability of each day. Hospice work is complex and emotionally rich. Some days begin gently and end in what Dr Bart calls “glorious chaos.” But through it all, the strength of the team—skilled nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals—creates a shared sense of purpose. “You feel it,” he says; “everyone’s involved in the care.” The emotional weight of the work is real. One patient, a parent with children the same age as his own, brought him to tears during a conversation about how to explain death. “You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel it,” he reflects. Professional Supervision, family support, and paddleboarding on Sundays help him decompress and stay grounded. What gives Dr Bart the most strength is connection—those small, powerful moments of humour, honesty, and humanity. Hospice hasn’t changed his view of dying, but it has added depth and meaning to it. “Death isn’t always at the forefront of most people’s lives. For us, it happens every day, and for the families we care for, it’s rare and overwhelming. That’s why what we do matters.” “When things get tough, we’re here. You’re not alone.”
Marleen – Walking with Heart, Culture & Community
Marleen has been a valued member of the Tōtara Hospice whānau for over seven years, leading two vital teams: the Palliative Outcomes Initiative (POI) team and the Community Networking team. Together, they provide compassionate, culturally-grounded support to patients, whānau, and primary care providers across South and South East Auckland. She began her journey as the Māori and Pacific Liaison, a role that continues to shape her approach today. With a background in primary healthcare and a deep commitment to equity, Marleen focuses on building trust, honouring identity, and walking alongside people through some of life’s most challenging moments. For Marleen, hospice care is not just about the end of life—it’s about living well, being seen, and feeling supported. Her work is grounded in connection and culture, and she considers it a privilege to serve such a resilient and diverse community alongside a team that leads with aroha every day. Her guiding belief is simple yet powerful: “We’re not just here for the end—we’re here for the whole journey. It’s about walking alongside people with care, culture, and heart.”
Andrea – Joy, Dignity, and the Hospice Hug Andrea has been a nurse for over 30 years, originally from England and now a vital part of the Tōtara Hospice whānau for more than seven. As a Specialty Nurse in the POI team, she works across South and South East Auckland to bring early palliative support into people’s lives—often well before they reach the final stages of illness. Her work focuses on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and helping people live well, not just die well. Known for her warmth, humour, and deep compassion, Andrea is someone who instantly makes others feel seen, heard, and safe. She’s also known for being “a bit cheeky”—in the best way. Whether it’s sharing a laugh or finding small comforts that bring joy, she believes in treating people like people, not just patients. For Andrea, hospice is about dignity, autonomy, and joy—even in the hardest moments. Despite the emotional weight of the work, Andrea is intentional about self-care. She starts her mornings with a walk to gather her thoughts and ends her days by symbolically leaving “Nurse Andrea” at the carpark gate. She finds peace in arts and crafts and strength in connection—whether it’s with her team, her family, or even a quiet moment with a horse who “never tells anyone and always listens.” Her message to the community is simple: “Don’t be scared of us. Come in. Meet us. Feel the wairua. We’ll welcome you with open arms.”
Genevieve – Love in Action For Genevieve, working at Tōtara Hospice is deeply personal. After losing her husband Tala and her mother within months, she experienced the profound care hospice offers—and made a promise to give back. “I didn’t know about hospice until someone introduced it to us. It changed everything. After Tala passed, I knew I wanted to support others the way we were supported.” Genevieve joined Tōtara Hospice in Volunteer Services, later stepping into her dream role as Pacific Cultural Liaison. She now works to ensure Pacific families feel seen, heard, and supported in culturally meaningful ways. Through initiatives like bilingual Talanoa sessions, she creates safe spaces for open conversation, healing, and connection. “Speaking in your own language—it breaks down walls. People leave feeling uplifted and less alone.” Her work is a tribute to her loved ones and her community. “This is more than a job. It’s love in action. It’s where I honour my journey by walking alongside others in theirs.”

Kelly – From One Day a Week to Leading the Way

Kelly started at Tōtara Hospice sorting clothes one day a week. Today, she manages the Takanini retail store, distribution centre, logistics, a boutique children’s shop and The Second Edition store—keeping the wheels turning across multiple sites with heart, drive, and humour.

Originally from Raglan and now based in Papakura, Kelly brings a hands-on, can-do spirit to everything she does. Whether she’s coordinating truck pickups, supporting volunteers, or jumping in to help with displays, she’s always moving—and always leading by example.

Her journey into charity work began in remote Australia, where she discovered a passion for purpose-driven mahi. That passion deepened when both her parents were diagnosed with cancer. “Working here helped me understand what hospice really is. I don’t fear dying anymore—because I’ve seen the beauty in what we do.”

Kelly’s proudest achievement? Building a team that thrives even when she’s not there. “They’re amazing. They’ve got it covered—and that’s the standard I strive to uphold.”

“Every donation tells a story. Every dollar makes a difference.”