LifeStone Foundation Grief & Mourning Support
Wrapping a Korowai Atawhai: Supporting Grief with Cultural Compassion
At the LifeStone Foundation, we believe that grief is not a burden to be carried alone. In every moment of mourning, we wrap a Korowai Atawhai—a cloak of compassion—around those who grieve. This symbolic cloak reflects our commitment to care, cultural understanding, and holistic healing, especially for our Māori and Pasifika whānau.
Honouring Grief Through Cultural Values
Grief in Māori and Pasifika communities is deeply spiritual, communal, and rooted in cultural identity. Māori tangihanga (funeral rites) are sacred spaces for collective mourning, storytelling, and spiritual release. Pasifika expressions of grief often involve extended family, prayer, music, and shared rituals that reflect a collective worldview.
At LifeStone, we honour our traditions by developing resources and programmes that are culturally grounded, community-led, and spiritually sensitive. We believe that healing is most powerful when it is woven into the cultural fabric of the people it serves.
Partnering with Communities Where They Are
We know that the most effective support occurs within trusted spaces, such as churches, marae, and community hubs like Sports Clubs. That’s why we work directly with community entities to co-create grief support pathways, resources and access points that reflect the values and needs of the people they serve.
The LifeStone Foundation Church Support Programme
Our Church Support Programme is a cornerstone of this approach. It recognises the vital role churches play in pastoral care and offers both financial and practical support to strengthen their mission.
Financial Support: LifeStone donates up to 10% of the purchase price of a memorial to the family’s nominated church.
Pastoral Partnership: We collaborate with pastors and church leaders to co-design grief resources and support programmes.
Community Awareness: Churches are encouraged to share information about the programme with their congregations, helping families access support when they need it most.
This initiative was born from our own grief and faith journey, following the loss of our founder’s father, Reverend Lagaua Talagi, and baby Nova. It is our way of ensuring that every family receives the care we would want for our own.
Best Practice Resources
We are guided by leading research and community wisdom, including:
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite churches, marae, and community leaders to partner with us. Together, we can ensure that grief is met with dignity, compassion, and cultural strength.
Contact Us:
📧 foundation@lifestone.co.nz
📍 15 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2024
📞 0800 110 818
🌐 www.lifestone.co.nz/foundation