About us
Rei Kōtuku provides specialist care for children with serious illness and their whānau, wrapping them in care from diagnosis through to bereavement. We ensure that no one faces life's toughest journey alone.
Our purpose is to help children and their whānau live as well as possible - no matter how long that life is - with access to the specialist paediatric palliative care, support and choices that matter most to them. We do this by taking a holistic approach to care - medical, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural.
As specialists in paediatric palliative care, we are not the child’s specialist. Our priority is spending time getting to know them and partnering with their parents to provide suitable individualised care.
Our vision is for Rei Kōtuku to be an enduring thriving service for paediatric palliative care in Aotearoa; ensuring every child and their whānau in our care has access to world-class specialist care.
We truly believe in this kaupapa, because – as is captured in our name, ‘Rei Kōtuku’ - every child is unique, rare and precious and it is our privilege to care for them.
Our values
Whakapono
Trust, honesty, authenticity, integrity and accountability. (We build trust through our actions, communicate openly, and take responsibility for our commitments.)
Māia
Courage and advocacy (We take courage from the hard things tamariki and whānau face, we advocate for children and whānau, and do what is right even when it is difficult.)
Manaakitanga
Care, kindness, support and compassion (We care for children, whānau and one another with empathy, respect and compassion.)
Kotahitanga
Partnership, collaboration and shared purpose. (We work together, support one another and recognise that the best outcomes are achieved through partnership.
Our Team
Our clinical team includes medical, nursing and psychology professionals who specialise in providing palliative care to tamariki and their whānau.
Co-Founder, Trustee
& Clinical Director Amanda is a Paediatric Palliative Care Specialist. She trained in paediatrics in Auckland and at Starship, going on to specialise in paediatric palliative care. Amanda is one of only two specialists in NZ.
Dr Amanda Evans
Clinical Nurse SpecialistVicki brings deep expertise from the UK, where she worked in paediatric oncology and palliative care, including as a clinical lead in a children’s hospice.
Vicki Chennells
Educational PsychologistClaire has over 10 years’ experience supporting children in schools and early learning settings, with a focus on emotional literacy and resilience.
Claire Ewens
Clinical Psychologist Dani is a psychologist with a background in educational psychology and teaching, bringing experience supporting children, young people and their whānau. Before joining Rei Kōtuku, she worked across educational, community and clinical settings and she is passionate about building genuine relationships as part of her mahi.
Danielle Robinson
Clinical Nurse SpecialistSarah (Ngāti Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau) is joining the team in mid-March 2026. She is an experienced neonatal and paediatric nurse with extensive experience working in our communities. Sarah has a passion for working with whānau and tamariki in a mana enhancing way.
Sarah Whitaker
CEO
Nicola is an experienced executive leader. She was drawn to Rei Kōtuku by the profound opportunity to apply her experience to deliver enduring, systemic change for vulnerable tamariki and their whānau. Prior to joining the team, Nicola was the Chief Executive of the Ākina Foundation.
Nicola Nation
Our Trustees
Board Co-Chair & TrusteeBen is an experienced director and strategic advisor working across private investment, technology and purpose-led organisations.
Ben Irving
Board Co-ChairJoanie is a seasoned executive leader, governor, and advisor with experience spanning governance, health leadership, organisational culture and large-scale transformation.
Joanie Sims
TrusteeRay is an experienced advertising executive with lived experience of paediatric palliative care through her daughter Jemima, who died of brain cancer in 2021.
Ray Gazley
TrusteeBrendan has 19 years’ experience in the banking industry with the last 9 years as a founder and director of NZAB. He has lived experience of paediatric palliative care through his son Jonty who was diagnosed with cancer at 10 weeks old.