Two local women are introducing an international approach to talking about death in the community.

The Death Cafe movement invites people to gather over tea or coffee, while discussing death.

Su Hoskin and Liz Maluschnig have run three Death Cafes since late last year, initially under the title ‘Dying to Talk’. 

Death Cafe offers a space for a conversation, they said. Su and Liz don’t teach, they just facilitate the conversation to increase awareness of death with the view to making the most of life. 

“The Wanaka Death Cafe is a respectful, safe and confidential space for discussion around anything related to death,” Liz said. 

Su and Liz reminded the Wanaka App that “no-one ever died talking about death”.

Su said she was drawn to the movement after spending time with two friends who died from illnesses.

“In a way I feel it’s a service for the community, and one I wish I had when I went through my journey. It does seem we’re living in a death phobic society.” 

Liz said people find it a relief to talk about a forbidden topic like death. “Talking about it takes away the fear of the unknown.”

Su and Liz facilitate the conversation to increase awareness of death and all the many issues surrounding it.

She said examples could be funerals, natural burial, aging parents, DIY coffins, death doulas, creative things to do with ashes, books we've read, death in different cultures, assisted dying, near death experiences, philosophy and the meaning of life.

“We don't promote any particular conclusion, belief system or course of action,” Su added.

People who are interested need to register before the event, which is run monthly. 

The next Wanaka Death Cafe will be held at 12.30pm on Monday August 10 at Urban Grind. Find information on how to register here.

PHOTO: Wanaka App