Assisted Dying

About This Seminar

Talking about death and dying is never easy, and assisted dying is a particularly sensitive topic. This session offers a practical and respectful overview, acknowledging the challenges that come with these conversations and the topic of death and dying.

We’ll explore the End of Life Choice Act 2019, what it means for your role as a health professional, and how to support patients and whānau with confidence and care.

Since March 2023, Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand has overseen all operational aspects of the Assisted Dying (AD) service, including education, data, and service delivery.

Recorded live at Ashburn Clinic on the 8th of September 2025.

Presenter’s Bio

Michael Nestmann, Manager Autonomy, Health NZ

Originally from rural southern Germany, Michael moved to Aotearoa | New Zealand in 2010. Since then, Michael has held clinical lead and quality manager roles across several aged residential care (ARC) facilities in Wellington. He has a strong focus on quality improvement and systems management. He also completed a postgraduate degree in Health Science at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington.

Michael joined the Ministry of Health in 2021, initially working in Border Operations and HealthCERT before joining the Assisted Dying team. As part of an exceptional team delivering a unique and evolving service, he brings over 20 years of nursing experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care. He says he feels privileged to support patients, families and practitioners and this work, where he keeps learning every day.