The Plunket community recently lost a highly respected, much-loved member of our whānau, Jane Denley. Jane passed away after a brief battle with cancer on March 9.
Jane was involved for more than two decades with Plunket, starting as a volunteer in her earlier days and progressing to become the Community Services Manager of Mid-South Canterbury for 23 years. Melanie Laban, Plunket’s National Community Services Manager, says that Jane was an absolute trailblazer. She set up the Giving People Support programme, an in-home support service where volunteers provide help and companionship to caregivers.
“She was a huge advocate for community services and for whānau with limited access to what they need,” says Mel. “Giving People Support is just one great example of Jane seeing a need and not only is that a huge success, but it has been adopted across the country and slightly tweaked for each region. There is a treasure trove of good-news stories connected with the programme, and the difference it has made to many whānau.”
Jane was very active within the wider Timaru community; she was a member of the Children’s Day committee, volunteered at Budget Advice, worked at the Salvation Army as a budget adviser and had very recently joined the Aoraki Food Rescue Board. Just days before she died, Plunket kaimahi were honoured to have presented Jane with a Timaru District Council Community Award, a beautiful demonstration of the region’s appreciation for her steadfast support and involvement.
South Canterbury Plunket Community Services Coordinator, Louise Haley, reflects on the very special person that Jane was. “She remembered everything – people, birthdays, work anniversaries, and always asked what was happening in their worlds. She was a truly beautiful friend who we all dearly miss, but we will endeavour to honour her and her legacy.”
The South Canterbury team will now have a yearly Jane Denley Spirit of Volunteering Award each May, which was Jane’s birthday month.
A memorial is planned for early May to celebrate Jane’s life. You can read more about her legacy here: