A property sale has netted a $25,000 donation for Waipuna Hospice.

Tauranga real estate agency The Northern Group is donating its commission from the $700,000 sale of 172 Mansels Rd, Parkvale to its Homes for Hospice campaign.

The property’s vendor added to the agency’s $21,000 commission, bringing the total donation from the sale to $25,000.

The campaign was introduced last year and generated $53,000 for the hospice, which included the commission on the first property sold, plus an additional amount donated by the property’s vendor.

The agency gave both vendors the option to make direct donations instead of charging commission.

Waipuna Hospice provides palliative care to people and their whānau across Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty.

It cares for about 261 people at any given time. It also provides free counselling and bereavement support for families.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora covers 44% of the hospice’s operating costs.

However, the hospice needs to raise $8.3 million to bridge the shortfall.

Jayden Ashton from The Northern Group (from left), buyer Katie Bartlett, Ross McLeod from Waipuna Hospice, Nigel Ramsden from The Northern Group, vendor Dyllan Turnbull, and Fergus Keith from Waipuna Hospice.

Waipuna Hospice chief executive David Bryant said the funds would go where they were needed most.

“In practical terms, that means helping keep our nurses on the road visiting people in their homes, ensuring someone is there to answer the phone when a family needs help, supporting patients and whānau through incredibly difficult times, and keeping our services available to everyone who needs them.”

Bryant said every donation made hospice care possible.

“The gap between government funding we receive and what it actually costs to provide our services is substantial, and we rely on our community to help bridge that gap.

“For home owners to choose to make their property part of Homes for Hospice, and for businesses like The Northern Group to get behind it so wholeheartedly, is a wonderful example of that community spirit.”

Bryant said the hospice was grateful to The Northern Group team and the vendor.

“There are also a lot of people working behind the scenes to make an initiative like this happen, and we’re very thankful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and support.”

172 Mansel Rd sold for $700,000. Photo / Boundless Vision

The Northern Group owner Lee Stringer said the agency was thrilled for everyone involved.

“It is such a powerful opportunity to give back in a big way and provide so much support for them [the hospice].”

Stringer said the vendor was a “good sort”, so increasing the donation came as no surprise.

“Every bit counts for hospice, so it’s great they’re getting $4000 more.”

He said giving back to the community was important.

“You never know when you or someone you love will need the help from an organisation like Waipuna Hospice.”

Stringer said the campaign had raised $78,000 for the hospice so far.

“Homes for Hospice isn’t going anywhere.”

He said the agency would run its next campaign soon.

“If anyone in the community would like to be involved, we would love to hear from them so that they can be part of this amazing initiative. We are very proud to be able to help and support those in need now and in the future.”

Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.