A seminar series 'Dying to Know” hosted by Te Atawhai Aroha /Compassionate Communities Rotorua will allow people of all ages to put aside their fears and explore the final taboo.

The free seminar series, which will run over four weeks, will provide an opportunity to discuss all aspects of dying, including funeral planning, spiritual matters, and dealing with grief.

The first seminar on Monday evening, August 10 features guest speakers who will cover legal matters associated with death or disability, including wills and powers of attorney and advanced care planning.

Public Trust senior relationship advisor Russell Bridge says it is a good discipline for people to think about wills and powers of attorney from a young age.

'We can't predict the timing of our death, so it's worth putting plans in place,” he says.

Far from being a morbid process, he sees it as an act of love to do some planning that makes it easier for those left behind and delivers peace of mind to the individual.

'We see the consequences of people not doing this planning and it can make things very stressful to all concerned,” Russell says.

The free seminar series, open to all members of the public, will run for four weeks, Monday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm, starting August 10 at Parksyde Community Centre, Tarewa Pl.

August 10: Legal Preparation. Speakers; Catriona Gordon (lawyer) on Wills & Powers of Attorney and Denise Aitken (physician) on Advanced Care Planning

August 17: Medical and Support Services. Speakers; Jane Carmen (GP), Cath Sheely (educator) and Jenny Jensen (hospice)

August 24: Funerals and Rituals and How to Prepare. Speakers; Erin MacDonald (funeral director) and Rev. Tom Poata (minister)

August 31: Finding Peace - Navigating Grief and Loss. Speakers; Helen Boardman and Kay Ryan (grief counsellors) and Carolyne Hall (funeral celebrant)

- You are welcome to attend one or all of the seminars from 7pm at Parksyde Community Centre, Tarewa Pl. Gold coin donation appreciated. With thanks to Rotary Club of Rotorua.