An extra $2.8 million will be pumped into the Bay of Plenty's hospices services over the next four years, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says.
Bay of Plenty DHB will receive about an extra $720,000 a year over four years for Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty and Waipuna Hospice.
The new funding will take effect from 1 July 2015.
"Hospices make a huge difference to people's lives by ensuring terminally ill people are as free from pain and suffering as possible. They also provide valuable care and support for families and friends," said Dr Coleman in a statement.
"As New Zealand's population grows and ages, the demand for palliative care continues to increase.
"That's why in Budget 2015 we allocated $52 million over four years to help hospices around the country expand their community palliative care services."
In 2013, more than 15,000 people received care and support from hospice services throughout New Zealand and hospice staff made over 145,000 home visits.