Waipuna Hospice to optimise logistics with Middlebank review
Waipuna Hospice has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Middlebank Consulting Group to review and optimise its logistics and supply chain operations, as well as provide leadership coaching to implement targeted improvements.
Waipuna Hospice, based in the Bay of Plenty, provides care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The charity, founded in 1989, has relied on a combination of government funding and community support through donations and its network of Hospice Shops to sustain its services.
Middlebank Consulting Group, established 25 years ago in New Zealand and now operational across Australia, Singapore, India, and the USA, will undertake a comprehensive review of Waipuna Hospice's logistics framework. According to the agreement, Middlebank will assess opportunities to reduce logistics costs as a percentage of sales, identify areas for efficiency improvement across its store network, evaluate ways to increase revenue, and review the effectiveness of the software currently used in logistics.
As part of the collaboration, Middlebank will also coach Waipuna Hospice's leadership in developing and delivering targeted solutions. This is intended to enhance performance across key organisational functions and help build a more resilient and sustainable operation.
David Bryant, Chief Executive Officer at Waipuna Hospice, acknowledged the challenge of ensuring the charity's financial sustainability as demand for its services rises. In his statement, Bryant said:
"As the need for our charitable service grows, our financial sustainability is always a challenge. We need to maximise the impact of every dollar we have so looking for ways to introduce further efficiencies into our logistics and operational capability is essential. This partnership with Middlebank Consulting Group brings valuable expertise that will help us optimise resources, improve sustainability, and ensure we can continue delivering high-quality care with compassion and efficiency. It's a meaningful step forward in building greater resilience for the future."
Middlebank Consulting Group brings significant experience to the partnership, having provided supply chain and value chain management consultancy services to over 150 client organisations in more than a dozen countries. The consultancy states it has helped clients reduce operational costs by an average of 15% and has implemented various technological solutions designed to enhance supply chain efficiency.
Alan Win, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Middlebank Consulting Group, explained the consultancy's approach to working with Waipuna Hospice and referenced the hospice's future strategy. Win said:
"We're excited to support Waipuna Hospice as it aims to deliver on the logistics initiatives outlined in its strategic plan 2025–2035. Our team brings specialist expertise in supply chain management, cost optimisation, infrastructure design, and data-driven decision-making. By leveraging smart technologies and deep operational insights, we aim to help Waipuna Hospice build a more agile, efficient, and sustainable logistics ecosystem – ultimately ensuring that critical resources are always available to support Waipuna Hospice's extraordinary care."
The region served by Waipuna Hospice spans from Waihi Beach to Paengaroa, offering services that include home care, an inpatient unit, and outpatient support. The organisation's core aim is to manage symptoms and pain for patients facing life-limiting illness, as well as offering comfort and assistance to their families and loved ones.
Middlebank's involvement will focus on areas including cost efficiency, logistics network distribution, revenue appraisal, and the assessment of logistics software. The company's contribution is described as both advisory and hands-on, involving direct coaching of Waipuna Hospice's leadership team to enable lasting operational improvements.
This agreement highlights the ongoing efforts of Waipuna Hospice to strengthen its infrastructure in order to sustain and improve the delivery of end-of-life care across its service region.
