Get to know us

About Us

TimeOut is a New Zealand not-for-profit charity, providing holiday home experiences to terminally-ill patients and their families.

Through connections with generous home-owners, we have a national, growing network of over 150 holiday homes around the country and provide many invaluable experiences each year

With a dedicated team of volunteers and a network of charities and care providers, we’re committed to providing ongoing support and providing a more positive outlook to all affected by terminal illnesses in New Zealand.

Why TimeOut

Every year, more than 24,000 people and their families experience terminal illness in NZ.

Beyond the immense grief and emotional toll these illnesses take on all they affect, they also impact our most precious resource; time.

By gifting experiences away from home, we provide families with much-needed moments of relief, shared experiences and the opportunity to take a break from it all, spending time together.

With over 50,000 holiday homes in New Zealand, we’re on a mission to get kiwi donors on-board, so we can all lend a hand to those who need it.

Our Story

Our story began in 2013, when TimeOut founder Ronda Amende was diagnosed with a rare cancer and given 12 months to live.

Ronda was determined to fight her illness and began a three-year battle with chemotherapy, beating her cancer into remission.

With so much heartbreak and uncertainty during this trying time, a kind gesture from a work colleague provided much-needed relief - some time away at a family holiday home on the beautiful Coromandel.

Ronda and her family were given the opportunity to escape, put time on hold and share precious moments together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Inspired by the gratitude she felt, Ronda wanted other families in need to have this experience and the idea for TimeOut was born.

In 2016, the charity was formed; a not-for-profit organisation, connecting generous holiday homeowners with people with terminal illnesses, providing gifted experiences like the one Ronda was given.

Today, we’re grateful and proud to have over 150 holiday homes on offer from generous kiwis, giving people in need and their families the chance to create special memories together.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of friends, family and talented professionals, devoting their time and energy to seeing the TimeOut charity and all those who require it’s support thrive.

  • Ronda Amende profile image
    Chair of Board & Charity Founder
    Ronda Amende
  • Hamish Braddick profile image
    Board Member & Home Donor
    Hamish Braddick
  • Doug Hanna profile image
    Board Member & Home Donor
    Doug Hanna
  • Roimata Ness profile image
    Secretary of Board
    Roimata Ness
  • Josh Shaw profile image
    Board Member
    Josh Shaw
  • Jane Greville profile image
    Board Member
    Jane Greville
  • Honey Hireme-Smiler profile image
    Charity Ambassador
    Honey Hireme-Smiler
  • Kylie Hale profile image
    Charity Manager
    Kylie Hale
  • Chloe Cook profile image
    Stay Manager
    Chloe Cook
  • Aaron Smithson profile image
    Volunteer - IT Support
    Aaron Smithson
  • Lisa Maya profile image
    Volunteer - Technical Support
    Lisa Maya