Kia ora and welcome to Tiaho Trust

Where disability is a matter of perception

Tiaho Trust is a Northland-based disability trust supporting tangata whaikaha (people with lived experience of disability), along with their whānau and carers, to live full, connected lives in their communities. The term tangata whaikaha emphasises strength, resilience, and identity, rather than deficit. It reflects our belief that people are not defined by disability, but by who they are.

What we do

We work alongside tangata whaikaha to reduce barriers, improve access, and create meaningful opportunities for participation, independence, and wellbeing across Te Tai Tokerau.

• Information and navigation support
  Helping people understand and access disability services, funding, and supports.
• Community connection and inclusion
  Creating and supporting inclusive activities and events where tangata whaikaha can participate safely and confidently.
• Respite and accessible accommodation
  Providing a fully accessible respite house for individuals and whānau needing a break, a short-term stay, or accessible accommodation while visiting Northland.
  👉 Online bookings available.
• Training and advocacy
  Working with organisations and communities to improve accessibility, awareness, and inclusion.

Our kaupapa

We believe access is about more than physical spaces or systems. It is about dignity, choice, and belonging. Our work is grounded in lived experience, practical support, and strong relationships with tangata whaikaha, whānau, and the wider community.

Tiaho Trust aims to significantly contribute to the New Zealand Disability Strategy’s vision of ‘A society that highly values the lives and continually enhances the full participation of disabled people’.

Tiaho Trust offers a free independent advocacy service to disabled people or their family members.

If you feel like you’re being treated unfairly because of your disability or you feel you aren’t getting the supports or services you are entitled to, contact Tiaho Trust.