Whangarei’s Accessible Respite House Opens Doors for Community Open Day 

Thursday 11 December | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 1-38 Churchill St, Kensington

Tiaho Trust is opening the doors of Whangārei’s fully accessible respite house for a public Open Day on 11 December. This follows a successful six-month trial prompted by growing concern over Northland’s lack of suitable respite options for disabled people and their whānau.

Strong demand and positive feedback have led to extended funding, allowing more tangata whaikaha to access the support they need.

Tiaho Trust CEO Jonny Wilkinson says the biggest barrier so far has been that many people simply don’t know how to access funding for a stay, or even that the funding and the house exist.

He says the Open Day is a chance to change that.

“We want to remove the barriers. People deserve clear information about how to use their Individualised Funding and where to find the support that’s available.”

The Trust has partnered with NorthAble to have a NASC facilitator available on the day.

“People want to use their Individualised Funding, but the system can be hard to navigate,” says Mr Wilkinson.

“Having a NASC facilitator from NorthAble on-site will give families clear answers.”

The service was launched after disability groups highlighted the need for accessible short-term accommodation where their disabled family member could stay to receive respite care. Reports of younger disabled people being placed in rest homes or hospital wards simply so their families could access a break were deeply concerning.

Families who have already used the service have praised Tiaho Trust’s innovative approach, saying the home has provided safe, dignified respite that hasn’t been available elsewhere in Northland.

The Open day will be held from 10am – 1pm at 1-38 Churchill St, Kensington.

Nibbles and refreshments will be provided.

For RSVPs or further questions to pip@tiaho.org.nz or 022 574 5675.

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’.

Read the Getting Out There magazine in our Tools and Resources.

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.