Support services in the Taranaki Region
Nau mai – haere mai – welcome. This is a locally-maintained list of wellbeing / support services in Taranaki.
Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing? Please drop us an email to let us know, and we’ll sort it! Thank you:)
You can select a category below, on the left; or search for a keyword, or just browse the full directory.
Mā tōu rou, mā taku rourou ka ora te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Biographical Info
We are a Non-Profit Organisation that looks after people with memory concerns, their carers/whānau and support people. We are a team of 9 that covers Taranak, including three of us based in South Taranaki. We run education sessions, support groups for carers and Alz cafes for people with memory concerns and their carer, whānau or support person. We run a day programme in Hawera where clients come to us Tuesdays and Fridays for socialisation, cognitive activities and much more. We work closely with other MDTs to ensure the very best outcomes and supports are available for our clients.
Biographical Info
CCS Disability Action has offices all over New Zealand.
We support almost 5 thousand disabled people and their families.
We can visit people who live in smaller communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds.
We try to make life easier for people with disabilities.
We can ask for changes to: Buildings, Roads, Parks, Community Events.
We run the mobility parking scheme.
You can buy a permit so you can park in mobility parking spaces that are closer to buildings.
There are over 25 thousand resources that you can get from our library and information service.
New Plymouth: Phone (06) 758 5423
Hawera : (06) 278 7212
Biographical Info
We provide free, confidential, independent information, advice and support to anyone on any issue. Our trained volunteers take the time to listen, and aim to ensure that you get the information you need – whether it’s about your rights in a particular situation or to find a specific service, we will find a way forward. Language Assistance
Support is available.
We want to remind everyone that our service remains free – where people can pop in and visit, call us on the phone, or contact us via our website by using live chat or sending a message.
We also run a FREE legal service together with New Plymouth lawyers and have the JP Service Desk once a week.
Not sure? Ask us. Kāore i te mārama? Pātai mai.
Biographical Info
Creative Connections was co-created by Aileen Katanella and Jessica Edelbaum approximately 4 years ago.
Neither of us are from here, yet Aotearoa is our home. Coming from foreign lands, Aileen from Chile and Jessica from the USA, we know the importance of belonging. It’s our mission to support people in nourishing their home within and remembering they belong. We prefer to do this in the most fun ways possible!
CCnz offers all natural products, playshops, individual sessions, weekend retreats, workplace wellness, monthly meet-ups, DIY essential oil classes and meditations. We aim for you to feel loved, playful, creative, reconnected with yourself and others, and free to be you.
There are opportunities to connect, play and express yourself.
Biographical Info
Diabetes New Zealand is a Charitable Trust that represents and supports people with diabetes. We’ve been around for over 50 years and have a National Office in Wellington, and branches across the country with staff and volunteers who help people live well with diabetes. Our Mission is to Lead, champion and advocate for change to reduce the incidence of diabetes, improve diabetes health care, and empower those affected by or at risk of diabetes to lead healthy, active lives.
Biographical Info
Fire Emergency New Zealand are our national emergency service who attend numerous 111 calls to fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical calls, specialist calls and events that require our help. We have both career and volunteer firefighters spread across the country. We work in communities to respond, minimise risks, build resilience and aid in recovery.
Biographical Info
Biographical Info
The Hāwera Budget Service provides supportive, confidential, non-judgemental advice and education to individuals and whānau in our community.
Our aim is to empower people to find satisfaction, security and financial independence, through the learning of money management skills.
Biographical Info
InsideOUT Kōaro is a national charity that helps rainbow (LGBTQIA+) young people live fulfilling, joyous lives through their work to increase the safety of school and community spaces. InsideoOUT Kōaro delivers a variety of advocacy and support to young people through hosting youth groups and helping students to establish rainbow clubs at school. We also provide professional development workshops to school staff, mental health and addiction staff, and other community organisations. In addition to this mahi, we bring events for young people to the community. We offer non-judgemental, inclusive resources to whānau, students, staff and allies alike and if we cannot provide the right support, we can connect people to the folk who can. No referral is required, just send Dando an email!
Biographical Info
I work closely alongside Taranaki Retreat as their Life Coach, Lead Coach. Through this collaboration we have created tools and models that bring a fresh approach to those that may feel they have “tried everything else.” Offering a future focused opportunity can be a refreshing alternative for our tangata whaiora that are ready to look at what the next chapter could hold.
I work 1:1 and with groups/workshops in person and online.
Biographical Info
We provide support and validation to women & their families who are distressed by events in their life. Our services include advice, information, referrals to other agencies, support and advocacy. The Centre takes a humanist approach and our initiatives are based on the philosophy that meeting people’s basic needs such as food, shelter and a sense of belonging are the starting point for self sufficiency, growth and emotional well being.
Biographical Info
We work and support whānau holistically. Tinana, whanau, hinengaro & wairua. We help whanau and/or individuals to develop a plan going forward and support them in achieving it. We work with Taiohi to Kaumatua.
You don’t have to be of Ngati Ruanui to enrol for our services. We provide budgeting support, a kaumatua group, a men’s group, child dental support and bowel screening education and support. We have connections to schools, kohanga reo, marae and employers within our community. We work with other community services that support whānau as well. Kia ora.
Biographical Info
“Ko Taranaki me Mynydd Mir oku Maunga,
Ko Waitotara me Hafren oku Awa,
Ko Cymraeg toku Iwi,
Ko James Baxter raua ko Grace Pryce oku Matua,
Ko Corryn Pryce-Baxter toku Ingoa.”
Originating from Wales, I learnt from a young age Spirit/Wairua connection and traditionally Welsh medicine from my Grandmother. Since coming to Aotearoa in 2001, I have continued this directive under Maori teaching.
I offer support and Aroha for those seeking the courageous first step in healing. Through my years of a practitioner in traditional, indigenous healing methods (Welsh and Maori), I offer Mirimiri, Romiromi (light and deep tissue Wairua led massage), Honohono (healing) Te whitiwhiti Korero (Spiritual guidance) and Rongoa Rakau (herbal medicine)
Mind-mapping
Alongside Corryn’s Mahi Wairua will be Manawa’s Mind mapping exercises.
This is an opportunity to help prioritise your goals and improve on how you juggle the struggles along your journey.
Whether you’re overwhelmed with too much on your plate, or you are just stuck with where you’re at. Mind mapping can be an awesome tool to help navigate your way to where you want to be.
Nau mai, Haere mai, give it a try…
Biographical Info
On The House (OTH) is a Charitable Trust that collects perfectly edible surplus food then redistributes it for free to whoever needs it without barriers or judgement utilising volunteers embodied with Manaakitanga principles. The three pillars of OTH is to reduce waste, feed people and build community through participation and connection.
Surplus is distributed via “pop up” free stores held twice a week in community halls on either side of New Plymouth.
Monday, 5-6pm – 24 Lawry Street, Moturoa (St James community hall).
Thursday, 5-6pm – 10 Henui Street, Strandon (Holy Trinity community hall).
Biographical Info
Parafed Taranaki (Taranaki Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Incorporated) was founded in 1976. Our aim is to grow and develop sport, recreational and play opportunities to disabled people within Taranaki. Parafed Taranaki can provide physical activity pathways from regional through to international levels. At Parafed Taranaki we are excited about creating opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport, recreation and play!
Biographical Info
At Pathways, we truly care about supporting people on their path to wellness. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique and walk alongside tāngata whai ora every step of the way. By embracing the strength of whānau and community, we support people to achieve their goals and live full lives, hopeful and connected to what matters to them.
We offer a wide range of support services for adults, and through our youth brand, Real, we also support young people to navigate the highs and lows of daily life.
Pathways provide a range of adult community-based support, short stay respite, and housing and recovery services.
Our Real youth services include short stay respite, and a community based team (Whetū Marewa) helping our young people build resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for information on how to be referred to our services.
Biographical Info
Our Dietitians, Pharmacists and Social Workers work with people with long term conditions to help them to better self-manage their health. We accept referrals from health and community providers or people can self-refer.
Eligibility criteria; patients must be:
• Aged over 15 years
• Diagnosed with a long term condition e.g. DM Type 1 or 2, CHF, CVD, COPD
• Identified as high risk of developing a long term condition ie. IGT/pre-diabetes
• Eligible for publicly funded health care in New Zealand
And any of the following:
• Medication management concerns e.g. polypharmacy, multiple prescribers, non-adherence
• Nutritional concerns e.g. elevated or significantly lowered BMI
• Have difficulties self-caring/self-managing
• Identified concerns regarding lifestyle/environment/support
• Identified concerns regarding communication/memory/
How to refer:
• Refer via https://taranaki.itsmyhealth.
• Use e-referral for Pinnacle ExCT (Dietetics/Social Work/Pharmacist) via Best Practice.
• If via Te Whatu Ora – Taranaki, refer using CHIC referral form on WebPas.
• Specify reason for referral clearly and include recent relevant clinical results.
• Team members will refer to others within and external to Pinnacle where the need is identified on assessment.
Biographical Info
The Salvation Army Community Connection service takes an active approach to ensuring people needing help can access information, support and services across multiple government agencies and service providers.
The Community Connection service supports the welfare needs of individuals and whānau who have been affected by COVID-19, this could be different for everyone, you may have experienced a change in your mental, emotional or physical needs, or need support financially due to the impacts of COVID-19, we can look at ways to help support you and your whānau.
You can self-refer
Biographical Info
The Salvation Army Reintegration and Supportive Accommodation helps prisoners who are released from prison to transition back into the community. We work with prisoners who have completed a sentence of more than two years. All of our referrals come from Corrections, either from the Case Managers while the client is in prison or from Community Probation. Our service is contracted to the Department of Corrections and we work very closely with Community Probation.
Biographical Info
The Active Lifestyles Team at Sport Taranaki provide the support services of Green Prescription and Community Strength and Balance. We also have a comprehensive ACTIVITY HUB where you will find links to a huge variety of opportunities across Taranaki to be physically active including walking and jogging groups, aquatic classes, gyms, dance, sports clubs, yoga and tai chi to name a few.
What is Green Prescription/Rongoā Kākāriki?
Green Prescription is a free service which provides support and motivation to improve individual wellbeing/hauora through physical activity and lifestyle support.
Who can access Green Prescription support?
Any adults who are medically stable, are not meeting MOH guidelines for physical activity and are motivated to increase their physical activity and make some lifestyle changes
We are particularly keen to support anyone with either newly diagnosed or long-term health conditions who would benefit from increasing their physical activity levels e.g. clients with diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, osteoarthritis and/or depression and anxiety.
What support is available through Community Strength and Balance?
We work with leaders in the community to provide a fun, safe and effective network of community classes aimed to help fall prevention in our older population.
For more information please refer to our website or talk to a health professional about a referral for support.
Biographical Info
Your space to thrive. Tahi is a collective natural therapy centre, yoga, mindfulness & meditation education, based in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki.
Tahi offers professional Integrated Natural Therapies, Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation courses – all within a beautiful contemporary space.
Put your wellbeing in our hands. Book an appointment with one of our sought after natural therapy practitioners
Biographical Info
Kia ora; Taranaki Retreat offers a ‘Space to Breathe’ for individuals or whānau going through tough times – people helping people; alongside-you holistic peer-support, connected up and working hand-in-hand with our clinical services – each of us doing our bit to make sure that you are heard and cared for.
People reach out, or when that is too hard, friends/whānau members and other caring services get in touch with us every single day to get some support rolling. That’s what we’re here for. We offer a Support Hub (Waimanako;/The Hope Centre) and a peaceful Time Out space in the country.
Waimanako is a “safe space” in New Plymouth CBD (33 Devon Street West) with an awesome Kai for Koha cafe, a Creative Hub and many workshops and support groups. We’re open every day except Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am-9pm. Listening Ear support is always available – you don’t need an appointment.
Biographical Info
Established in 2008, Taranaki Safe Families Trust is a collaborative of 26 government and non-government agencies leading the family violence prevention campaign in Taranaki.
We aim to promote awareness, encourage the utilisation of local services and advocate for long term cultural change in our community. TSFT has established project groups which contribute to the campaign including family violence workplace training, professional development and an extreme risk case management process.
The overall vision of TSFT is for Taranaki whānau to be safe and free of violence.
Biographical Info
OUR VISION: To influence the prevention and reduction of Domestic Violence in the Taranaki community.
TWR offers Domestic Violence services for all women and their children.
Our services are confidential, non-discriminatory and for all women aged
18-65 years’ old who have been or are experiencing Domestic Violence. TWR provides information, advice, education and advocacy through multiple support mechanisms including provision of:
- A free confidential service by qualified, professional practitioners
- An 0800 * crisis line* available 24/7 throughout the region
- A face-to-face service Taranaki wide
- A confidential safe house (criteria applies)
- A community office hub
- Safety planning
- A women’s group
- Post crisis intensive social work with a registered social worker
- Referrals, with consent, to external agencies for specialised services. For example: legal, W&I, housing, budgeting
- Transitional Housing (referrals via W&I)
- Whanau Protect: Practical Safety improvements including home alarm systems for high-risk victims of DV
- Networking with relevant agencies to ensure safety and good service provision
- ASPIRE Men’s Project- one-on-one counselling for men who want to change their relationship behaviour with a male social worker
Please contact us for further information.
Biographical Info
Thrive with Ruth offers two main branches to help people Thrive, Yoga and Fermented Foods.
I offer Yoga classes that are accessible to all shapes, sizes and ages. The classes are invitational, fun and safe, no one will be told to put their foot behind their head! I am also training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and bring that aspect to all my classes. I work with beginners and older people, as well as whānau classes.
The other branch of Thrive with Ruth is Fermented Foods. I teach introduction to fermented foods. Together, we learn how to ferment vegetables and how to make sourdough bread. We learn in groups, to help each other and strengthen communities. I call my courses fermented foods parties.
Biographical Info
Our Vision is to strengthen whānau wellness and quality of living. We work with a whole whānau or family, understanding that many factors influence a person’s health. For example a pregnant mother may need advice on nutrition, budgeting and injury prevention as well as peer support to help with breastfeeding. A patient suffering from cancer may need an advocate to help them navigate the health system.
Our staff don’t work in isolation but alongside each other, as well as other health and social service providers. This is our Whānau Ora model of care.
Community Connector Service
Kaiārahi Community Connectors are navigators within the community, our role is designed to advocate, navigate and connect whānau to services that tautoko (support) them on their journeys. We work closely with whānau to identify their specific needs acting as a conduit between the community and agencies by way of connecting people with a range of services according to their need.
We can support positive engagement with Government agencies and other services, we also collaborate with local community groups, organisations and government agencies on initiatives and community events
Biographical Info
The main purpose of Volunteering New Plymouth is to assist ‘not for profit’ community groups in recruiting and retaining volunteers and to offer ongoing support to all community organisations and their volunteers. To do this we offer our service as a contact point for all volunteers and community agencies.
We provide information about opportunities for volunteering, we raise community awareness of the importance of the work that is undertaken by volunteers, we organise recognition awards, we advocate on behalf of volunteers and community organisations at a local and national level and we provide a channel where resources can be shared, particularly in the training of volunteers and their coordinators/managers.