Alana is passionate about giving back to others and creating meaningful connections in her community. As a Manawanui customer since 2017, she has been able to stay independent and connected to her whānau, friends, and local community. With the help of her service dog, she gained confidence and independence in her day-to-day life. “Before Gus I didn’t risk going out without someone with me. I wasn’t fully living my life.” With Gus by her side, Alana gained confidence and indep

Centre of Movement (CoM) Rotorua. If you build it, they will come. This idea has certainly played out for the Centre of Movement (CoM) founders Stephen and Emily Pennisi who recently opened their first New Zealand clinics in Rotorua and Christchurch, in June and October respectively last year. Demand for their Intensive Therapy Programme for children with neurological conditions and brain injuries already existed here but has quickly increased following the arrival of the

Flexible funding for New Zealand’s disability community has entered an exciting new phase, with changes that came into effect from 1 April making it more flexible, more practical and easier to use than ever before. The changes impact everyone with flexible funding, including those with Individualised Funding (IF), Enhanced Individualised Funding and/or hosted Enabling Good Lives (EGL) Personal Budgets as well as Carer Support. You now have more choice, control and guidanc

Christchurch nine-year-old Kiara Milner has defied expectations from the beginning. It was revealed prenatal that part of Kiara’s cerebellum was outside her skull and doctors told her family to prepare for the worst. But remarkably Kiara survived her birth, which her grandmother Angela Milner describes as her greatest milestone. The exposed cerebellum was removed surgically within 24 hours, then just five days later a shunt needed to be inserted surgically into her brain to d

With support from Fund for Good, Frances has created a series of stick puppet stories to share with children at her local kindergarten. From familiar tales to interactive storytelling, the project helps children build confidence, language, and social connection while participating at their own pace. It has also helped Frances reconnect with her passion for early childhood education and contribute to her community.

Have you ever felt like you wanted a more hands-on, personal way to manage disability support funding - one that puts you in the driver’s seat? That’s exactly what we here at Manawanui strive to help you do.