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.

Managing your own disability support funding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Manawanui, New Zealand’s first and most trusted Individualised Funding (IF) host, we make self-managing your disability supports simple, flexible, and empowering. What is Individualised Funding (IF)? IF allows you to decide how, when, and who delivers your support services, giving you choice and control. Whether you’re new to self-management or looking to switch IF hosts, Manawa

Harley is a creative and determined young man with a dream of starting his own welding business from home. With support from his whānau and funding from Manawanui’s Fund for Good, he now has the tools, safety equipment, and confidence to begin. As he builds practical skills and connects with his community, Harley’s journey reflects the power of opportunity, independence, and believing in what’s possible.

Watch Matilda's story below: When Matilda was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago, her whānau knew straight away what mattered most helping her stay in her own home in Ōpōtiki for as long as possible. She’s always been strong-willed (and still is!), and with her health otherwise in good shape, the family wanted to make sure she could keep her independence, while still having the right support around her. That’s where her son Chris stepped in. With the help of SupportNet,