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,

In 2023, Esther Bramwell applied to Fund for Good with a big idea - to build her very own sensory-friendly “She Shed”. Living in a small home with her parents and younger sisters, Esther was craving a space of her own. Somewhere quiet and creative, where she could sing, dance, and just be herself. With support from Fund for Good, and her qualified builder dad, Esther got to work. Her plan? A non-toxic, recycled-material space built just for her needs. She sourced timber recla

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, Manawan

Tara is a creative and kind-hearted young girl who loves animals, dragons, drawing, and Minecraft. Like many kids, she’s navigating her way through growing up, except with some added complexity. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, Tara also lives with sensory processing challenges and physical difficulties that impact her day-to-day life. Her mum, Ashley, applied to Fund for Good with a vision: to create a dedicated sensory space at home, a space where Tara can feel safe, regulat

Image description: Áine(they/them) seated at the front of a room full of Manawanui staff with Simon assisting her, seated at her side holding a microphone. At  our recent Team Day, we were joined by Áine Kelly-Costello(they/them), a Manawanui customer. They shared their perspective on disability support and the role of Individualised Funding hosts. Their kōrero was thoughtful, grounded in lived experience, and offered valuable insights for our team. Tēnā koutou. Nō Aerana, nō

Sam is a bright and passionate young man with a love for all things geological. From polished quartz to treasured pounamu, Sam has long been fascinated by the natural world - his bedroom filled with dazzling stones and crystals, a testament to his enthusiasm. Keen to turn this lifelong interest into a business, Sam (with support from his mum, Melinda) applied to Manawanui’s Fund for Good to help bring his idea to life: Sam Rocks, a small business offering tumbled stones and h