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

Jo is a mum of three and a creative spirit with a background in early childhood education and a passion for art, craft, and community. Her youngest son, Teddy, is a Manawanui customer who lives with cerebral palsy and other complex needs. Like many parents navigating disability support, Jo knows how important it is for children to feel proud of their equipment and their identity. With Teddy’s support needs in mind, Jo applied to Manawanui’s Fund for Good to bring their idea t

In New Zealand, funded support for our elderly and disabled comes in a few different forms. Individualised Funding (IF) and Home Based Agency Care offer different approaches to disability support, each with its own benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare: Benefits of Individualised Funding (IF) Individualised Funding (IF) is built on a simple principle: the people closest to the care needs are best placed to decide how those needs should be met. IF provides funding d

Margot has always loved being outside, feeling the wind on her face, going over bumpy trails, and being part of the action. As Margot has grown, getting out and about for family adventures has become more challenging. Margot has high and complex needs, including being non-mobile, which means she relies on specialised equipment to get around. While her wheelchair is great for everyday use, it isn’t built for rough terrain, making many outdoor adventures difficult. Her family w

Matteo Gray is a bright, determined, and fun-loving 13-year-old who enjoys music, food, and a good laugh. Born with Cerebral Palsy and complex medical needs, Matteo has worked incredibly hard to gain mobility and independence. Against the odds, he started walking at age six, progressed from using a walker to walking independently at home, and now communicates using an eyegaze device. To continue building on his progress, Matteo’s family applied to Fund for Good for support to