A woman in a red dress and a boy in a blue checkered shirt engage in a Hongi, a traditional Māori greeting where they touch foreheads and noses, smiling warmly.

Nau mai, haere mai, welcome

We’re here to support disabled people and their families. So they can live their best life, their way.

From Taikura Trust to Kaikaranga

For over 20 years, Taikura Trust has served disabled people, their families and whānau. As the support we provide has continued to grow, we saw the opportunity to evolve. Now, from the foundations of Taikura Trust, comes Kaikaranga.

You've come to the right place for a needs assessment

Kei konei koe mo te aromatawai

Our NASC service is your gateway to disability support, and so much more.

We are Kaikaranga

Ko Kaikaranga tenei

We’re the connecting thread between disabled people and the support they need to live their best lives. We walk alongside you through life, ready with the right information, advice, connections and guidance – tailored to your unique journey, so you can live life on your own terms.

How we help

Ngā āhuatanga āwhina

Gateway to disability support

If you live in greater Auckland, are under the age of 65, with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability or autism, we can help you access Disability Support Services funded by the Ministry of Social Development. Our services are free. And once you’re with us, we're with you at each step.

Community Connection

If you receive disability supports and are experiencing hardship, we can help you access resources in your community.

Way Finders

If your experience with ACC hasn’t been smooth, or you’re unsure what they can cover, Way Finders simplifies how ACC can help.

Living my Life

Living My Life offers ACC clients an alternative way to plan towards their independence. Using visual mapping or coaching, we’ll draw out what’s important to people, work out the steps to achieving big and small goals, and open a world of opportunities.

Why come to us

Tō mātou āhuatanga motuhake

We have the right connections

We actively build our networks, continuously grow our knowledge, and value our community partners. This is how we create the connections needed to make things happen – and get the results that matter most to you.

We’re here for you

Your needs may change, but we’ll adapt with you. Whether it’s a new goal, a setback or opportunity, we’re ready to answer your call. Making sure your disability support suits the life you lead today, and the life you want to lead in the future.

We meet you where you are in life

We can change our level of support to suit your unique situation. If your needs are more complex, we can provide more intensive assistance. If the support you need is less intensive, you might be assisted by a team of caring experts.

We'll help you live your best life

We want to hear what you best life looks like. So that we can help you make a plan, identify and weave the right strands of support that works for you.

James, a Kaikaranga customer, examines the centre console of the vehicle he is driving as he sits with another person

Live your best life

How needs-based support works

Te whakamātautau ā-matea me ōna tikanga

1. Check if you can get support

Do you have a physical, intellectual, or sensory disability or autism? Are you under 65 and living in the greater Auckland area? Then send us a referral. Or if you have a different kind of disability, let us guide you forward.

2. Make a referral

You can make a referral for yourself, or someone can make one on your behalf, with your consent. The process is easy, and you can do it all online.

3. Let’s talk

You might’ve heard of a ‘needs assessment’ and a NASC. We like to think of it as a kōrero, a talanoa. So let’s talk. Tell us any details you’re comfortable sharing. We’ll listen and understand what you need and what’s important to you.

4. Create your supports

We’ll guide you on all the support options available to meet your needs. So you can set your sights on the future, reach your goals, and stay in control of your life.

5. Use your supports

Whether your supports involve Flexible or Contracted Support, we'll be ready to help you manage them effectively, understand your responsibilities, and stay on track to achieve your goals.

6. Change your supports

If you’re going through big life changes, your supports can change with you. We’re in your corner, so talk to us about what’s happening. Together, we’ll figure out what changes you can make to your supports, to be sure it’s still working for you.

Learn more about…

Ako atu mo…

  • If you’re the main carer for a disabled loved one, taking care of your own wellbeing is so very important. We can help you with access to respite. Respite is provided in several ways, like with a Carer Support subsidy. This contributes to the cost of paying someone to care for your loved one. So you can take a break, knowing they’re safe and well-looked after.

  • IF means you’re in control of your support, choosing what works best for you. Remember, though, that you also have a responsibility to ensure everything stays on track and within budget so your support continues smoothly.

  • Have things changed for you recently, or could change be just around the corner? If so, your supports may well need to evolve, too. So let’s talk about it. And together, we can make sure your support package is still right for you.

  • When we review your disability support, we’re keen to know how your service provider is working for you. As an independent party, we’re well placed to keep an eye on things. So if you have any feedback about a provider or service, do let us know.

  • From government agencies to community organisations, disability support is available through a range of different sources. As your partners in wellbeing, we’re always ready to connect you to the right people and places. Explore our website to find out the specific disability supports we can help you access, and the extra help available for you and your family.

  • You, and your life, are about more than your disability. That’s why we strive to be much more than a NASC. In the middle of disability support’s many moving parts, we’re your single point of contact, and your clear and consistent voice. From natural disasters to times of hardship, we’re here to help guide you towards the wider support you need to navigate life’s big challenges.

Ella, a Kaikaranga customer, sits with a smile as she rides the train in Auckland city

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

Testimonials

Kupu tautoko

1/5

I got this call from one of your team members and what they said was huge – ‘let me help you’.

2/5

The team member I talked to was so compassionate, kind and lovely to me on the phone. She told me I was a good mum and I really needed to hear that. She had the right balance between sharing her experiences and not making it about them. I really appreciated her.

3/5

Recently went through a really hard traumatic time with my child and needed extra support. The lady who I spoke with was so beyond kind, understanding, empathetic and just a beautiful down to earth person who made it easy for me to get the help and support needed.

4/5

I can’t fault the service. It has been invaluable with what we are going through as a family. Thank you.

5/5

Because of you, my daughter has the best life.

Our valued partners

O mātou hoa

Te Manatu Whakahiato Ora - Ministry of Social Development
ACC logo
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Te Puni Kokiri - Ministry of Maori Development
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Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children
Te Puna Aonui
Ara Poutama Aoetearoa - Department of Corrections
kaikaranga-partners-accessibility-tick

The more partners we connect with, the more people we can support.

We’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded organisations, dedicated to helping disabled people, their families and whānau achieve the best they can in life.

Smiling Pasifika young adult flashing a peace sign

Send a referral today