Here are just some of the support programmes for tamariki and parents/carers around Aotearoa that you and your whānau may find helpful. Please note – this list isn’t exhaustive, and you should visit the websites and links below to see what’s coming up as they get updated. Please also let us know if you think there are other programmes we should add to this list.

Far North

• ‍Parafed Northland provides sport and recreation opportunities for Northlanders with disabilities, linking with local clubs and schools along with delivering some sports themselves. Visit their website or contact their Whangarei office at admin@parafednorthland.co.nz  
• Building Safer Communities (BSC) Kaitaia offers youth programmes. AutoMotivate is one of their programmes, creating a pathway to independence through driving and licensing support. They also hold OSCAR Holiday programmes. Most of their services are completely free of charge. Visit their website to learn more or contact Free phone 0800 BE SAFE (0800 237 233) or 09 408 3030
• Far North Disabilities Resource Centre in Kaitaia provides free info and support, including life skills training.
• Parent 2 Parent Far North offers sibling activities, workshops, events and other services to support parents, carers and whānau. Contact Don Martin and donm@parent2parent.org.nz
• Incredible Years Parenting Programme is a group programme for parents with children aged 3-8 years old giving useful information and practical guidelines on how to handle a variety of challenges. You can drop into their Kerikeri office for a kōrero or ring (09) 401 6399
• Te Rarawa in Kaitaia offers the free Ngā Tau Mīharo - The Incredible Years Programme (IYP) for support and education. Email admin@terarawa.co.nz or call  (09) 408 0141 or 0800836726 (0800 TEORANGA)
• Your Way l Kia Roha is a charitable trust dedicated to helping disabled people thrive, living the lives they choose in their communities.

Auckland Central West

Programmes for parents

• Disability Connect offers support groups, educational workshops, counselling, newsletter and general information. Also organises Transition and Information Expo in September.
• Parent to Parent Auckland offers regular support groups and events, respite weekends, workshops and information.
• Barnados offers several programmes to support families and carers/parents e.g. LEAP for children and families facing multiple challenges, driven by the family’s holistic needs, and their Parent Mentoring Service (Paiheretanga) provides up to 40 hours wrap-around support to whānau including home management strategies and other parenting and life skills.
• Community Waitakere works at a neighbourhood level enabling residents, building capacity in local hubs, includes Leadership development programmes, He Kete Rauemi workshops.
• Carers NZ has information and resources on respites and taking a break; learning webinars.
• Flying Kites lead the change we want to see in the disability sector. They believe everyone who needs it should be able to access disability support services that are as unique as the person they are designed for.  
• Your Way/Kiaro Ha has a directory of activities, services, and supports for disabled people and their whānau.

Programmes for tamariki

• Recreate offers youth camps, school holiday programmes, life skills education and employment coaching. All of the this can use CS Hours or IF funding.
• Yes, Disability i-Drive is a free, two-day course for young people with disabilities to learn the NZ Road Code in an interactive way, supporting them to gain their Learner’s, Restricted and Full Drivers License (theory-based).  
• SPECTROOM has a DISABILITIES Play Zone specialised in autistic children aged 10 years and under. It stimulates learning, exploration, and sensory experiences with parent supervision. There is also a place where neurodivergent children and their families can find relevant disability information and community.
• Auckland Council Libraries runs programmes during the day and in school holidays.
• Special Olympics club offers a wide range of sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities from ages 8 and above, and all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner, they have something for you, and volunteer coaches help you achieve your goals.
• Dance & Arts Therapy offers group and individual art and dance therapy programmes, facilitated by trained therapists using evidence-based techniques.
• Māpura Studios helps the disabled community access arts-based activities and events throughout Greater Auckland.

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Horowhenua

Programmes for parents

• Parent to Parent Manawatū provides workshops, parenting classes, networking & support groups (morning tea groups) Contact Jane Ford on 027 808 3945 
• Care Matters have workshops and events for family and carers listed on their website. 
• Enabling Good Lives have parent workshops and events.
• Skills4Living in Levin has whānau mentors who share knowledge and skills with younger people such as budgeting, growing veggie gardens, cooking on a budget, sewing, job seeking and basic repairs. Call 06 367 0680 to learn more.
• Horowhenua Neighbourhood Support runs information workshops on wills, cyber safety, neighbourhood disputes, community events & expos in Levin. To learn more, contact Deborah on 06 366 0574 or email info@horowhenuansg.org.nz 
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports those caring full-time for their mokopuna. To learn more, visit their website or contact their Foxton branch at foxton@grg.org.nz or 0800 472 637.
• Manline Counselling (Palmerston North) provides counselling and education ‘by men, for men’ (for 13+) about mental health, relationships, stress, anger/violence/abuse. It’s a flexible fee model (suggested $30 koha) but no one is turned away if they cannot pay. Call 06 358 1211 to learn more.
• Birthright Levin offers whānau (particularly single-parent families) practical, emotional, advocacy support and networking. Call 0800 457 146 to learn more.
• Age Concern Horowhenua offers workshops and information for seniors and helps with Total Mobility Taxi Subsidy Scheme applications. Visit the website to learn more or ring 06 367 2181 
• Council and Community Libraries offer a wealth of programmes including how to prepare a CV, prepare for interviews, tech support etc. 
• Te Whare Mahana Levin points to a number of community services
• Strength in Sisterhood weekly women’s only fitness/dance class & shared morning tea in Levin.
• Horowhenua District Council Disability Directory maintains a A-Z local directory of disability-related and community support services including initiatives for families of children with disabilities.  
• HALT (Horowhenua Abuse Liaison Team) helps connect anyone affected by abuse or domestic violence with the right services. Contact them on 06 366 0540 or admin@halt.org.nz

Programmes for tamariki

• Council libraries run free classes, story time, sensory kits, programmes and holiday events. Check Horowhenua District Council and Palmerston North City Council websites for free activities.
• Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō (Levin Community Centre) has a designated youth space set up with activities like table tennis, foosball, badminton, gaming. There is also a youth-led radio (Fusion FM) and recording studio.
• LifeToTheMax—Horowhenua Learning Centre is designed for teenagers and includes a work ready programme, workshops (driver licence prep) and on-site social workers.
• Youth Empowerment Project (ÿEP) is a youth-led initiative with leadership opportunities and virtual engagement platforms for about 60 young people district-wide. Follow them on Facebook to learn more.
• Community Centres have term programmes and support for families: Te Whare Mahana (Levin) has activities and programmes that support families. Levin Uniting & Community Centre offers a range of activities including table tennis and yoga
• Sport Manawatū can help get people active and involved in sports and games.
• Special Olympics has clubs in Horowhenua and Manawatū
• Parent to Parent in Manawatū hold sibling camps, pizza nights, holiday events.
• The Kindness Crew in Levin is a youth-led initiative of Year 9-12 student volunteers who help others in the community with dog walking, tech support and household jobs. Volunteers must be between 13-17 years old and have parental consent. Message The Kindness Crew Levin on Facebook.
• There’s a number of iwi-run youth programmes including sports through Muaūpoko Tribal Authority (T: 06 3673311), Ruakawa Whānau Ora (T: 06 3688678) and Neighbourhood Support & Community Police (T: 06 3660574 E: info@horowhenuansg.org.nz)

Christchurch

Some programmes for parents:

• Incredible Years offers programmes for parents/whānau of children aged 3–8 years, including weekly group sessions that run for 2.5 hours each. It is based in Avonside, and fully funded by the Ministry of Education. Learn more on their website.
• Parent to Parent offers free information services on disabilities. Visit their website for upcoming events.
• Champion Centre Family Support Team is for whānau of children receiving early intervention for developmental delays, autism and genetic conditions. Support includes parenting skills and behaviour management, advocacy (benefits, transport, respite), emotional support and counselling, and parent groups. The centre is located at Burwood Hospital. For more info, visit the website or phone 03 383 6867.
• Conductive Education Canterbury in Addington is for families of tamariki (0–6 yrs) with motor disorders and developmental delays (e.g., cerebral palsy, sensory delays). They run an Early Intervention Preschool Programme (group sessions and tailored individual programmes), parent and child sessions, home-based services for medically fragile or pre-school aged children and family support: advice, advocacy, social activities.  
• Presbyterian Support Parenting Through Separation offers a four-hour session for parents/whānau dealing with separation/divorce, including disabled children. It’s typically free or low cost. See when and where their upcoming programmes are on their website.
• Barnardos Aotearoa in Christchurch offers support for parents and whānau of disabled tamariki, including home-based family support, parenting education, and counselling to help manage the challenges of raising children with additional needs. They provide inclusive early learning services through their centres and home-based care, with dedicated social worker support via programs like Te Korowai Mokopuna. Barnardos also offers a Parent Help Line and Children’s Contact Service for safe family visits. Their office at 64 Langdons Road is open weekdays and can assist with assessments, referrals, and tailored support for families. Call 03 365 3923.
• Father & Child Trust provides personalised support for dads via phone, email, or in-person appointments to help fathers navigate challenges related to parenting, including raising a disabled child. They also provide opportunities to connect with other fathers, and referrals to other agencies as needed. Call (03) 982 2440 for more details.  
• Aspire Canterbury has a directory of disability and health related groups throughout Christchurch and wider Canterbury.
• Shirley Village Project is a community-led initiative to bring community together.
• Hei Whakapiki Mauri provides cultural and practical support for disabled Māori and their whānau
• HealthInfo Canterbury provides health info written and approved by healthcare professionals specific to your district.

Programmes for tamariki

• CINCH (Community Information Christchurch) has a directory of clubs and other community groups e.g. Dance for people with disabilities
• Christchurch Recreation and Sport has a list of fitness classes and physical activities for the whānau.
• IDEA Services Supported Living can help people with disabilities learn new daily skills, make friends, join community activities or services or look for work.