Atawhai Trust Fund

Empowering Lives. Fostering Independence.

Atawhai Trust has been supporting people within Taranaki’s disability sector since 1987, creating meaningful opportunities for people with diverse capabilities to work, learn, connect and thrive in their community.

Atawhai supports people aged 16 to 64 through employment, community participation and supported independent living, helping people build skills, confidence and greater independence.

Their vision is centred on creating a more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and belong.

Through meaningful employment, practical support and a wide range of social and community activities, Atawhai Trust works alongside people to recognise their strengths, develop their potential and help them achieve their goals.

Why This Fund Matters

Creating meaningful opportunities and supporting people to live fulfilling, connected lives is a long-term commitment.

The Atawhai Trust Fund has been established to provide a sustainable source of funding that can help support this work into the future.

The Fund was created following the sale of a forestry block owned by Atawhai Trust for many years. The Atawhai Trust Board wanted to invest the proceeds from the sale for the long term, creating an enduring source of support for the people and communities Atawhai serves.

Income generated through the Fund can help Atawhai Trust continue creating opportunities for employment, community participation and greater independence.

It is about investing in potential, removing barriers and creating the conditions for people to thrive.

Empowering People Through Opportunity

Atawhai supports people to build skills, confidence and pathways into employment that reflect their individual strengths and interests.

Employment opportunities span horticulture, lawn mowing, arboriculture, food and beverage waste services, packaging and work with local businesses. Atawhai also supports people to develop workplace skills, prepare for employment and move from voluntary roles into permanent work.

But Atawhai is about more than employment.

Community participation, connection and belonging are an important part of its work, with regular activities including cooking, arts and crafts, line dancing, various awards and other social and community opportunities.

Together, these experiences help people build confidence, develop independence and take an active role in their communities.

Atawhai is also working to break down barriers and change perceptions around disability, encouraging people to see the person, their strengths and their potential.