Bay of Plenty and Lakes region respite options

A ‘respite option’ is any support or service that gives you a break from your caring responsibilities. This can be a break away or a break in your home. 

Below is a directory of information on some of the services available in your region that could help you take a break. You can choose the respite options that best suit you and your family. As well as the services listed here, you also have the choice to ask friends or family for help or use other supports or services. 

A Needs Assessment and Coordination Service or NASC in your region can help you get funding for respite and find respite options that will work best for you. 

We are currently updating the content on this page. To report inaccurate or incorrect information email communications@whaikaha.govt.nz


NASC: Support Net


Overnight respite

Aged residential care 

Overnight respite for adults with disabilities may be available in an aged residential care facility.

Please contact your NASC for more information. 

CCS Disability Action (Te Whare Poi Poi) 

Overnight respite for children and young people in a dedicated respite house in Hamilton. 

Please contact your NASC to find out more. 

Community residential houses 

Overnight respite for adults with disabilities may be available in an established home for adults with disabilities. 

Please contact your NASC to find out more. 

Open Home Foundation 

Overnight respite for children and young people with host families. 

Please ask your NASC for more information. 

Spectrum Care 

Overnight respite for adults with disabilities. 

Please ask your NASC for more information

Te Punanga O Te Rangimarie 

Accessible respite accommodation in a rural setting north of Paeroa. 

Titoki Christian Healing Centre 

Open Monday to Friday for adult respite (with your own support) or a relaxing retreat for carers. Located ten minutes from Whakatane. 


Weekday activities

Arohanui Arts and Education Trust 

Arohanui is a Tauranga-based service provider offering community participation and meaningful day activities for people aged 16 years and over with a disability. 

Avalon Aotearoa Charitable Trust 

Avalon works alongside people to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities. 

  • Address: Avalon Charitable Trust, 102 Eleventh Avenue, Tauranga Central 3110 
  • Phone: (07) 579 0585 

Emerge Aotearoa 

Emerge Aotearoa provides a wide range of community-based services, including day activities, employment support, flexible disability support and respite support. 

Pou Whakaaro 

Activities for adults with disabilities in Whakatane and Kawerau. 

Whakatane Office: 1 Bracken Street, Whakatane 3120

Kawerau Office: 1E Tamarangi Drive, Kawerau 3127 


Out of school care and early childhood education

Before and after school care, school holiday programmes 

A number of organisations provide out-of-school care, which includes before and after school and during the school holidays. Some mainstream services will have experience and skills in supporting children with disabilities. 

In-home childcare and early childhood education 

Early childhood education (ECE) provides education and care for children before they go to primary school. There are many different types of early childhood education providers, including daycare centres, kindergartens, home-based childcare, kōhanga reo nannies, playcentre and play groups. Find all types of early childhood education in your community from the website below. 


Sporting, social and recreational activities

Boccia New Zealand 

Boccia New Zealand promotes and supports the sport of boccia among all people with a physical disability throughout New Zealand. 

Halberg AllSports

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation was founded by Olympic champion Sir Murray Halberg in 1963 to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation. 

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled 

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (NZRDA) provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, stimulating and therapeutic horse riding and horse-related activities. 

Special Olympics 

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability. 

Sailability  

Inclusive sailing programmes that meet the individual needs of the sailor.


Relief carers, support workers and natural supports

Family Whānau Support 

A support worker ‘buddy’ who offers regular respite hours, either at home or in the community. 

Please contact your NASC for more information

Geneva Healthcare

Geneva Healthcare can provide flexible options for support. 

Teacher aides 

Ask local schools if you’re able to advertise to their teacher aide staff for support during the school holidays or for an evening out. 

Rockmybaby 

Rockmybaby® offer childcare recruitment services. 

MyCare 

An online platform where the people willing to help can meet the people needing help. Find and employ support workers and volunteers on a secure website. 

Neighbourly 

An online community to help you connect with people in your community who would like to offer support or care.