Since 1990, NorthAble has been providing equipment, information, and disability support services in Te Tai Tokerau.

 

The principles of Enabling Good Lives were established in 2011, and since then, they have been the guiding principle of how disability services should be set up, structured, and delivered on behalf of the clients that we serve.

NorthAble has worked hard to embed these principles into our day-to-day operations and roles.  They are part of what we do and how we do it.

The principles are:

 
   
Self-determination
 

Disabled people are in control of their lives.

 
 
Beginning early
 

Invest early in families and whānau to support them; to be aspirational for their disabled child; to build community and natural supports; and to support disabled children to become independent, rather than waiting for a crisis before support is available.

 
 
Person-centered
 

Disabled people have the support tailored to their individual needs and goals, and that takes a whole life approach rather than being split across programmes.

 
  ;
Ordinary life outcomes
 

Disabled people are supported to live everyday life in everyday places. They are regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation - like others at similar stages of life.


 
 
Mainstream first
 

Disabled people are supported to access mainstream services before specialist disability services.

 
Mana enhancing
 

The abilities and contributions of disabled people and their families are recognised and respected.

  
Easy to use
 

Disabled people have supports that are simple to use and flexible.

 
Relationship building
 

Supports building and strengthening relationships between disabled people, their whānau and the community.


 

How we became Northland's largest disability support organisation.

In 1990, the Northland Disabilities Resource Centre Trust was formed by a small group of people with lived experience of disability who had identified the lack of readily available information about disability services in Northland. Initially the organisation operated as a DIAS (Disability Information and Advisory Service), but other services were added as the need was identified. In 1996 they had outgrown the original office and moved to 40 John St.

In 2005 the name of the organisation officially changed to NorthAble Matapuna Hauora. Under this banner, which focuses not only on disability, but the whole concept of well-being, the organisation continues to grow, with new services added to meet the ever-changing needs of our population throughout Te Taitokerau and the whole of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our NorthAble Logo

Our logo has been refined over the years to evoke values and direction of our organisation. In 2021 we adopted the Koru shape which represents peace, tranquility, change and personal growth. But it was also inspired by Northland and the harmony between the land and the sea.  The 3 words, evoking, empowering and compassion were all considered when designing the logo concepts which come across in this design.

NorthAble Logo

Taonga Harakeke

This Taonga was designed and woven by Polly Rau. She was moved by the input of Disability Resource Centre participants into the Huarahi Maori programme during their weaving session and wanted to acknowledge their creations. The Taonga speaks of a person’s journey through life, beginning at the time of conception. This taonga is hung in a meeting room to awhi the Tukutuku and the tangata Hauaa.

Taonga Harakeke

Nga Kete

Nga Kete were made for Northland Disabilities Resource Centre by then manager, Joanne Samuel. These kete are a contemporary interpretation of the three baskets of knowledge. All three are made from harakeke, or flax.  The topmost kete speaks of the earth, the mountains, of growing things and our physical lives. The second kete speaks of the ocean, te moana, the cleansing power of water and our emotional lives. The lowest kete talks of the air, our breath and our spirit, and the movement of experience and learning that is necessary in our lives.

Nga Kete

NorthAble Matapuna Hauora Carving with an inset photo of a kaumātua

NorthAble Matapuna Hauora tukutuku panel

Te Maataapuna Hauora

Tena ra……. E te iwi e
‍
Ko matou tenei

Te Maataapuna Hauora
E tu atu nei
ki te mihi kia koutou

Ki te Atua
Nga whakawhetai maha
Mo nga manaakitanga
Ki runga I a tatou

Titiro mai e te iwi
Ki tenei roopu manaaki

Aroha mai… ki a matou
‍
Nga kaiawhina kaiwhakahaere
o te kaupapa

Awhinatia tautokotia
Te hunga hauaa o te taitokerau
E rapu nei he oranga mo ratou

Kia piki ano
te hinengaro me te wairua
Ki te taumata hirahira
O nga whakaaro

Korihi ano

Meet the Senior Leadership Team

The Trustees