Kaikaranga

10/04/2026

11 April is 's Day.

Tonight, landmarks across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world will light up in blue, standing in solidarity with the 11.8 million people, Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and its impact is growing here at home too.

But beyond the statistics are real people, real journeys, and real resilience.

Andy has Parkinson's and his story is one example of how the right connection and support can make a difference. With support from Kaikaranga, Andy has moved from isolation to participation, showing what’s possible when people are connected to the services and community around them.

Read Andy’s story: https://kaikaranga.org.nz/news/andys-story-from-isolation-to-participation/

22/03/2026

Being a care giver can be both beautiful and challenging. Sunday Sanctuary with Petra Bagust and her guests share honest reflections on being a care giver, the highs, lows, and everything in between, from running on fumes to finding small moments of joy.

A simple reminder: it’s okay to find it hard today, and try again tomorrow.

🎧 Listen here

Podcast Episode · Sunday Sanctuary with Petra Bagust · 21 March · 1h 3m

09/03/2026

From 1 April, flexible funding budgets for disabled people will stay the same and purchasing rules will be removed. Further guidance will be provided to help people plan and manage their funding. More information is available on the Disability Support Services website.

From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.

The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.

These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.

From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.

If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.

Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.

You can find more information below 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding

17/02/2026

We’re honoured to be featured by One in Six — New Zealand’s disability employment resource hub created by New Zealand Disability Employers Network (NZDEN) and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.

As NZDEN members for more than seven years, and the first disability organisation accredited by NZDEN, inclusive employment is part of how we work.

Research shows that an important factor for successful disability employment is about positive employer attitudes and inclusive workplace culture. Supportive workplaces make real opportunity possible.

In Aotearoa, where 1 in 6 people are disabled, we know that confident, inclusive employers change lives.

We’re proud to be part of a network working to strengthen inclusive workplaces across New Zealand.

If you’re looking for a workplace that values accessibility, fairness and learning as we go, we’d love you to take a look at our current opportunities.

We welcome applications from disabled people. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know. www.kaikaranga.org.nz/about-us/careers/

Learn more: https://oneinsix.nz/about/

Supporting New Zealand employers to build inclusive workplaces and confidently hire and support disabled people, through the collaborative partnership between the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN) and Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.

16/01/2026

The Ministy of Social Development is considering a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, and we're helping government understand what matters most to carers. Join our online workshop to share what’s working, where challenges remain, and what needs to change.

Your experiences will help inform a report to government on the proposed Action Plan and decisions that affect carers.

Monday 2 February 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am

Go to our website for more information and to register. https://kaikaranga.org.nz/news/have-your-say-draft-action-plan-for-carers/

17/11/2025

06/11/2025

Our friends at Complex Care Group Trust are hosting a free event to help people with very high and complex disability needs, and their families navigate the disability support system. This is a great chance to learn about available supports, funding options, possible living options when it's time to leave the family home, and future planning.

This event is catered, so register by completing this form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XCJSDVR by Friday, 14 November to secure your spot. For any queries, contact Lisa on 027 266 7690, 0800 852 693 or email complexcaregroup@xtra.co.nz. Don’t miss this chance to connect with other families and learn.

03/11/2025

Today is a day dedicated to and inclusion for disabled people. It’s a reminder to make our spaces and services work for everyone.

We asked our teams what accessibility means to them. Their answers are thoughtful, personal, and a good reminder that accessibility is about people having a fair shot to take part and feel included. Kaikaranga

05/10/2025

Today is and people everywhere are celebrating ith . Green is the international colour celebrating / hashtag/Hōkai Nukurangi.

CP is a physical disability that affects movement and posture, and an umbrella term that refers to a group of conditions that impact the way people move.

According to Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand around 10,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand live with Cerebral Palsy, each with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of navigating the world. This diversity is something to value and celebrate, but despite this, myths and assumptions still get in the way of seeing the whole person. Let’s take a moment to set the record straight.

Myth 1 – Cerebral Palsy is the same for everyone.
Fact – Cerebral Palsy is a spectrum. It affects people in different ways.

Myth 2 – Cerebral Palsy gets worse over time.
Fact - It’s not progressive, but symptoms can change with age or health.

Myth 3 – People with Cerebral Palsy can’t live indepedently.
Fact - Many do with tech, workplace modifications or support.

Myth 4 – People with Cerebral Palsy have to manage everything on their own.
Fact: No one should have to. Know someone with Cerebral Palsy who could use extra support?

Not-for-profits like the Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ work alongside people with CP, their whānau, and communities to connect them to tools, opportunities, and support.

You can also refer someone to us. We’re Auckland’s NASC provider. We’re here to connect people and their whānau with Disability Support Services funded by the Ministry of Social Development.

Visit our website at www.kaikaranga.org.nz to complete an online referral. For more stories about CP, go to www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz. (Photo courtesy of our friends from Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ.)

24/06/2025

For families navigating school with a loved one with Down syndrome. This trusted, practical course has been running since 2008 and led by people with lived experience. It’s intensive, supportive, and full of insights that make a difference. Learn more and register.

26/03/2025

We’re moving forward with humility. We have evolved. Our new name is Kaikaranga. For almost 24 years, Taikura has walked alongside disabled people and their whānau. Now as Kaikaranga, we still believe strong relationships are the foundation of great support. That’s why we’re committed to building a genuine connection with you—so we can understand your needs and deliver the best possible service.

Find out more by visiting our brand-new accessible website www.kaikaranga.org.nz

13/03/2025

You have known us as Taikura Trust for more than 24 years and we’re happy to share some exciting news with you! Our service has a new name – Kaikaranga. Taikura Trust isn’t disappearing though, it will still be there supporting Kaikaranga in the background and pursuing its own objectives.

This name change for our services is another stage in our evolution. We want you to know that even though our name is different, our commitment to you is stronger than ever. We will keep working with you and alongside you. Our people and services continue, and we will keep working to provide the same great support we always have.

Visit our website for more information https://www.taikura.org.nz/stories/meet-kaikaranga-the-new-face-of-taikura-trust/