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Kaitūhono/Connectors

Kaitūhono/Connectors work alongside disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau to help build an aspirational Good Life plan, connect with community and prepare for the future.

You can choose to Self-Connect or work with one of three Kaitūhono/Connector options available:

  1. a Community contracted Kaitūhono/Connector

  2. an Independent Kaitūhono/Connector 

  3. a Mana Whaikaha Kaitūhono/Connector

 

Please contact us for a chat about the different Kaitūhono/Connector options including Self-Connecting:

  • Phone 0800 626 255 (0800 MANA55)

 

Kaitūhono/Connectors are allies for disabled people, tangata whaikaha Māori and whānau, they build relationships, support self-determination and ordinary life outcomes.

You can expect Kaitūhono/Connectors to:

Build relationships by: 

  • taking the time to build a trusting relationship with you 

  • supporting you to explore the options to build connections with the community. 

Support self-determination by: 

  • recognising that you are the expert in your life 

  • supporting the disabled person’s perspective as the main view, while valuing and considering other people’s views, like the family and whānau. 

Support ordinary life outcomes by: 

  • assisting you to have a vision that focuses on what’s important to you 

  • supporting you to explore a range of life opportunities 

  • supporting you to make choices and decisions 

  • supporting you to apply for funding. 

Begin early by: 

  • taking the initiative to build a trusting relationship with you 

  • looking ahead and supporting you to plan for changes, like starting school, or moving into a flat. 

Take a person-directed approach by: 

  • acknowledging all parts of your life are important, including your family and whānau 

  • considering all the different things that make up your well-being 

  • taking a holistic approach in supporting you to think about what you want in your life. 

Be mana enhancing in the way they work by: 

  • recognising your strengths and supporting you to think about what you can contribute to your community 

  • tailoring their approach to suit your identity and preferences. 

Help to identify universal and community-based options: 

  • encouraging you to look at community-based options to support you to do the things you want to do
  • assisting you to access the supports available from government agencies.

 

 Kaituhono/Connectors cannot, and will not: 

  • make decisions for you 

  • be your friend 

  • be your support worker 

  • intervene in family issues 

  • take over your natural authority over your life, your choices and your decision 

  • make decisions about your funding 

  • have a vested interest in decisions and choices you make 

  • think they know what’s best for you and your life. 

 

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