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What to expect from Kaitūhono/Connectors

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

Disabled people, tangata whaikaha Māori and whānau 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. 

 

Kaitūhono/Connectors

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