Being a part of Greenways is a way of giving back to my Community. Enabling people to have better lives is important for everyone.
About
Greenways Trust is a registered charitable trust which was set up in 1992 to provide a residential service and support for people with intellectual disabilities. The trust owns 3 residential houses within Dargaville and leases a 4th house with attached flat. Our dedicated Residential staff support 20 people across our 4 houses.
Vision
“People supported by Greenways Trust are living happy, fulfilled lives that have meaning to them”
Mission
“Creating opportunities and providing support for work, recreation and homelife”
About us
Our story
Greenways Trust is a registered charitable trust which was set up in 1992 to provide a residential support for people with intellectual disabilities. The trust owns 3 residential houses within Dargaville and leases a 4th house with attached flat. We aim to provide homes that are as close to family living as possible. Our dedicated Residential staff can support up to 22 people across our 4 houses. The Trust is contracted and funded by Whaikaha (Ministry for Disabled People) to provide residential support and the Ministry of Social Development for vocational services.
At our firewood processing depot, we have a separate team of supervisors that support those who work there. The depot processes bulk firewood, Firestarter, mulch, and wood chip. We also have a wood working department. In this space, a number of chopping boards and wooden utensils are produced, these are sold in local businesses, at our depot and you can also purchase items online. There are plenty of opportunities for people to learn skills and develop in our work environment.
Out of firewood season, the depot team work is focused around section clearing and basic landscaping. At the end of 2022, a nursery was established to propagate seedlings for growing in our own garden beds to enhance the meals at our tables, and to sell to the public.
Support is provided for individuals wanting to pursue different employment opportunities within our local community. We are grateful to local businesses including Delta Kumara, Kaipara Refuse and Wades Concrete for their support.
Individual Support
The staff team work together to support individual’s work towards their aspirations and goals. Diverse and new challenges are encouraged and offered for people to try out. In 2023 these include; camping, travel, Outward Bound, art classes, savings, attending concerts and personalised holidays.
Volunteers
Our volunteers play a big part in adding social and cultural interactions and they are welcomed and highly valued for the richness they build into our service. If you would like to become a friend of Greenways please click here for more information and to apply.
Activities
We support people to enjoy a wide range of activities and utilise local community groups including; walking basketball, Circus Kumarani, Literacy Aotearoa, community art and craft, local swimming pool, community choir, Special Olympics (athletics, swimming, 10 pin bowling), horse riding, Anzac Theatre & Hospice volunteering, and the running of a social group called Party Zone.
Team & Trust
Our Trust Structure
The affairs of the Trust are governed by a Board of Trustees whose elected chairperson runs the general meetings of the Trust. Portfolios are assigned to Trustees with relevant experience e.g. finance. The board welcomes expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about supporting the Trust’s vision.
A General Manager is employed to manage the operations and quality assurance for the residential homes and the vocational service and is supported by a management team.
Meet us
Our Trustees
Raewyn Sowter
Chairperson
Raewyn Sowter
Chairperson
I have lived in the Kaipara for 25 years and worked for Work and Income and MSD for 24 of these years.
I have lived in the Kaipara for 25 years and worked for Work and Income and MSD for 24 of these years. Living and working in the community is really important to me as it is the heart of the people we serve and gives you a sense of what impacts on them as individuals and whanau. What matters to them, is what should matter to us all.
Read moreCraig Gillatt
Trustee
Craig Gillatt
Trustee
I’m a local carpenter with a small building gang. I joined the Greenways trust as I can see the need and importance of an organisation such as Greenways in our local community.
Phil Tebbutt
Trustee
Phil Tebbutt
Trustee
Completed my schooling in Australia and studied surveying at university. I worked for both the Commonwealth government and also the electricity industry in Canberra and later in Central Queensland.
Completed my schooling in Australia and studied surveying at university. I worked for both the Commonwealth government and also the electricity industry in Canberra and later in Central Queensland. I started my own survey practice in 1995 in Central Queensland and remained there until returning to NZ in 2009.
Read moreI purchased a farm in Pouto and continued farming for 6 years. After selling my farm, I purchased a 25 bed rest home in Wanganui. I sold the rest home in 2020 and moved to Northland, where I still reside, on a small farm.
My hobbies include golf, fishing and scuba diving.
Robin Nepia-Gage
Trustee
Robin Nepia-Gage
Trustee
I have an adult son Andy who has an intellectual disablility and I am blessed to be his mum and carer. We have lived in Queensland, Australia for many years and I worked in the mining industry in various administrative roles. For several years I also volunteered with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Auxillary Committee with fundraising events. I have resided in the Kaipara for nearly two years now. I am delighted to be a part of the Greenways team where our people are provided with support and opportunities to live better lives.
Elaine Forster
Trustee - Parent Representative
Elaine Forster
Trustee - Parent Representative
I am 64 years old and married for 45 years. I have 4 adult children of which 3 are medically trained. We have 9 grandchildren ranging from 2-16. We live on 8 acres and have 2 horses. My journey on health and disability started when I had my son and I hope to make a difference for people we support at Greenways Trust.
I am 64 years old and married for 45 years. I have 4 adult children of which 3 are medically trained. We have 9 grandchildren ranging from 2-16. We live on 8 acres and have 2 horses. My journey on the health and disability sector started when I had my son and I hope to make a difference for persons that we support of Greenways Trust.
Read moreBeing a part of Greenways is a way of giving back to my Community. Enabling people to have better lives is important for everyone.
Support
Proudly supported by:
I have lived in the Kaipara for 25 years and worked for Work and Income and MSD for 24 of these years. Living and working in the community is really important to me as it is the heart of the people we serve and gives you a sense of what impacts on them as individuals and whanau. What matters to them, is what should matter to us all.
Being a part of Greenways is a way of giving back to my Community. Enabling people to have better lives is important for everyone.