MOMENT OF TRUTH BREWING BETTER LIVES TIM'S BIG WIN WHAT'S NEXT FOR JANIECE? - DECEMBER 2019 - IHC New Zealand
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MOMENT OF
TRUTH
BREWING BETTER LIVES
TIM’S BIG WIN
WHAT’S NEXT
FOR JANIECE?
DECEMBER 2019
Personally speaking
This October marked 70 years since 22 people met in Wellington
determined to improve conditions for their children with
intellectual disabilities.
Today IHC is a significant organisation with three wholly owned subsidiaries.
As a group we support more than 4000 people through disability services,
have more than 3000 tenants, manage 2700 properties (and own most of
those) and have more than 2200 members. Each year we raise around $12
million through fundraising and legacies and receive around $350 million in revenue for
disability and property services, people volunteer more than 6000 hours, we attract around
140,000 website visitors and we make hundreds of thousands of social-media connections.
We have come a long way from being a small organisation run solely on donations of time
and money. Yet those donations are as important today as ever.
What’s not being provided for people is significant. The latest disability sector report has
revealed an annual $574 million funding shortfall. That means an estimated 15,000 people
are missing out on services – and that’s before a shakedown of service provision under the
new individualised funding model.
You can’t open a newspaper, look at news online or listen to the radio or television without
hearing more about the housing shortage. The number of people waiting for state or
community houses on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register has increased
by 41 percent in one year.
We have just completed work to improve people’s understanding of the IHC Group,
including how the subsidiaries work together and the advantage of having disability
services, property and charitable programmes working together. We are far stronger
together than the sum of our parts. We are also moving into a new era where promoting
our services is becoming crucial as more individuals and families pick and choose who
provides their services. You can read more about this on page 5.
It is with great pride that we can all reflect on how far we have come in 70 years and look
to the future with optimism.
Finally, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best for
2020.
Ralph Jones
IHC Group Chief Executive
2 Community Moves | December 2019
December 2019
Tim’s big KiwiSaver win CONTENTS
Page 3 Tim’s big KiwiSaver
was only fair Page 4
win was only fair
It is great to hear
from you
Page 5 The IHC Group – 70
years in the making
Page 6 Kapiti four are
brewing better lives
Page 7 People in our services
deserve more choice
Page 8 Moment of truth
arrives for Project
Search interns
Page 10 Bounce boosts
service for disabled
kids
Page 11 What’s next for
Janiece after Abu
Dhabi gold medals?
Page 12 Accessible Properties
opens community-
focused apartments
Page 13 Luxury weekend
breaks a rare treat
Page 13 Trolley veteran
honoured for his long
service
Page 14 Alan lends a hand
with some lambs
Page 15 Winning team of
Tim and Joan Fairhall got MPs to see sense over KiwiSaver. Tim was one of three nominees for this volunteers makes an
year’s Attitude Leadership Award announced recently in Auckland. impact
Tim Fairhall won a huge victory KiwiSaver rules were not fair to him CHECK US
this year. He convinced the and people like him who expect to die OUT ON
Government to give early early. Tim says he told MPs that his FACEBOOK
dream was to travel. “I want to follow
access to KiwiSaver savings KEEP UP WITH WHAT IHC
my dream. My dream is to see my IS DOING – FOLLOW OUR
for people like him with life- brother Scott and my niece Diana. My CAMPAIGNS AND BE THE FIRST
shortening conditions. other dream is to see Tom in Canada.” TO READ OUR STORIES AND SEE
OUR VIDEOS.
Tim has been putting money into his His brother Scott Fairhall is Associate
WE’LL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH
KiwiSaver account and wants to use Professor of Cognitive Science at the NEWS, VIEWS AND BOOK
it to travel but he can’t wait until he is University of Trento in northern Italy REVIEWS FROM THE IHC LIBRARY.
65. He has Down syndrome and will and his best friend Tom is a former A
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
need to retire from work much earlier Supported Life staff member who now
than that. Life expectancy for people lives in Canada. SO JOIN THE CONVERSATION.
with Down syndrome is closer to 57 FACEBOOK.COM/IHCNEWZEALAND
Tim is now waiting for the law to
years than the average age of 81 for
change and he’s looking forward to COVER IMAGE:
the general population.
his trip of a lifetime. Tim has worked
Project Search intern Ethan
So Tim went with his mother Joan part-time at the Te Atatu Countdown Hamilton-Currey is about to start
Fairhall to Parliament to tell MPs that Continued on page 4 work at the new Christchurch
Novotel. See story page 8.
December 2019 2019
December | Community Moves
| Community 3 3
Moves
It is great to hear from you
Thank you to everyone who quite useful and informative (97.5
filled in the survey in the percent).
August Community Moves. Thirty-one percent of you read
You have given us a lot of every article and 41 percent read MO ME NT OF
most articles. You prefer to read TR UT H
important feedback about it quarterly (67 percent) and 80 S
BRE WIN G BET TER LIVE
what you like in the magazine percent of you want the magazine TIM ’S BIG WIN
and what you want more of. in print, rather than online (20 WH AT’S NEX T
percent). Some of you who want FOR JAN IECE?
The great thing about reading the magazine online or as a
your comments was seeing that so newsletter made some persuasive
many of you enjoy reading about comments about cost. But the
what IHC is doing (73 percent), good news is that you do have the DECE MBER 2019
reading success stories about opportunity now to read it online
people with intellectual disabilities on our website ihc.org.nz/our-
(71 percent) and hearing about publications. is happening in your area. So do
what IDEA Services is doing (67 we. If you hear of a great story
percent). We are working through your please let us know about it.
comments. But one thing that has
Almost all of you find the articles come through very strongly is that Gina Rogers
very useful and informative or you want to read more about what Editor
Continued from page 3 The two advisers appointed to is for everyone. “It is a fundamental
supermarket for 15 years. He turned look at potential changes, Donna problem for fund managers,”
40 in June and Joan says it is likely Mitchell, IHC General Manager of she says. “The way KiwiSaver is
he will retire in his mid-40s. “I Service Development and Strategy, classified as a financial services
certainly want him to do this great and Dr Claire Matthews, Director product makes it challenging to
trip before he gets to the point of Academic Quality at the Massey provide anything but full financial
where it is too hard.” Business School, recommended advice. People need advice.”
that five congenital conditions
Commerce Minister Kris Faafoi said Donna says it was important to
qualify for early withdrawal of funds
in July the rules would be changed look at the intent of the scheme.
– Down syndrome, cerebral palsy,
to create a new category for early KiwiSaver was not just there to
multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s
withdrawal of KiwiSaver funds provide funds for retirement, but
chorea, and fetal alcohol spectrum
for anyone with a life-shortening to allow people to experience
congenital condition. disorder.
a productive and enjoyable
“I want to see Tim and others like Claire says they named five retirement. This was also true for
him have the ability to use their conditions that were more people with disabilities.
KiwiSaver to support their wellbeing common and for which the
evidence of a shortened lifespan Equally important was for everyone
in their retirement, which is unlikely
was available. She didn’t see a to have access to good financial
to be at age 65,” Kris Faafoi said.
The new withdrawal category will risk in naming certain conditions advice and support in making
have a set list of conditions named for early access and not others. decisions. “I think planning for your
in regulations that will automatically “If there are conditions where it is retirement is a good thing for all
qualify people for withdrawal. quite clear there is a life-shortening New Zealanders,” she says.
element and congenital, then why
There will also be an alternative The changes to KiwiSaver have
not make it easier?” she says.
process for people who have a been incorporated into the
congenital condition not named As to whether KiwiSaver is a good Taxation (KiwiSaver, Student Loans,
in regulations to apply to their option for people with disabilities, and Remedial Matters) Bill, and are
KiwiSaver provider to withdraw Claire says it is a good idea for expected to be passed into law
their savings. them to get financial advice – as it before the end of the year.
4 Community Moves | December 2019
The IHC Group – 70 years in the making
In its 70-year history IHC has
become and remained a well-
recognised and respected
organisation. People look
to IHC for connection,
information and community
engagement and to donate
time or money.
But the IHC of today is a far cry from
the one established in 1949. Today
it is an organisation as strong as
ever in its advocacy and community
connection, but with wholly owned
service-delivery subsidiaries
operating and leading in the
disability and community housing
sectors.
The latest branding survey shows
that more than 80 percent of those
surveyed know of IHC – but the
awareness of IDEA Services and
Accessible Properties is far lower.
we have such a range of linked of such phrases as ‘a charity of the
“In both cases, we have relied on expertise across the IHC Group.” IHC Group’, ‘a disability services
government knowing that we are a provider of the IHC Group’, or even
trusted provider of quality services,” You may have noticed we have ‘powered by the IHC Group’.”
says IHC General Manager also refreshed the Accessible
Properties branding this year. Naturally, says Gina, it’s far more
Communications Gina Rogers. “But
than language that holds us
we haven’t needed to promote “Housing supply in New Zealand together.
those brands to individuals in the falls far short of demand,” says
same way as IHC.” “Already, people have many
Gina. “If Accessible Properties is
different relationships with us and
The new funding system for well recognised it increases our
access different parts of the IHC
disability services changes that, with ability to influence and lead in this
Group at different times in their
more decision-making power sitting sector and provide more homes.
lives.
with individuals and their families. The clear links to IHC make that
especially possible in disability “We want people to understand all
“We want people to choose us housing.” that we do, and to know that the
because we know we can provide scope and scale of what we do
the best services in New Zealand,” Increasingly, survey respondents means we can make a difference
says Gina. “We want people to say IHC is an organisation they in more people’s lives.”
know what IDEA Services and can trust (65 percent
Choices NZ do and to ask for us compared with 62
when they are meeting with needs percent three years
assessors and connectors. ago) – another reason
to emphasise the links
“We also want people to know our across the IHC Group.
service providers are a core part of
the IHC Group and have strength, “On our websites
commitment and history behind and in our published
them. We are also stronger because content you’ll see more
December 2019 | Community Moves 5
Kapiti four are brewing better
Four young Kapiti
entrepreneurs have gone
into business and plan to
brew their way to better
lives.
Brother and sister Nathan and
Janie Martin, Cameron Stichbury
and Neville Pugh are members
of the Independence Collective,
which is managed by IHC ideas
man Gordon Cumming.
In collaboration with local award-
winning brewer George Duncan,
the four have crafted a unique
pale ale, Neville, a blend of New
Zealand and American hops with
a hint of citrus.
The four have been selling the
beer since October 2018 and
it has been a hit with local bars
and cafés. “We are pretty much
in every bar and café in Kapiti,”
says Janie. Neville Pugh has the
sales pitch down pat: “When you
purchase a bottle of our beer, you
are not only getting a great-tasting
pale ale, you are also helping
us, and many others, gain their
financial independence.”
Gordon says brewing and selling
beer is not all they plan to do. The
Collective has plans to develop Cameron Stichbury (left), Neville Pugh and Janie Martin are positive about their future as the Independen
the business model to include
other products and services all gaining the confidence to get out Janie says. But that’s changed.
under the one brand. Their goal there and sell. It has also been “Now I have something I enjoy.”
is to expand throughout New a year of amazing experiences,
Zealand to ‘brew better lives’ for including media interviews, photo Their biggest marketing
as many people as possible. opportunities with politicians and advantage is their back story.
A story of trying hard to find
reaching their goal of presenting
“We see this as a game changer work, then realising they could
their pale ale at Beervana 2019.
for individuals with disabilities back themselves to be winners.
and are really excited about the Going into business has been
potential and positive impact it IHC is also backing them to be
a huge boost for Janie and the winners and supporting their
will have for many individuals
team and she is keen to work choice to go into business.
throughout New Zealand.”
on marketing. Janie had spent Gordon, who first came up with
It’s been 12 months of hard work two years taking her CV around the idea to brew craft beer, has
for the Collective members – employers. “I was struggling to been seconded from his usual
learning the brewing process and get work. It was affecting me,” role as Service Manager for
6 Community Moves | December 2019
lives People in our services deserve more choice
IDEA Services is looking at often constructed
improving vocational services, around shifting
with the aim of giving people people from
more choice and control about home to another
what they do during the day. location, primarily
based on a
Over the next six months, we ‘care’ or service
will assess what activities are paradigm,” says
available locally to find out what’s Joan.
working and how we can do
IDEA Services Chief
better. “We know that Operating Officer
we can make Joan Cowan.
IHC Group Chief Executive Ralph improvements in
Jones says the expectations terms of their desires to be in that
of the people we support, their
location, be with those people, or
families and funders, are rapidly
do things at those times.
changing.
“Currently, people with intellectual
“IHC and IDEA Services have
disabilities do not get the right
a long and proud history of
support to enter the workforce or
responding to the changes in
access education, and we think that
service expectations for people
needs to change.”
with intellectual disabilities
and their families. Despite the Vicki Owen, who has a daughter
best efforts of our valuable with an intellectual disability, says
staff operating with insufficient vocational services are a core part
funding, the support we provide of IDEA Services’ programme and,
in vocational services doesn’t for most families, they provide
always deliver on our vision.” lifelines, ensuring their family
members have fulfilling and happy
The New Zealand Disability
days.
Support Network estimates the
gap between annual funding and Vicki says IDEA Services should
the real costs faced by providers provide a range of services
like IDEA Services will widen to wherever possible so that people
$200 million. of all ages have a choice. She
suggests, for example, moving from
“The sector is changing,” says
the traditional day-base services,
Ralph. “But we cannot wait for the
hosting a full-time programme of
nce Collective. Photograph: Stuff / Dominion Post Government to lead the way.”
activities, to more of a ‘drop-in’
IDEA Services Chief Operating base. This may just be a meeting
IDEA Services to manage the Officer Joan Cowan says this area and a kitchen, and would cater
Independence Collective. process will be based on the for those seeking employment,
At Beervana 2019 they unveiled principle of leaving home for voluntary work or training who
a purpose – one that better don’t necessarily want full-time
their new brand, Change Maker,
matches preferences, goals and programmes.
which says everything about
their mission. The response aspirations.
IDEA Services will consult a wide
from the beer-drinking public “We all leave home for a range of people, including our
was “really positive” says Janie. purpose, and although we do staff and their representatives, but
“Everybody we spoke to loved valuable and amazing things the people we support will remain
it.” They are now in negotiations in vocational services, they are central to decision-making.
with three more breweries and
are working on a distribution
deal that will see their beer on If you have any questions about this, please contact your local
supermarket shelves nationwide IDEA Services Area Manager or email vocational@idea.org.nz.
in early 2020.
December 2019 | Community Moves 7
Moment of truth arrives for Project
The moment of truth has
arrived for eight young
Canterbury people with
learning disabilities, who have
spent the year at Burwood
Hospital in Christchurch
learning skills they hope will
land them jobs.
The interns are part of Project
SEARCH, hosted by Canterbury
District Health Board. They have
been learning about the work
environment in a classroom setting,
while doing real work at the same
time throughout the hospital. The
programme, run for the first time
in 2019, has been rated a success
and next year will be expanded to
include nine interns.
Project SEARCH is open to
students between the ages of 18
and 21, who are in their last year
of school and qualify for Ongoing
Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding.
The interns work in various areas
in the hospital and each rotation
gives them an opportunity to try Project Search intern Ricky Reeves has discovered that he wants to work with his hands
and with technology.
something new. It can include
setting up clinics at the start of
employment a week on completing in Burwood has contributed to
the day, delivering linen, assisting
the programme, to encourage morale.”
orderlies, working in food services
other employers to run their own
and helping the maintenance and Michael says that as the DHB is the
Project SEARCH programmes
gardening teams. At the end of the South Island’s biggest employer –
and to break down barriers for
programme, approaches are made with 10,500 staff – a programme
young people with disabilities
to employers to give these young like Project SEARCH can really
who want to enter the workforce.
people jobs. “move the dial” in helping young
The Canterbury DHB programme
Project SEARCH takes a was the first in Australasia, people with disabilities to find
partnership approach. The although there are more than 600 work. “It is something that we can do
IHC Foundation is contributing programmes operating mainly in and something that we should do.
$128,250 towards funding the the United States and Europe.
“When we hold a mirror up to
roles of tutor and a skills trainer.
“We have used this as an ourselves as an organisation,
CCS Disability Action has a critical
opportunity to evaluate our what we see needs to reflect the
role in supporting the interns to be
diversity strategy as an employer,” communities that we are here to
work-ready, while Riccarton High
says Michael Frampton, Chief care for. We’re learning as much
School is the managing school.
People Officer for the DHB. “It’s from them and having them in our
Project SEARCH aims to find really wonderful to see the way in organisation as they are learning
each intern at least 16 hours’ which having these young people from us.”
8 Community Moves | December 2019
Search interns A wider world out there
Interns Ricky Reeves and Ethan Hamilton-Currey have both
been challenged by their year at Project SEARCH to push
themselves to achieve more.
Ricky had imagined himself in an administration role until
he worked in Burwood’s Occupational Therapy department
helping with wheelchair maintenance. While there he started
modifying a spin cycle he had built at school. “You couldn’t
ride it in a straight line,” he says.
“It made me realise I need more things to do with my hands
and with technology.” Ricky now has his sights set on a retail
job at somewhere like Bunnings Warehouse or a technology
shop.
Ricky felt sidelined at school in Christchurch. “I was left to my
own devices because staff were always busy with people with
more advanced needs,” he says. “At Project SEARCH I am
always busy doing something.”
Ethan has landed a job at the new Christchurch Novotel. He
wanted to work as a hotel porter but, because he doesn’t
have a driver licence, he has been offered work as a room
attendant.
Keen on the outdoors, Ethan participated in a YMCA
adventure programme while at school and he now has a goal
of working with YMCA and helping other people to learn.
‘My most fantastic year’
Project SEARCH has been a career
highlight for Coordinator Linda
Leishman. “This year has been the
most fantastic year in all my years
of teaching,” she says.
“They are all so passionate – the
amount of times I have heard,
Michael says the DHB used to ask
‘This is so much better than
people applying for jobs to provide school’,” she says. “They say how
passports or driver licences. It much they enjoy it because they
has ditched that requirement are respected and they feel as Project SEARCH Coordinator
after realising, in the course of though they are being treated like Linda Leishman
employing these interns, that it the young adults they are. That
was a barrier to employment. doesn’t always happen at school.”
She says the focus of the programme is not on learning
“There is an enormous amount
a job at Burwood Hospital, but to learn job skills that are
to gain and learn about having
transferable to other workplaces. Much of the classroom
young talented people like these teaching done by Linda is around knowing how the workplace
as part of a programme.” And functions, right down to timekeeping, alphabetical filing and
Michael is confident that jobs are setting a phone alarm to let you know when lunch is over.
waiting. “There is strong interest
But Linda worries about the long-term viability and expansion
from other employers, and we of Project SEARCH. The 2019 internships included three
are very optimistic that a good students who had already left school, but the 2020 intake is
number of our interns from the restricted to students who are in their last year of school and
2019 programme will secure qualify for ORS funding. “Having a sustainable funding model
employment.” is the crucial next step for Project SEARCH.”
December 2019 | Community Moves 9
Bounce boosts service for disabled kids
Day one at the Bounce school holiday programme and the boys are locked in an intense Tenzi competition.
At 9am on a Monday things little bit more time for transitions. Bounce is a Ministry of Social
are strangely quiet at the Levin In the holidays, it has enabled us Development-funded OSCAR
to take kids on trips”. She says in (out-of-school care and recreation)
Showgrounds for the first day
the past some children have had programme, which started in 2008
of the Bounce school holiday to be left behind because there and promptly won a best new
programme. wasn’t sufficient support. programme award. In 2012 it was
named the outstanding OSCAR
In the big room for Years 4 to 8 At Bounce there’s less emphasis
the big kids are playing cards, or programme for the lower North
on technology and more on Island.
pool, with blocks or drawing. In interactive play and building
two nearby houses the younger friendships. There’s a huge There’s a waiting list for Bounce’s
children are also playing quietly – before-school, after-school and
emphasis on participation and
cards again and Tenzi.
making sure everyone is included. holiday programmes, which cater
Nicola Manville, who runs Bounce A sizeable proportion of the for children aged five to 13. It is
Out of School Care with husband children attending Bounce have open at 7am for breakfast followed
Nigel, says a gentle start eases the special needs of one kind or by school drop-offs and then
transition into the day for children another. “One of our biggest after-school pick-ups and care until
who may be anxious or struggling things is learning how to make 6.30pm. A fleet of nine vans does
for one reason or another. But she friends, how to play, how to win the school run, which includes
warns it’s not going to stay quiet and lose.” three country schools outside
for long. Levin.
Suzanne Downes, IHC Family-
This year Bounce received a grant Whanau Liaison for Manawatu More than 120 children attend
of $38,000 from the Zena Elsie and Horowhenua, says the district each day and its roll is closed for
Orr Memorial Trust, for extra staff lacks programmes for school-aged the moment. Bounce employs 16
to support more children with children, particularly those with staff and prioritises employment
intellectual disabilities. The trust opportunities for young adults
intellectual disabilities. Providing
provides funding for respite care in
holiday programmes and before- transitioning from school to work.
Manawatu and Horowhenua.
school and after-school care for Four college students work in
Nicola says the funding allowed these children is an ideal form of paid positions and a number of
Bounce to employ another five respite, allowing parents to work students volunteer to gain work
staff – “for children who need a or to have a break. experience.
10 Community Moves | December 2019What’s next for Janiece after
Abu Dhabi gold medals?
Champion 100-metre sprinter
Janiece Pollock was already
up on the winner’s podium
when she realised she had
won a gold medal.
“I was shocked that they put the
gold medal on me. I thought I had
come second or third. It was very
close,” she says.
Janiece, a 25-year-old athlete from
Taita in Lower Hutt, has just had
her most successful sporting year
ever. “I just think about running
and just do it,” she says. After
winning gold in the 100m at the
Special Olympics World Games
in Abu Dhabi in March, she won
another gold medal for the long
jump two days later and then
came home to be celebrated as
Wellington Disabled Sportsperson
of the Year. Now she wonders
what will come next.
Her World Games coach Shona
McGahan says she kept telling Janiece Pollock celebrates her gold medal win in the 100m with the Wellington support
crew, including athlete Dom Faherty.
Janiece that she could do better
and she just kept rising to the
challenge.” Janiece recorded two Janiece was disappointed that she the Trans-Tasman Tournament in
personal bests, running 100m in didn’t reach 3m in the long jump Hamilton in 2016. He says her next
16.24sec and jumping 2.99m. “It but then came home and recorded challenge is to reach 3.5m in the
was beyond her wildest dreams. a jump of 3.21m in a Special long jump and to compete in the
We hoped for it obviously. She was Olympics regional tournament. National Summer Games in 2021.
very disciplined, and she worked That was another personal best.
Her Mum, Katrina Moore, says
for it,” Shona says.
“I would love to see her jumping Janiece has come home ‘sassy’.
“In the first medal ceremony my near 4m and I think she can do “It’s confidence – I have noticed
coaches ended up crying. I was that. I just want to see her keep it in all kinds of ways. I know she
crying with them,” Janiece says. is super proud of what she has
going. A lot of athletes give it away
achieved.” Katrina hopes to see
It was highly emotional for for one reason or another.”
that confidence carry over into
everyone. “There were lots of Janiece’s everyday life.
Janiece is a member of the Special
tears. It was amazing,” Shona says.
Olympics Wellington Club and “My ambitions for Janiece aren’t
Her Wellington athletics coach competes in athletics in summer directly related to sport. I want
Chris Di Leva sees a change in and basketball in winter. Chris her to be independent and happy
Janiece. “The self-motivation is has been working with her since and be safe. I would like her to get
there now. She knows how good 2012. He has coached her to two more employment hours and try
she can be,” he says. Chris says National Summer Games and something other than hospitality.”
December 2019 | Community Moves 11Accessible Properties opens
community-focused apartments
A community in the making – finishing touches are being made to new Halver Road apartments in Manurewa.
A new Accessible Properties visitors have to call up to the units There’s a car park for each
housing complex is nearly over a security system. Residents apartment as well as storage for
can not only hear and speak to the bikes and mobility scooters. The
complete – with a range of visitor, they’ll be able to see them site is close to public transport
features that will enhance the on a screen as well.” and, perhaps most importantly for
lives of its tenants. many of the tenants, a bowling
The units are double-glazed for green.
The development at 37 Halver warmth and quiet, with level-
access bathrooms for safe The Manurewa town centre is 500
Road in Manurewa, Auckland, has
and easy use. A large lift and metres away and the Auckland
23 two-bedroom units and one
wide hallways are designed for Botanic Gardens only just over a
single-bedroom unit.
tenants using walking frames and kilometre away.
It’s been two and a half years in wheelchairs. Accessible Properties is a wholly
the making – now we hope to owned subsidiary and charity of
have the first tenants there in time “Good ventilation will help keep
the IHC Group. It is New Zealand’s
to tuck in to their Christmas dinner. tenants warm and dry,” Isabelle
largest non-government registered
says.
Accessible Properties Project and accredited community
Coordinator Isabelle Janus says Isabelle says developer Bloom housing provider and manages
the four-storey apartment building Living has done a fantastic more than 2700 properties around
is ideally suited for elderly tenants job in creating a welcoming the country.
and those with mobility issues, and environment.
that’s been reflected in several “There is a communal vegetable
features. garden, and we will look
“We take the safety and security at introducing a communal
of our tenants very seriously,” barbeque,” she says. “We really
Isabelle says. “Entry to the units wanted to establish that good
is controlled by residents. Any neighbourly, community feel.”
12 Community Moves | December 2019Luxury weekend breaks a rare treat
Visiting the nearby Clifden Caves are (from left) Shirley Shaw, Natasha Sullivan (front), Crystal Timlin, Putauu Rouvi and Nathan Scorringe.
The Cliffs Seaside Lodge Over two weekends in April, 20 offer hospitality on a regular basis
Motels at Papatotara in people supported by IHC were – and Cedric says he’s up for that
hosted by Ton and Larissa to a too. Ton regards it as an important
western Southland sit on a
weekend break by the sea with part of his Christian faith. “It’s not
cliff with a view of the sea a matter of taking. It’s a matter of
lavish breakfasts. Lunches and
and the mountains. Guests dinners were funded by the IHC giving,” he says. “It was so good to
are mostly overseas tourists Southland Association. have them around.”
enjoying the isolation and Pat Tauranga, Service Manager
Ton mentioned their idea to
trampers setting out on New for IDEA Services in Invercargill,
Cedric Wedderburn, General
Zealand’s next Great Walk – says staff put out the invitation to
Manager of Hump Ridge Track,
people who use our supported
the Hump Ridge Track. and he arranged transport for the
living service and everyone
The Cliffs’ owners Ton and Larissa 200km round trips in the Hump
who wanted to go was able to
Crooymans opened the luxury Ridge vehicles from Invercargill
go. Support Worker Melissa
units for their first summer season to Papatotara on both weekends.
Beukes says the cost of staying
in December last year. When the Cedric says he was happy to help.
somewhere like this would
“It was a joint initiative.”
season was over they decided to normally have been well out of
share their views. Ton says he and Larissa plan to reach.
Trolley veteran honoured for his long service
Alan Parsons knows more about does not chase the trolleys that end
how to wrangle supermarket up down the road or in the creek.
trollies than most people. He has
been collecting trolleys from the Countdown staff recently celebrated
car park of the Kelston Countdown Alan’s 20 years with a morning
for 20 years. tea and he invited IDEA Services
Supported Employment Coordinator
Alan, 55, knows the regular
Karishma Beach to come along.
shoppers and they know him.
He received a 20-year pin, a $200
Sometimes he exchanges a word
Countdown voucher and a long-
or two. He says he thinks he would
service payment.
like to try something else but is
happy to be working. Customer Service Manager Pam
He works three days a week for Vitasovich says she told Alan how
five hours and takes the train from much the company appreciates
his home in Henderson. His job what he is doing. “Keep doing what
involves only the car park and he you are doing.”
December 2019 | Community Moves 13Alan lends a hand with
some lambs
Some of Alan Cudmore’s
hardy Wiltshire lambs are
being recruited into the
IHC Calf & Rural Scheme
to help out the fundraising
programme that has been
hit hard by the Mycoplasma
bovis bacterium.
Alan is one of a number of
sheep farmers who have
responded to the call by IHC
National Fundraising Manager
Greg Millar for sheep farmers to
stand alongside dairy farmers in
supporting people with intellectual
disabilities.
Last season IHC’s Calf & Rural
Scheme raised $760,000, only
half its usual income in what was
a very difficult year for many dairy
farmers.
Alan, his wife Sheila and their
business partner Sue Brooks lamb
early in the season on their remote
sheep and beef farm in north
Taranaki. They donated a lamb last
North Taranaki beef and sheep farmer Alan Cudmore is keen to help support people with
season and have pledged another disabilities.
one or two for this year.
Alan has a special concern for property he and his wife found back – we have our own bees in
people with disabilities. After a Okoki farm, where they farm here as well,” Alan says.
23-year career in engineering 150-200 easy-going Red Devon
and logistics in the British military, cattle and 400 Wiltshire ewes. The Alan says prices for sheep look
serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Wiltshires are a no-fuss breed too like being higher than last season.
Marines, Royal Air Force and the – shedding their wool so shearing “I am hoping for over $150 a lamb.
Territorial Army, Alan trained as a is unnecessary. The farm is 15 We have said if we have a really
teacher and worked with special kilometres north of Urenui and good lambing then I think you will
needs students. In 2000 he moved 30 kilometres from Waitara. It’s a probably get two.”
to New Zealand and started steep 700-hectare property and
The best way for sheep farmers to
teaching at Stratford High School, they work only about 250-300
support the new Lamb Programme
where he worked in the Hub that hectares with the rest in native
is to go to ihc.org.nz/lamb and
catered for students with special forest and bush, including stands
donate a virtual lamb for $150.
needs. of rimu and totara. Around 100
Farmers can also pledge a real
hectares are preserved under a
But he had long wanted to follow lamb or sheep at this same
QEII Covenant.
his grandfather into farming and website, or simply say “One’s for
after a two-year search for a “We have let the manuka come IHC” at sale.
14 Community Moves | December 2019IHC NEW ZEALAND
INCORPORATED
ihc.org.nz
IHC BOARD
Neil Taylor, Chair
Ralph Jones, Chief Executive
Dr Lynne Lane
Michael Quigg
Barbara Rocco ONZM
Tony Shaw
Suzanne Win
Pauline Winter QSO
IHC MEMBER COUNCIL
Barbara Rocco, Chair, ONZM
Mark Campbell
Janet Derbyshire
David Howorth
Dr Diane Mara MNZM
Kay Pearce
Robyn Stark
Danny Tauroa
Sarah Jones (left) and Stevie Higham recently won first place in the IHC Volunteer Creative Selfie PATRONS
Competition 2019. The selfie was taken on a trip to the local park to feed the ducks. They were presented
Sir Roderick & Gillian, Lady Deane
with their trophy, certificate and prize at a morning tea, held at Sarah’s house.
NZ LIFE MEMBERS
Winning team of volunteers makes an impact Dr Terry Caseley
Sir Roderick Deane KNZM
In 10 years, IHC Volunteering has both named Volunteer of the Month by Jan Dowland MNZN
won 19 national, regional and local Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury. John Hanning
John Holdsworth ONZM
awards recognising the difference IHC National Volunteering Manager
Shelley Payne
our volunteers make to the lives of Sue Kobar says she and her team of
Lynne Renouf
Volunteer Coordinators have focused
people with intellectual disabilities Barbara Rocco ONZM
on developing a strong base to support Tony Shaw
in New Zealand. IHC volunteers and their friends. “It is Neil Taylor
The awards have been made for team imperative to stay current and relevant Donald Thompson ONZM
effort and individual commitment and the and to make it easy for people to be Charlie Waigth
accolades have come from local councils, involved in their communities. Maureen Wood
businesses and Volunteering New “The awards we have received IHC NATIONAL OFFICE
Zealand groups throughout the country. are a testament to the Volunteer Level 15, 57 Willis Street,
Coordinators’ hard work and the value Wellington 6011
The highlight came last year when PO Box 4155, Wellington 6140
we place on making sure the volunteer Ph 04 472 2247, Fax 04 472 0429
the IHC Volunteer Programme won an
experience is the best it can be,” she
Outstanding Achievement Award in the EDITOR
says.
Ministry of Health Volunteer Awards. Gina Rogers
It was also the year that Volunteer “Berenice winning the inaugural Ph 04 495 2771
Coordinator Berenice Langson was Email editor@ihc.org.nz
Volunteer Engagement Award from
presented with the first Leaders of Volunteering Auckland is an incredible COPYRIGHT
Volunteer Engagement (LoVE) Award by achievement and very well deserved. Community Moves is published
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff. It is fantastic to see volunteer centres by IHC New Zealand Incorporated.
The content of Community Moves
acknowledging their regional leaders.” is copyright. No part of this
This year there were three awards.
publication may be reproduced or
Our team of volunteers in Waikato was To mark International Volunteer Day on transmitted in any form or by any
runner-up for Team Excellence in the 5 December we want to thank the 825 means without the prior written
Waikato Volunteer Excellence Awards, volunteers in our friendship and skills permission of the publisher.
and Timaru volunteer Ken Andrews and programmes, who have volunteered a ISSN 1171-8587
Ashburton volunteer Jess Bowan were total of 66,330 hours in the past year.
December 2019 | Community Moves 15You can also read
