Toucan is a local provider of residential, vocational, and respite services for disabled people in the Taranaki region.

This change means disabled people in the region will have more seamless access to a wider range of disability support services, including individualised funding, behaviour support, and more.

New Zealand Health Group Chief Executive Mike Peters says the partnership strengthens NZCL’s ability to give disabled people more choice and control.

“NZCL offers the most comprehensive range of disability support services in Aotearoa New Zealand. This partnership reinforces our commitment to disabled people having real self-determination over how, when, and where they are supported, so they can live life their way,” says Peters.

“We’re excited to welcome the highly skilled team from Toucan into our NZCL whānau and continue our mission of achieving meaningful and equitable outcomes for everyone.”

For more information about NZCL’s disability support services, visit www.nzcl.nz.

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About the sponsorship 

Each year, NZHG will allocate $10,000 in total funding to support between 5 and 10 athletes, with individual scholarships of up to $2,000 per person. The funding is designed to assist with: 

• Training and coaching 

• Competition entry fees 

• Equipment and gear 

• Travel expenses for events 

Why we’re doing this 

As well as delivering personalised care to the people we support, we believe in celebrating their achievements and enabling them to thrive.  Whether it’s helping an athlete get to a major tournament or ensuring they have the right gear to compete, this sponsorship is about removing barriers and enabling success. 

Who can apply? 

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a current client of an NZHG brand 
• Be representing New Zealand in a recognised, accredited sporting event 
• Be willing to support branding opportunities (e.g., branded gear) 
• Be open to sharing their journey via social media and NZHG events 

We’re looking for athletes who not only excel in their sport but are also passionate about sharing their story and inspiring others. 

How to apply 

The process is simple: 

Application: Interested individuals complete a short form including personal details, a description of their sport, and evidence of participation. 

Selection: A New Zealand Health Group panel will review applications. 

Announcement: Successful applicants will be notified and featured on our website and social channels. 

Ongoing engagement: Recipients will provide updates throughout the year, including event photos and videos. 

Key dates

• Application deadline: Open now until end of December 2025
• Selection announced: End of January 2026

Join us in celebrating excellence 

This sponsorship is a celebration of resilience, talent, and the power of inclusive support – and we are proud to stand behind our athletes and help them reach new heights. 

If you or someone you know fits the criteria, we encourage you to apply and be part of this inspiring journey. 

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About 83,000 people are living with dementia across New Zealand and this number is expected to increase to almost 170,000 by 2050. Today, one in four people will die with dementia, and the prevalence of this condition is increasing faster among Māori, Pacific, and Asian peoples. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects around two-thirds of people with dementia.

This partnership will be realised through NZHG’s Geneva Healthcare brand, which currently supports many people in their own homes who live with dementia. 

“New Zealand Health Group is committed to the goal of helping New Zealanders live their best lives in their own homes and communities,” says New Zealand Health Group Chief Executive Mike Peters. “It is a privilege to partner with Alzheimers New Zealand and support their work ensuring people living with dementia are heard, valued and supported to live well every day.”

“One of NZHG’s core values is kai whanaungatanga – acting in partnership. In a complex and evolving health sector, the ability to work productively and positively with all community health care organisations is increasingly important,” continues Mike Peters. “I am very proud of the Group’s progress and commitment to expanding partnerships and collaboration in local communities.”

Alzheimers NZ is the lead organisation at a national level representing people living with dementia and their whānau. Their role includes raising awareness, providing education through the Dementia Learning Centre, advocating for high quality services and promoting research.

Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall is delighted to share the new partnership – timely with the recent release of the refreshed Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan 2026-2031.

“One of the five immediate priority areas to address the dementia challenge over the coming years is improving community dementia support services, so it’s great to partner with an organisation which sees the value in community support,” she says.

“We’re looking forward to our partnership as we work together to strengthen community-based services for older people in New Zealand. We’re urging Government to progressively implement and fund the Action Plan, and pleased to have Geneva Healthcare behind us as we advocate for people and their whānau living with dementia.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, New Zealand Health Group’s team of skilled health professionals and support workers are trained to provide high-quality care which meets the unique needs of ageing people. Through Geneva Healthcare, HealthCare NZ, Solora, NZCL, Private Care NZ, Freedom Medical Alarms, OTRS and Geneva Wellbeing, we support older people nationwide to live independent lives in the comfort of home.

The post NZHG partners with Alzheimers NZ appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

Motus started as a single physiotherapy clinic in Christchurch and has grown into a dynamic network of specialised providers and clinics throughout the South Island, from Nelson to Dunedin. We are thrilled to welcome an organisation of Motus’ calibre to the New Zealand Health Group. 

Motus’ commitment to delivering exceptional multidisciplinary care in the community will play a significant role in NZHG’s vision of bringing a range of wrap-around services, skills, technology and determination to transform people’s lives, together for good. We look forward to welcoming the Motus team into the NZHG whānau and focusing the combined efforts of the group on improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

The post NZHG acquires Motus Health appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

Mekayla Peneha

Ki tōku taha whare tangata, he uri tēnei nō Ngāti Maniapoto, nō Ngati Apakura. He hononga hoki ki a Ngāti Kahu. Ki tōku taha ure tāwera, nō Te Taitokerau. Ko Ngāpuhi, ko Te Rarawa, ko Ngātiwai ngā iwi nā, he toronga hoki ki rō o Ngāti Ruanui, ki Taranaki. Ko Mekayla Peneha tōku ingoa. I am a wahine Māori, a wife, a māmā and I am passionate about Māori healthcare and closing the health equity gaps. I have a Bachelor of Health majoring in Population Health and I am currently studying towards a Master of Health Science, at the University of Waikato.

What this scholarship means to me

This scholarship means a lot to me. As a wife, māmā, and wahine Māori, it is more than financial help. This scholarship helps me to continue my studies, it reminds me that our people (Māori people) are important and their hauora is most definitely worth pursuing.

Plans after graduation

I have a strong passion for the research space and hope to continue on to PhD studies. In the long term, I see myself stepping into roles where I can influence policy and decision-making, ensuring that kaupapa Māori approaches are embedded into the health system as an everyday practice, rather than treated as an add-on.

Why making a difference to health equity outcomes is important to me

I grew up rurally in the Far North and have seen first-hand how access and equity can differ for Māori communities. Health equity is about more than just “fairness”, it is about restoring mana motuhake, tino rangatiratanga, and building a system where Māori knowledge and ways of caring are valued. Making a difference in this space is important to me because I want my son, and future generations, to grow up in a country where being Māori is a strength that is reflected and celebrated in healthcare.

My dreams for the future of the health sector

My dream is that Māori whānau can walk into any health space and feel dignity, respect, and genuine cultural safety. I want to see more Māori voices in leadership, shaping what health services look like and ensuring they reflect our people and our values. For me, it’s about creating pathways so that our tamariki and mokopuna grow up in an Aotearoa where equity is the norm, not something we’re still fighting for. In the spirit of Hiwa — vigorous growth — I see this as part of a journey towards a season where Māori health is thriving, and where our dreams for a better system are realised.

Jarna Flintoff

“I feel incredibly privileged to receive this support, and I see it not only as recognition of my own efforts, but also as a testament to the investment my whānau and community have made in me.”

What this scholarship means to me

Receiving the Hiwa-i-te-Rangi Māori Health Leadership Scholarship is an incredible privilege. For me, it represents not only recognition of the hard work I’ve put into my communities through my mahi and my studies, but also the investment and support of my whānau, hāpori, and wider community who have walked alongside me. This scholarship strengthens my ability to give back more, to continue that cycle of reciprocity, and to honour the trust and encouragement I’ve been shown.

Dreams for my future in the health sector

My dream is to enable grassroots initiatives and whānau-led solutions to thrive. I believe the most sustainable and impactful change comes from communities themselves. Our whānau carry the knowledge, strength and vision to address their own health and wellbeing needs. But, too often current policies and systems restrict this potential. I want to be part of reshaping those systems and removing those barriers, ensuring that community-driven solutions are supported, resourced, and valued. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a future where Māori health equity is not only possible, but normal.

Why making a difference to health equity outcomes is important to me

Making a difference to health equity outcomes is deeply personal to me. Through my mahi at Te Oranganui, I have witnessed first-hand the barriers our whānau face when trying to access services and support. These challenges are not just professional observations – I have seen them in my own whānau as well. This drives my commitment to be part of the change. For me, health equity is about more than fairness; it is about restoring mana, creating spaces where Māori are heard and valued, and ensuring that our future mokopuna do not face the same challenges.

Lauryn Maxwell

“By sharing my journey and continuing to grow in my own mahi, I hope to empower rangatahi to see themselves as the next generation of leaders who will carry this kaupapa forward.”

What this scholarship means to me

This scholarship represents an acknowledgement of the mahi I have dedicated myself to, and it fills me with pride to see that commitment reflected in this award. It is uplifting to know that the path I am on is being supported, and it motivates me to carry on this important mahi with renewed energy and purpose.

Plans after graduation and what I am hoping to achieve

After graduation, I will be undertaking a six-week public health internship in Tokyo, Japan with an NGO, which will allow me to gain valuable international experience and broaden my perspective on health and wellbeing. Following this, I will begin my graduate role with Auckland Council, where I look forward to contributing to projects that strengthen and uplift our communities. At the same time, I plan to continue my journey of learning te reo Māori, deepening my cultural grounding and connection to Te Ao Māori. My hope is to grow both personally and professionally through these opportunities, while helping to create positive change for our people.

Why making a difference to health equity outcomes is important to me

For me, making a difference to health equity outcomes is about paving the way for future generations. Tackling inequities now means creating a future where Māori health and wellbeing are protected, uplifted, and celebrated, so our tamariki and mokopuna can thrive.

Dreams for my future in the health sector

My dream for the future in the health sector is to step into leadership roles where I can use my experiences to educate and inspire rangatahi. I want to show our young people that their voices and aspirations matter, and that they too can create change in spaces that affect our health and wellbeing. By sharing my journey and continuing to grow in my own mahi, I hope to empower rangatahi to see themselves as the next generation of leaders who will carry this kaupapa forward.

Karangatai Piripi

Ko Karangatai Kuikui Piripi tōku ingoa. He uri nō Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa me Ngāti Wai.

I chose to study nursing because I see the very urgent need for the reindigenisation of hauora Māori. My journey thus far in nursing and as a worker in mental health has shown me that our health system is heavily based on a Western biomedical model, one that often excludes Te Ao Māori values, tikanga, and Māori innovation in our approaches to how we attain wellbeing.

This system continues to overlook key elements of hauora Māori such as whānau, whenua, wairua, whanaungatanga and connection, contributing to the ongoing inequities faced by tangata Māori. True equity means creating environments grounded in Te Ao Māori, where Māori models of health, kaupapa Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and modern medicine work together as pathways to healing and hauora.

Growing and being a part of a Māori health workforce is a key aspect of delving equitable care for tangata Māori as we recognise that Te Ao Māori is the birthplace of wellbeing for tangata whenua. Lastly, My most valuable experiences come from my upbringing in kōhanga and kura, which continue to shape how I see and value hauora today.

Christine (Poihaere) Whare

Kia Tau te rangimarie

O te rangi e tuu iho nei

O Papatuanuku e takato nei

O te Taiao e awhi nei

Ki runga i a taatou

Tihei Mauri Ora!

Kake whakarunga au ki te tihi ō tōku maunga tapu ō Taupiri. Ka titiro whakararo au ki tōku awa koiora ō Waikato e rere kaha nei i te mata ō te whenua, waihoki tōku waka ō Tainui i kawea mai i ōku tupuna mai i Hawaiki. E marakerake ana te kite i tōku marae kaha whakakii puku ō Hukanui e whakarauika ana i tōku hapu ō Ngati Wairere, ka mutu tōku iwi ō Waikato, Tainui.

Ko Poihaere Whare ahau

“I am currently a confident second-year student at the University of Waikato, actively engaged in my nursing journey. Serving as a class representative has opened doors to a national role, allowing me to experience significant personal and academic growth. These leadership positions have shaped my identity and equipped me with essential skills for my future career.”

What this scholarship means to me

This scholarship provides my whānau and me with much-needed financial relief. Balancing my part-time job with my studies as a nursing student has significantly impacted my finances. This experience has brought both challenges and valuable life lessons that contribute to my academic and personal growth.

Managing work alongside school has highlighted the difficulties of handling limited financial resources while allowing me to support both myself and my children.My limited income often leads to anxiety over unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or school supplies. This scholarship has alleviated some of the financial pressures I face on my current nursing journey.

My plans after graduation, and what I am hoping to achieve

I envision embarking on a lifelong journey in education, starting with my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. This role excites me because it allows for a deeper connection with patients, where I can provide comprehensive care and truly make a difference in their lives. In addition to my passion for clinical practice, I also see myself stepping into the role of an educator. I want to share my experiences, insights, and knowledge with aspiring nurses. By teaching nursing, I hope to inspire and empower future healthcare professionals, fostering their growth and confidence as they prepare to enter the field. This path is fulfilling as it combines my love for nursing with a commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.

Why making a difference to health equity outcomes is important to me

Māori communities face low social determinants of health, and I am dedicated to advocating for improved health literacy. I act as a translator for my whānau in health settings and encourage them to ask questions for better understanding, helping them make informed wellness decisions. As the first in my whānau to pursue higher education, I aspire to be a role model.

I would like to finish with a whakatauki:

From listening comes knowledge,

From knowledge comes understanding,

From understanding comes wisdom,

From wisdom comes well-being.

The post Hiwa-i-te-rangi scholarship recipients announced appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

This collaboration comes at an important time. We live in the era of an aging population, and Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It is a progressive neurodegenerative condition which causes both motor and non-motor symptoms. Around 13,000 New Zealanders have Parkinson’s, and this number is expected to double within the next 20 years.  

The partnership will be realised through NZHG’s HealthCare New Zealand brand – Aotearoa’s largest and most trusted* in-home and community care and support provider. 

“New Zealand Health Group is committed to the goal of helping New Zealanders live their best lives in their own homes and communities,” says New Zealand Health Group Chief Executive Mike Peters. “It is a privilege to work with Parkinson’s New Zealand and support their aim of ensuring whānau have trustworthy information, education, and the right support to live positively with Parkinson’s.”  

“One of NZHG’s core values is kai whanaungatanga – acting in partnership.  In a complex and evolving health sector, the ability to work productively and positively across the spectrum of care providers is crucial,” continues Mike Peters. “I am very proud of the Group’s steadfast commitment to expanding partnerships and collaboration.” 

Parkinson’s New Zealand has recently celebrated 40 years of charitable service in Aotearoa. Its wrap-around services comprise home visits, support groups, phone and video call support, whānau meetings, referrals to health professionals, seminars, conferences, webinars, and social activities. 

“With no cure in sight and increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it’s vital that people have access to trustworthy information, education, and support wherever they live in Aotearoa, says Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s New Zealand. “This partnership with NZHG is a significant step towards increasing our reach across the country and being able to provide additional training to clinicians who care for people with Parkinson’s. We are delighted to have been able to forge this partnership with New Zealand’s largest provider of community-based care.” 

 
With years of experience in the healthcare industry, New Zealand Health Group’s team of skilled health professionals and support workers are trained to provide high-quality care which meets the unique needs of ageing people. Through Geneva Healthcare, HealthCare NZ, Solora, NZCL, Private Care NZ, and Freedom Medical Alarms, we support older people nationwide to live independent lives in the comfort of home. 

*As voted in the 2025 Most Trusted Brands Awards.  

The post NZHG and Parkinson’s NZ Announce Partnership appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

To that end, we have brought our Health and Wellbeing Directorate under a new brand – Geneva Wellbeing – which has launched this week!

You can visit the new Geneva Wellbeing website here: www.genevawellbeing.co.nz.

Our new name, Geneva Wellbeing, is a significant step forward in bringing our services, teams, and purpose together under one refreshed and unified brand. As a result, Geneva Wellbeing will address the full spectrum of wellbeing challenges – from physical recovery to emotional and mental resilience – ensuring that care is tailored to the specific needs of individuals, whānau, and workplaces.

While our mission and values remain the same, the rebrand will give us a stronger, more recognisable identity that reflects who we are today – and where we’re headed.

The following brands are being merged into Geneva Wellbeing:

• Geneva Work Solutions
• Geneva Wellness and Rehabilitation
• Explore Psychology and Wellbeing
• Explore Drug & Alcohol Support

Umbrella will join Geneva Wellbeing later in the year.  

What’s staying the same?

• The same trusted team you know and work with
• The same quality services and support
• Our commitment to strong partnerships and client outcomes

We want to reassure you this is a brand change only – there is no change to the services we provide or the people delivering them.

New contact details

These will be the new contact details for us at Geneva Wellbeing.  

• Phone number: 0800 00 44 41  
• General enquiries email: info@genevawellbeing.co.nz  
• Referrals email: support@genevawellbeing.co.nz  
• Sensitive Claims Providers: wellbeing@genevawellbeing.co.nz
  • Key Contact email: anna.findlay@genevawellbeing.co.nz    

If you have any questions or need help updating your records, feel free to get in touch. We’re excited about this next chapter and look forward to continuing to work with you – just with a fresh new look.  

The post New brand launched: Geneva Wellbeing appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

“It is important to note that these finalists and winners were nominated by their colleagues – the people they work with every day – which makes the achievements particularly special,” said Mike Peters, New Zealand Health Group CEO. “Through dedication to their mahi, these people are supporting great outcomes for our kiritaki and making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

There are five categories for our annual Kaimahi Awards. Three of these are for people showing exemplary commitment and alignment with our organisational values:  Kai Whakaute (we act with care, respect and empathy), Kai Huhuatanga (we strive for excellence and quality) and Kai Whanaungatanga (we act in partnership). Along with our values awards, we recognise outstanding achievement in promoting and leading Health and Safety, and we acknowledge overall excellence with our CEO Award.

Congratulations to all our finalists and winners in the 2025 Kaimahi Awards. 

Health and Safety Award

Winner: Nemane Thompson – Vehicle Fleet Manager (NZHG)

Finalists: Kanwal Singh – Service Delivery Manager/Community Connector (NZCL), Gwendolynn Johnson – Senior Registered Nurse (HCNZ), Leanne Miller – Clinical Team Leader (Work Solutions)

Kai Huhuatanga Award

Winner: Angelina Coleman – Health Advisor/Registered Nurse (NZCL)

Finalists: Senerita Pateli – Bookings Consultant (Geneva Staffing), Grant Laubscher – Team Leader, Cloud and Connectivity (NZHG),

Ronesh Ram (HealthCare NZ)

Kai Whakaute Award

Winner: Wendy Grant – Service Delivery Manager (NZCL)

Finalists: Kit Poelima – Payroll Team Leader (NZHG), Carleen Broughton – Relationship Manager (HealthCare NZ), Donna Achmadi – Specialist Services Manager (Explore)

Kai Whanaungatanga Award

Winner: Tom Woodman – Partner Manager (Geneva)

Finalists: Teresa Hughes – Rostering Coordinator (NZCL), Richard Sissingh – Operations Manager (Geneva Deaf & Disability), Kathleen Mua – CSW (NZCL)

CEO Award

Winner: Glen Street – Payroll Team Leader (HealthCare NZ)

Finalists Emma Park – Customer Support and After Hours Service Manager (Geneva), Kerri Thorpe – Regional Manager (NZCL), Marcus Hutching (HealthCare NZ)

The post New Zealand Health Group Employee Award Winners for 2025 appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

Amanda brings deep expertise in the health and disability sector and a strong values-driven approach to her work. Amanda was most recently the Deputy Chief Executive (Commissioning Design and Delivery) at Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People. In this role she led the commissioning portfolio, where she led the commissioning of disability support services for over 50,000 disabled people and their families/whānau. She also oversaw the Enabling Good Lives sites and supported the transformation of disability supports. Amanda worked closely with her colleagues in other government agencies, community partners, and community leaders. She has vast experience in leading teams at scale while remaining grounded in the principles of partnership, inclusion, and innovation.

Amanda is passionate about ensuring disability supports are responsive, relevant, and reflect the aspirations of disabled people. She is a strong advocate for innovation, continuous improvement, and empowering disabled people to have greater choice and control in their lives.

We’re privileged to have Amanda join the New Zealand Health Group whānau, and excited to see how she will bring her extensive skills and experience to bear for the people we support.

The post New Director Disability Services Appointed appeared first on New Zealand Health Group.

As part of the Trusted Brands annual awards, Reader’s Digest surveys New Zealanders to gauge their experiences with brands and services. As Reader’s Digest notes: 

“Trust is that intangible quality that signals reliability and integrity. Whether it is a product or service, trust is what reassures us that we are making the right choice.”  

This recognition highlights Healthcare New Zealand and Geneva Healthcare’s commitment to high-quality care that supports New Zealanders to live their best lives.  

These achievements would never have been possible without the support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, and office-based staff who work tirelessly each day to care for the people we support. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and compassion displayed daily by our people.

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