Connections & Funding | Te Ara Whanaungatanga, Te Pūtea Toiora

Discover a Better Life with LAC in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District

Discover a Better Life with Local Area Coordination

Unlock your vision for a good life with Local Area Coordination.  We work with tāngata whaikaha | disabled people and their whānau to help you build a good life.

A man with down syndrome holds up a shirt. He seems excited.

What is Local Area Coordination?

Local Area Coordination assists you to access the natural supports available within your community, enabling you to live a good life.

Our service is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and delivered by
Your Way | Kia Roha.

Who Can Benefit?

Our free service is available to those eligible for Disability Support Services living in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District.  Your Way | Kia Roha Local Area Coordinators provide services across:

  • Eastern Bay of Plenty
  • Western Bay of Plenty
  • The Lakes District
We offer support in many regions of New Zealand.  You can learn more about supports in other regions of New Zealand on our Who We Support page. 

How it Works

We’ll meet to discuss your goals for a good life.  Together we’ll create a Tō Oranga Pai | Living Well Plan to help you achieve them.

Your plan may involve:

  • Finding ways to develop and share your gifts, talents and skills with others.
  • Identifying the natural supports that are available to you, such as whānau, friends, and neighbours.
  • Making meaningful connections with people and organisations in the community to broaden your support network.
  • Developing a valued role within your community.
  • Overcoming barriers that hinder inclusion.
  • Finding learning and development opportunities.
  • Growing connections within your hapū and iwi.

Whether you have short-term goals or broader goals, we are here to support you, for as long as you need us.

We actively engage with community groups, organisations, and businesses to foster an inclusive and welcoming community.

We also offer information to anyone interested in learning more about disability.

Your Role in Creating a Good Life​

When working with a Local Area Coordinator you’ll need to be ready to try new things and meet new people within your community.  By sharing your skills and supporting others you are helping create a supportive environment for everyone.

Contact Us

If you’re in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes district, you don’t need a formal referral to access our services.  Contact us on 0800 758 700, ask to speak with our Bay of Plenty team and you’ll be connected.

Our team love helping people with disabilities, and their family | whānau and carers, to get access to the support and funding they need. 

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