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Nau mai, haere mai! As we move further into this election year, staying informed about how to make your voice heard is essential. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the decisions affecting our healthcare, local communities, and support services across Te Tai Tokerau. To help you get prepared, we are sharing key updates from Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri (The Electoral Commission) so you know what to expect and how to make sure you are ready to vote. 📬 What to Look Out For in Your Mailbox Things are working a little differently for the 2026 General Election. You need to be enrolled before voting starts. Throughout August, the Electoral Commission is posting out enrolment update packs to more than 3.6 million New Zealanders. When yours arrives in the letterbox, take a quick moment to open it up and check that all your details—especially your current home

At Home Support North, we believe that maintaining independence means staying connected to the events, resources, and people that matter most. That is why we are thrilled to announce a special community initiative for the upcoming Shaping Your Legacy Expo at McKay Stadium. We know that arranging transport or navigating parking can sometimes stand in the way of getting out into the community. To make sure nobody misses out on this fantastic event, we are turning our fleet into a free shuttle service for the day! Introducing Our Free HSN Expo “Taxis” On Friday, September 11th, three of our clearly marked, HSN-branded vehicles will be hitting the road to operate like a free taxi service for anyone in Whangārei who is unable to drive themselves to the expo. Whether you need a lift from your front door straight to McKay Stadium, or a ride back home afterwards, our team has

Caring for someone you love doesn’t mean you have to do it alone Caring for an older parent, partner or family member with disability is an act of love – but it can also be exhausting, emotionally and physically. Many carers juggle work, whānau responsibilities and their own wellbeing, often putting themselves last. Home Support North works alongside families and carers, providing practical support that helps everyone involved maintain balance, dignity and quality of life. Support services are flexible and designed to complement existing care arrangements. This might include respite care, giving carers time to rest or attend to other commitments, or regular in-home support to assist with personal care, household tasks or social connection. One of the most valued services for families is respite care. Knowing your loved one is safe, comfortable and well cared for allows carers to take a break without guilt – whether that’s for a

Support at home after hospital can make recovery safer and less stressful Leaving hospital is often a relief – but it can also be daunting. Many people find that everyday tasks feel harder than expected after surgery, illness or injury. Fatigue, limited mobility and reduced confidence are common, especially in the early weeks of recovery. Home Support North provides post-hospital support designed to help people recover safely and comfortably at home, reducing the risk of complications and unnecessary hospital readmissions. Support following hospital discharge can include personal care, help with showering and dressing, meal preparation, light household tasks, medication reminders and transport to follow-up appointments. Having a trained Support Worker involved means small issues can be noticed early, providing reassurance to both clients and families. One of the biggest benefits of in-home support is confidence. When someone feels supported, they are more likely to follow recovery instructions, rest properly and

Why staying at home matters – and how Home Support North can help For many older people, people living with disability, or those recovering from illness or a hospital stay, there’s one strong wish that comes up again and again – to stay living at home for as long as possible. Home is where life feels familiar, comfortable and connected. With the right support in place, staying at home doesn’t have to mean struggling on your own. That’s where Home Support North can help. Home Support North is Northland’s largest provider of in-home care and support services, helping people maintain their independence while feeling supported, safe and cared for in their own homes. Support is tailored to each person’s needs, interests and routines – because no two people, or homes, are the same. Support can be as simple or as comprehensive as you need. Many people start with help around

If you live in Northland, you know that independence isn’t just a preference—it’s part of our DNA. But for a long time, the New Zealand health system didn’t reflect that. For much of the 20th century, if you needed help with daily tasks, the “solution” was almost always institutional. You moved out of your home and into a facility. Today, that has flipped. The government now actively prioritizes “Ageing in Place.” Here is the story of how home support became the gold standard in Te Tai Tokerau and why it’s the model the government now banks on. From “Benevolent Institutions” to Modern Homes In the early 1900s, care for the elderly was often bleak. If family couldn’t help, people ended up in “charitable institutions” that were often strictly regulated and clinical. After WWII, we saw the rise of the modern rest home, but by the 1970s, New Zealand had one

When people think about home support, they often picture a checklist of chores: showering, dressing, or vacuuming. While those tasks are essential, they are only the beginning. For our private clients in Northland, home support is less about “maintenance” and more about lifestyle. When you aren’t restricted by government funding criteria, your support plan can be tailored to the things that actually make your week worth looking forward to. Here are the four key benefits that our private clients value most—focusing on companionship, community, and the joy of a well-run home. 1. A Dedicated “Activity Partner” Government funding is often strictly tied to “personal cares.” But what if you just want to spend an afternoon in the garden or finishing a puzzle? 2. Door-to-Door Community Access Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges as we age, especially in sprawling areas like the Far North or Whangārei Heads. 3. Preserving

While the medical and financial side of home support is important, life in Northland is really about those blue-sky days and the “slow-burn” beauty of our backyard. One of the best things about having a support worker is having someone to help you get out and about safely. Whether you’re in Whangārei or the Far North, here are five low-stress, high-joy outings that are perfect for a gentle afternoon. 1. The “Canopy Magic” at A.H. Reed Memorial Park You don’t have to be a mountain climber to stand among giants. The A.H. Reed Memorial Park features a stunning treetop boardwalk that is almost entirely level. 2. A Treat at the Town Basin (with a side of Art) The Whangārei Town Basin is the heart of our city for a reason. With the new Hundertwasser Art Centre and the wide, flat paths, it’s a senior-friendly paradise. 3. Botanica Whangārei: The Year-Round

If you’ve just booked a NASC (Needs Assessment Service Coordination) visit, you might be feeling a bit nervous. It can feel like you’re being “tested” on how well you’re managing. At Home Support North, we want to set your mind at ease. The assessment isn’t a test you can pass or fail—it’s simply a conversation to ensure you get the right support to keep living the life you want in Northland. Here is a look at what actually happens during the visit and the questions they are likely to ask. How the Visit Works Usually, a trained assessor (often a nurse or social worker) will come to your home. The visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Our Top Tip: Don’t tidy up! If you usually struggle with the vacuuming or laundry, it’s important the assessor sees the reality of your daily life. Also, have a support person

When a family member begins to struggle at home, the first question we usually hear at Home Support North isn’t about the care itself—it’s about the cost. Money is a stressful topic, especially when you are already worried about a loved one’s safety. In Northland, the landscape for 2026 has some specific numbers you need to know. Whether you are in Whangārei, the Far North, or Kaipara, here is a clear breakdown of how the “dollars and cents” of care actually work. 1. The Government-Funded Option (HCSS) For most New Zealanders, home care is funded by the government. If you are eligible, the service is free of charge. 2. The Rest Home Reality (The “Asset Test”) Moving into a rest home is a very different financial journey. In 2026, the “Maximum Contribution” (the capped weekly fee you pay for a standard room) in Northland is approximately: The “Spend Down”: If