Pou Whakaaro's beginnings

Our organisation was set up in 1982 with support from service clubs. Initially it was a sheltered workshop for people with a disability or experience of mental illness.   Called Eastern Bay Achievement Trust, ‘trainees' made farm gates and kiwi fruit pallets, grew food, did contract work and ran a lunch bar. Service users received a nominal ‘pay' of $10 to $80 per week. 

In 2002/3 after a financial crisis, these operations ceased. The Board and new manager worked hard to save EBAT from closing down. Since then, with energy, determination and community support; Pou Whakaaro has changed its focus to one of inclusion, has doubled in size and set up a Kawerau based service.