Our stories
Our Recovery and Families services are confidential and the privacy and safety of the people we partner are our highest priority. This section will cover our programmes and groups and our journey as we expereince them together.
Supporting and Empowering People to Live Life Well
Pou Whakaaro provides support to people with disabilities, mental health issues, and/or addictions to achieve their goals, gain independence and inclusion within their chosen community.
EBAT CHARITABLE TRUST
The organisation was first set up in 1982 with support from the club services and was called Eastern Bay Achievement Trust. Initially it was set up as a sheltered workshop for people with a disability or experience of mental illness.
Board of Trustees
Principles: how we will work
The Trust is committed to:
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The inclusion of all people in their communities
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Inspiring people to reach their full potential and have a good quality of life
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Working cooperatively with other community groups
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Respecting and implementing the dual heritage of the partners of Te Tiriti O Waitangi
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Developing positive working relationships and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity
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Respecting the cultural diversity of people and encouraging people of all ethnicities to use the Trust’s facilities and services
Aims: what we will do
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To support all people to be included in their communities, whanau/hapu/iwi
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To give priority support to people who have been marginalised by physical, sensory or intellectual impairment or mental illness
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To encourage communities, organisations and government agencies to include and support people with a disability or experience of a mental illness in their activities
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To increase knowledge and options of work (paid and unpaid), education and other activities available to people with a disability or mental illness, encourage them to make choices and participate
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To provide accessible advocacy, support and referral people needing this support
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To actively promote recognition, equality and respect for people with a disability and/or experience of mental illness in their communities and in government agencies
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To use education to further the Trust’s aims
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To support all people to share their ideas and skills to build an inclusive community spirit
MEET THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JULIE JUKES
Chair
Julie was elected Board Chair in 2014 after having gained governance experience as a Whakatane District Councillor. Julie brings leadership experience to the role having been a Local Government second tier Manager with 48 staff.
Being a board member has meant being part of a great committed team trying to make a difference to the lives of the people we partner and the environment.
As well as being a board member Julie also works full time and is a Whakatane District Councillor.
BRADLEY SHAW
Deputy Chair
NBA
TANIA SAMAL
Secretary
Tania was elected Secretary in 2018 and brings important research and networking skills along with great community connections. Tania has been involved with teenagers and education for over 20 years and can bring the perspective of the youth. Tania is a committee member of the Whakatane District Council Sister Cities and is the coordinator for 'Friendship City Exchange' with Shibukawa, Japan.
COLIN LEONARD
Treasurer
Colin was appointed Treasurer in 2017 and brings with him a wealth of financial skills due to his accounting background. Colin is a Chartered Accountant and also a partner in a local accounting firm, FARMit Accountants.
Colin also has experience working with charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Along with Pou Whakaaro , Colin is also a Trustee of a number of our great local organisations, such as, Life Education Trust EBOP, The e-Network Trust and the Whakatane District Council Mayoral Relief Fund Charitable Trust.
ADELINE REDMOND
Trustee
TBA
TBA
People's Representative
To be appointed
JOSHUA KALAN
Trustee
NBA
PAULA SMITH
Trustee
TBA
MEET THE GENERAL MANAGER
CLAIRE PYE
General Manager
In 2008 I had the privilege of joining Pou Whakaaro as the General Manager. At that time I saw that Pou Whakaaro was an organisation that truly practiced working in collaboration with the people who used the services. Since this time I have come to appreciate the willingness of the Board and team to develop innovative practice that keeps partnership at its core, and to watch the organisation grow.
Seeing the people we partner achieve their aspirations, including running Micro Businesses continues to inspire me and makes working here a rewarding experience.
