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NorthAble
DIAS NorthAble is ‘Your First Stop for Disability Information and Service’. Our aim is to link you, the enquirer, to information and services that can support and empower you. We provide information on advocacy, recreation, education, employment, travel and tourism, organisations and support groups, government agencies, families and relationships, financial issues and more. Our retail shops in Whangarei and Kaikohe sell new and second-hand disability equipment plus a variety of aids and devices which can assist you with your daily tasks. A range of hire equipment is available on request.
The Disability Information team promote NorthAble services Northland wide. Presentations are made to community health expos, PHO’s, service groups, mobility equipment expos etc. NorthAble also attends Field Day events and bi-cultural festivals ie. Ngaphui Festival, Kaikohe. Please contact us if you would like a presentation in your area.
NASC is a gateway to accessing a range of disability support services. The Ministry of Health contracts with NorthAble to provide this service, and this service is free. The NASC service is for people aged 0 to 65 years who have an intellectual, physical, or sensory disability, or a combination of these, where the disability is likely to continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent functioning.
LYNKZ is a Community Participation programme incorporating Vocational Support i.e. assisting and supporting people whilst they’re seeking employment, and Oranga Wairua, the cultural component of the programme. LYNKZ is for people living with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development for people aged 18 – 64 years.
LYNKZ programme
105 Cameron Street, Whangarei
Ph: 09 438 9369
Fax: 09 438 9368
Contact Details
Other Offices
NorthAble, Kaikohe Office
Marino Place, Library Square
PO Box 173, Kaikohe
Phone: 09 401 0942
Freephone: 0800 430 3406
Fax: 09 438 9468
Main Office
Physical Address
40 John St
Whangarei
Telephone
09 430-0988
Freephone 0508 637 200
Fax 09 438 9468
Email Address
Website Address
Key Contacts
Maureen Gwillim
DIAS Team Leader
I joined the NorthAble DIAS (Disability Information Advisory Service) team in 2005 after 10 years experience in retail sales, followed by nine years in a variety of roles within the financial services industry.
My role now is Support Services team leader with three DIAS administrators, including myself in the Whangarei office and one in Kaikohe.
I enjoy buying and selling disability equipment and assisting customers to purchase the right equipment to help make their daily lives easier. I also enjoy the promotional team work and having the opportunity to promote NorthAble’s free services. Please contact me if you have any queries regarding disability information, or if you need advice or support.
09 430 0988
Meri Rihari
DIAS Administrator
I moved to Whangarei in 2002 from Auckland with a background as a Kohanga Reo tutor. I applied for part time work tutoring the Huarahi Maori component of the Extensions programme. After working with Client Services for four years I moved to Front Office Administration. I now work full time in the Support Services team.
I provide disability information and sell a variety of equipment eg: wheelchairs, strollers, walking sticks and more. Some hire equipment is available on request.
“If we haven’t got it we will do our utmost best to find it for you”
I am also an Assessor for the Total Mobility scheme and Quality facilitator for the Support Services team. I enjoy the people contact and going out and presenting / promoting our services.
09 430 0988
Dot Sheridan
DIAS Administrator
I have been involved in education and health for many years.
My role at NorthAble is to provide information, research for products and equipment, sell new and second hand equipment, organise presentations and expos, compile the NorthAble quarterly newsletter and network with any organisation or person associated with the disability sector.
I enjoy all aspects of this role and this is reflected in the satisfaction felt when there is a happy outcome to a client’s enquiry.
09 430 0988
Maria Wihongi
DIAS Administrator
I am the NorthAble Disability Information and Advisory Service Administrator (DIAS) for the Kaikohe Office.
The key functions of my role are to provide disability information and to promote the range of NorthAble services. I am able to link the public to information which empowers them to make their own choices and decisions. The Disability Information and Advisory Service is free and can be accessed by anyone.
I have created networks and have links and a working relationship with a number of disability support services and funding agencies that may be of use to the enquirer. I will also be able to assist people to access other relevant services in your area such as:
- Disability information and support services
- Disability and consumer groups
- Vocational, and educational services
- Government agencies and health providers
- Maori advisor’s
09 401 0942
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