One2One Aotearoa is an established provider of individualised and flexible supports to people with disability (tāngata whaikaha) and their family/whānau in MidCentral DHB region. The MidCentral region covers the city of Palmerston North, the districts of Horowhenua, Manawatu and Tararua, and the Otaki ward of the Kapiti Coast District. One2One will support people with all types of disability to remain living in their family/whānau home, live with a host family or move into their own home in the community. One2One does not provide any group home, day centre or other congregate care services.
One2One is committed to work in partnership with each person with disability to plan and receive supports that meet their individual needs and preferences from people that they choose and trust.
People with disability who are allocated personal budget funding through the Disability Transformation System or other sources have a wide range of options as to how they use their funds and how their supports are provided to them.
The individualised arrangements that are most commonly used by people who have control over their own personal budgets are described in the website to help people determine what arrangement might best work for them. What connects all of these arrangements is that the person is always in control of:
Naturally, people are free to choose any mix of arrangements that better suits them at any time they wish - and are free to change their minds at any time.
You may prefer an arrangement where you employ or contract your own support people, but have One2One assist you with planning and implementing your supports - as well as managing and administering your funds. Planning and support from One2One will include, among other things:
Management and administration from One2One will include:
One2One offers you several ways of engaging your own support people under this arrangement. One way is for One2One to organise for you to be registered with IRD under its own umbrella registration so that you can employ and pay your own support people.
Another way is for you to engage an independent contractor to provide your supports. The advantages of using independent contractors is that you have fewer legal responsibilities and, while you might not have as much control over who the actual support person will be each time, you retain the flexibility to adjust your support arrangements to suit your changing needs and interests.
Some people do not want all the hassle of managing their own support people, but they still wish to be the employer. If you would like someone to help you recruit, train and supervise your support people, One2One can advise you on engaging a private co-ordinator to undertake those tasks on your behalf and under your supervision.
Tim is on the ASD spectrum. After leaving school at 15, Tims parents found it very difficult to motivate him to doing anything other than stay in his bedroom, playing computer games and watching DVDs. His parents knew he had a passion for films and acting but could not convince him to become involved in this. A facilitator helped Tim set up a circle of support. He joined the Special Olympics Ten Pin Bowling League and met other people with disabilities. He grew in confidence and became more outgoing.
Tim began going to a gym to improve his fitness and decided to enrol at UCOL to study for a Certificate in Performing Arts. While studying at UCOL Tim moved into the city of Palmerston North into a flat on his own. This was a very nervous time for his parents, but he learnt the necessary skills with the support of his mentors. With support, he learned to cook and clean, catch buses to UCOL and generally organise his own schedule. These skills enabled him to grow from a secluded introvert to a more self-assured young man.
Over several years at UCOL, Tim completed Certificate courses in Performing Arts, Foundation Skills and even tried his hand at Business Studies. All these new experiences enabled Tim to be more self-assured and transformed him into a confident young man. His passion for fil was till strong, and this was recognised by one of his UCOL lecturers who suggested that he may like to try the NZ Film and Television School at Whitireia in Wellington. Tim was keen and after an enrolment interview was offered a place on the course. His passion was such that he was one of 25 successful applicants out of 300!
This meant Tim needed to move to Wellington. So began a period of 8 years that Tim spent flatting and studying in Wellington. There were plenty of challenging moments along the way but during this time Tim learnt how to be independent in all areas of his life. He was supported in this by Capital Coast, disability support services provider.
Through small steps, Tim became a full citizen of a vibrant city. At times, he found his schedule at Film School challenging, but because he was truly passionate and focused on his career, he was able to push through the tough bits and achieve more than his family ever thought possible. His journey has been inspiring to many and we can see that in Tims case the sky really is the limit! Following Film School came several years of part time study at Whitireia. Tim eventually graduated with a Level 6 Diploma of Creative Writing. In July 2021, Tim decided that he didnt want to live in Wellington anymore and moved back to his parents' hometown, Dannevirke. He has his own two-bedroom flat which he really feels is his home
Tim decided that he would like to try writing a fantasy novel, using his creative writing skills. Thanks to funding from Mana Whaikaha, Tim was able to spend time with a writing mentor, who is very supportive of Tim and is impressed with his language and his writing skills. Tim has now finished the first draft of his novel. All 22 chapters! His next step, with the help of his mentor, is to go through the process of editing and refining. After that he will look at publishing it. In his spare time, Tim makes full use of the local public pool and has undertaken professional swimming lessons. He also attends the local gym where he is supported by a professional trainer.
Justine joined One2One in June 2023, shortly before her parents transitioned into retirement living. With thoughtful planning and support from her siblings and wider community, a close friend built the three-bedroom home where she now resides—a space filled with warmth, independence, and possibility.
A lifelong athlete, Justine began her sporting journey with short distance running (50m and 100m) and shotput. Her passion soon expanded to powerlifting and tenpin bowling, where shes made remarkable strides. A standout moment came in 1995 when she competed in powerlifting in Minnesota, USA. In 2002, she bowled in Cairns, Australia—another proud milestone in her sporting career.
Justine trains regularly with the Manawatu Special Olympics tenpin bowling team, practicing weekly and competing in regional tournaments across Hawkes Bay, Hutt Valley, Kapiti, Taranaki, and Manawatu. For over 30 years, she has proudly represented Manawatu at the national level and is preparing to compete in Christchurch later this year.
Beyond sports, Justine recently embraced singing, attending weekly sessions that bring joy and new creative expression. She continues to explore other activities, always open to new experiences and connections.
Her story is one of resilience, community, and vibrant participation—a true reflection of the One2One spirit.
In July 2019, David Rata joined One2One Aotearoa, transitioning from a host agency model funded through Individualised Funding—previously managed by his family for many years. As the coordination of support became increasingly exhausting for his parents, the family sought a more sustainable and empowering solution. That search led them to One2One's co-residency model, which has enabled David to live more independently and take greater control of his life.
With the support of his parents, David acquired a standing power chair mobility device. This transformative tool allows him to transition from sitting to standing, reducing the risk of pressure sores, building core strength, and offering a range of health benefits. But beyond the physical, being elevated to eye level has been life-changing—boosting David's confidence and enhancing his independence, especially in social settings like the concerts he regularly attends.
David now works in close partnership with One2One to shape his own support. He selects his team of Personal Assistants, plans his daily and weekly activities, and sets meaningful goals for his future. His interests are wide-ranging and vibrant: kickboxing, swimming, fishing, and attending live music events. He's also travelled to Tauranga to participate in Connect Neuro Physiotherapy training, further investing in his mobility and wellbeing.
A regular entrant in local radio competitions, David has won numerous prizes and continues to seek out new adventures. As his mobility improves, he's eager to embrace more outdoor experiences and expand his horizons even further.
David's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of personalised support and self-direction. It's a story of independence, joy, and the freedom to live life on his own terms.
His story reminds us that with the right tools and team, living life on your own terms isn't just possible — it's transformative.
You may prefer a support arrangement that leaves you with the least administrative hassle or legal responsibility. If you prefer this type of arrangement, you can ask One2One to co-ordinate your services and employ support people on your behalf. In other words, One2One:
Each person who chooses this type of arrangement is allocated a One2One co-ordinator (kaiwhakahaere). Each co-ordinator works with an average of 10-12 people, ensuring that they get to know you well and can remain in close contact. One2One will charge you an additional fee to cover the cost of your co-ordinator.
There are a number of specific support arrangements from which you can choose, and from which you can also 'mix and match. Popular support arrangements that are offered by One2One are described below.
The Homesharer arrangement appeals to those who feel that the best living arrangement is to move in with a person, couple or family who can provide needed supports. The homesharer is carefully matched to you and your needs and preferences - and their ability to provide a safe, secure, comfortable and welcoming home. Homesharers can be younger parents with one or two of their own children living at home, middle-aged parents whose children have left home, older couples or single people who may be of any age. You may move into the homesharer's home or the homesharer may move into your home.
Identification and matching of homesharers is a very careful and thorough process, with you at the centre of decision-making at all times: before and after any arrangement has commenced. One2One provides training to homesharers to further ensure they are competent and suitable to have you living with them. Homesharers are visited regularly by the One2One co-ordinator to ensure that the arrangement is running smoothly for everybody involved.
The Mentor arrangement, as the name suggests, is less about direct support provided at agreed times by a One2One personal assistant. It is more about a One2One mentor (te poipoia) being there at the right times, and on-call at other times, to help you make better decisions and take the right actions by understanding the consequences of not doing so: such as being unable to remain living in your home. One2One mentors also connect you into your local community, assisting you to develop useful skills and to fulfil valued roles in society.
The Flexible Supports arrangement involves a One2One personal assistant or kaiāwhina (personal assistant our name for support workers because it underlines that fact that you are in control) providing agreed support when, where and how you decide. This support could be in your home, in the community, at college or university, in a regular workplace, at a recreation centre, in a gym, at the pool or on holidays.
what you and One2One jointly believe and commit to achieve...
(how we will work with you)
Dip.Ed.
DIRECTOR
Dip.Ed.
DIRECTOR
Rebecca lives in rural Dannevirke with her husband, Chris, and has been involved in the disability sector for many years: supporting family members, developing and facilitating empowerment training for parents and sitting on a number of committees. This included being involved in the community engagement process that preceded the transformation of the disability system in the Manawatu/Tararua regions. That group was tasked with finding out what the local people with disability and their families wanted from the new system. A key finding was the need to give control back to the people with disability and their families over the supports they needed and wanted. Rebecca believes it is important that people with disability and their families have big dreams and aim for the stars. It was this personal philosophy that led her to become involved with One2One, whose vision and day-to-day practice she feels makes it stand apart. People with disability and their families are made to feel welcome, are valued and are listened to respectfully. Rebecca looks forward to many years of being a Board member of One2One.
B.Sc. Hons, Industrial Economics, MBA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
.Sc. Hons, Industrial Economics, MBA
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lawrence worked in Borneo for 30 years in the corporate sector before moving his family to Palmerston North in 1999 to seek a better life for his family, in particular his eldest son who has Down Syndrome. Since coming to New Zealand, Lawrence has had a focus on advocating for his son and promoting the role of families within support relationships.
In 2008, Lawrence initiated a family governance group (FAST) with four families. FAST has guided family members with disabilities to lead meaningful, independent and sustainable lives in their communities.
In 2010, Inclusion Aotearoa, of which Lawrence was a co-founder, was awarded the original Local Area Coordination demonstration contract. The LAC program now operates across three locations in New Zealand under new operators. Lawrence has also worked part-time with three other service providers with a disability and mental health focus. An important part of these roles for Lawrence was the opportunity to advocate for families in 'service provider conversations. Lawrence represented families in the co-design of the Disability Transformation System group. This work encouraged Lawrence to think about how New Zealand families could have more 'choice and control. From this, Lawrence has developed One2One Aotearoa.
Dip.Ed., Dip.Build.Surv.
CHAIR
Dip.Ed., Dip.Build.Surv.
CHAIR
Chris lives in Dannevirke, with his wife Rebecca, and works as a Building Officer with the Tararua District Council. About 15 years ago, he and Rebecca moved from Waiheke Island to the Manawatu with the youngest of their three sons, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. There began their journey of finding like-minded people who would help them to create the best life possible for their son. This led to the formation of Families Action Support Team (FAST) to help families to better help their sons and daughters with disability to live really good lives. FAST has since mentored other family collectives and supported them on their journeys. Chris feels strongly that every person with a disability has the right to set their own dreams and goals. Chris became an inaugural member of the One2One Board because he believes that One2One is showing the way in the disability community in its own belief that nothing is too hard and nothing is seen as a barrier to dreams coming true.
We are looking for people who would like to move in with a person with a disability in a comfortable, well-located and well-equipped house organised through One2One.
We are looking for people who would like to have a person with a disability live with them. One2One can meet the cost of any needed modifications, equipment or furniture.
We are looking for people who would like to spend several hours for one or more days each week, including week-ends, being a companion to a person with a disability as they pursue their own interests in the community.
We are looking for people who would like to become a mentor to a person with disability to help them make better decisions and take the right actions by understanding the consequences of not doing so. You will also help connect them to their local community, assisting them to develop useful skills and to fulfil valued roles in society.
Your duties as a personal assistant (kaiāwhina) with One2One will vary greatly, depending on the person you are supporting. Some of the more common duties include:
If you feel the outlined requirements and duties at One2One are suited to you and would like to express your interest in a future position, please select either OPTION 1 or 2 or call us on 06 355 1323.
Our PDF Acrobat expression of interest form is available for download to apply for a position as a personal assistant with One2One.
To apply online for a position as a personal assistant with One2One. Please use our electronic expression of interest application form.
Users with compatible browsers have the advantage of navigating the website with the applied access keys incorporated throughout this website. This allows you to navigate around the One2One website without using your mouse.
Different browsers use different keystrokes to activate accesskey shortcuts, as shown below:
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access key = a | Welcome to One2One |
access key = c | We can do it together... |
access key = d | We can do it for you (but not without you)... |
access key = e | About One2One |
access key = g | Board of Directors |
access key = h | Working at One2One |
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access key = j | Accessibility Mapping |
access key = k | Privacy Policy |
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One2One
Address: 74 The Square, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
Telephone: 06 355 1323
e-mail: [email protected]
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Appropriate levels of privacy and confidentiality are maintained in the collection, disclosure and storage of customers personal information.
Procedures
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