Kia ora koutou,

As we move further into 2026, we would like to take a moment to share some updates from across Shore Trust — including sector changes, developments within our homes, new activities for residents, and heartfelt thanks to the many people and organisations who continue to support our community.

Over the past few months, there have continued to be significant changes across Disability Support Services (DSS), the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Sector Updates: What’s Happening Nationally

One of the most important recent announcements relates to changes to Flexible Funding from 1 April 2026. The Government has removed many of the purchasing rules that were introduced in 2024, allowing disabled people and whānau more flexibility and choice in how they use their funding, while still requiring spending to align with assessed disability support needs. (Disability Support Services)

The sector continues to experience ongoing reform and financial pressure. Providers across Aotearoa are being encouraged to strengthen sustainability, improve financial controls, and focus on long-term planning and continuity of services. DSS has also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong business continuity planning as organisations continue to navigate increasing operational costs and infrastructure pressures. (The Beehive)

At Shore Trust, our focus remains unchanged, supporting residents to live meaningful lives with dignity, stability, and strong community connection while adapting carefully to the changing disability support environment.

Rising Operational Costs and Property Maintenance

Like many providers around New Zealand, Shore Trust continues to face significant property maintenance and infrastructure challenges.

At Belmont House (BT House), major work has been underway to repair a serious water leak issue. We are pleased to say that the work is now nearing completion. At the same time, another substantial leak was discovered at Nile Road House (NR House), where water damage affected the bathroom flooring and surrounding walls, requiring extensive repairs and replacement of the shower area.

These situations have created disruption for residents and staff, and we would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our teams, who have continued to support residents with patience, care, and reassurance throughout the repairs and temporary inconveniences.

We are also deeply grateful to Bryan Symes and the team at Capri Construction for their generosity and support for these repairs. Their kindness and practical help have made a real difference to Shore Trust and our residents’ homes.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Terri Merrilees, Peter Menezes, Johann Raubenheimer, and the team at ITlive for their ongoing support. ITlive generously donated both a desktop and a laptop to Shore Trust, alongside their continued technical assistance and commitment to our organisation.

The support we receive from our community and local businesses genuinely helps us continue providing safe and welcoming homes for our residents.

Activities and Programmes

There has been lots of positive energy across both BT House and NR House over recent months.

We are delighted to have lovely Irina Petropavlovskaia facilitating Chair Yoga sessions and Music & Movement activities at BT and NR House. Residents have thoroughly enjoyed the gentle exercise, relaxation, and social connection these sessions bring.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our pottery tutor, who recently finished her work with Shore Trust after contributing creativity, learning, and enjoyment to residents’ lives. We are currently looking for a new pottery tutor to continue this valued programme.

Meanwhile, Gemo continues to bring joy and connection to both houses each week through his live music sessions, which remain a highlight for many residents and staff alike.

Welcoming Our New Office and Finance Manager

We are pleased to welcome Jai Swamy to Shore Trust as our new Office and Finance Manager.

Jai has recently joined the organisation and has already brought a calm, positive, and professional approach to the role. He is currently working closely with Noori to strengthen systems, support operational processes, and help Shore Trust continue building a sustainable future in an increasingly challenging sector environment.  We are very happy to have Jai as part of the Shore Trust team and look forward to the knowledge and experience he brings to the organisation

People and Culture are actively involved with the Shore Trust human resources and team professional development and supporting Shore Trust to be the best workplace in the sector.

At Shore Trust, we value open communication and working in partnership with residents and whānau. Shore Trust has a complaints policy and clear processes to support any concerns or feedback. We encourage families and residents to talk with us directly so we can work together toward a positive resolution. If you are not satisfied or would like independent support, you can contact the free Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service on 0800 555 050 or visit Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service.

We are also very pleased that some Shore Trust residents are now receiving support and connection through People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi, a Disabled People’s Organisation run by and for people with learning disability. People First supports self-advocacy, leadership, inclusion, and helping people have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their lives and communities. Their work aligns strongly with Shore Trust’s commitment to dignity, choice, independence, and community participation for all residents. (peoplefirst.org.nz).

Ngā mihi nui to all our residents, whānau, staff, volunteers, and community supporters for continuing to stand alongside Shore Trust. Your kindness, patience, and support help create safe homes, meaningful connections, and opportunities for the people we support every day.

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas. We value working together in partnership.

Warm Regards,

Noori Zehab

Manager

We’re pleased to share a summary of what has been happening over the past few months and what lies ahead for our community and organisation.

The Shore Trust Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Nov 2025, and the minutes were shared with our whānau, staff, and stakeholders in January 2026. Following that, Shore Trust’s audited financial accounts are now publicly accessible on the Charities Services website, reflecting our commitment to transparency and good governance.

Sector Update – Disability System Changes

Significant changes continue across the New Zealand disability support sector. The disability support funding model has been undergoing reform since December 2025, with services transitioning into a new framework under Disability Support Services (DSS) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). These changes focus on standardising access, strengthening planning, and aligning funding with outcomes. In addition, the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 has been launched, setting a renewed direction on education, employment, health, housing, and justice for disabled people, oriented around human rights and equity. Government agencies, including Whaikaha, are now beginning implementation planning and monitoring progress.

Community and Whānau Engagement

Last year in August, we hosted our first Family Forum, bringing together residents’ families and supporters in a warm and open space for engagement and feedback. We’re excited to confirm that our second Family Forum is planned for mid-June 2026, with invitations and details to be circulated soon. These gatherings are vital opportunities for us to stay connected and accountable to the people we serve.

Team Growth and Recruitment

We are delighted to share that our recruitment efforts have been successful, we’ve welcomed three new employees into the Shore Trust team. Their skills and passion strengthen our capacity to provide safe, person-centred care across both homes.

We also welcome a new resident who has recently joined our Nile Road house — a valued addition to our community.

Sector Support and Learning

On 5th Feb 2026, our February team meeting, we were privileged to have Lydia Starr from People First NZ speak with our team. Lydia’s insights on lived experience and leadership were invaluable, and we’re pleased to share that she will be extending her engagement by joining residents’ meetings for further conversations.

Governance Update

Last year we said farewell to two long-serving board members and welcomed two new directors to the Trustee Company Board. Their broad expertise strengthens our governance and strategic direction. We are in the process of updating our website to reflect these changes.

Thank you for being part of our extended Shore Trust whānau. We look forward to our ongoing work together as we continue to grow, serve, and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of disabled people and their families.

Ngā mihi nui,
Team at Shore Trust