South Waikato Achievement Trust residential support services prioritise safety and independence
Choosing supported independent living or residential support can raise both practical and emotional questions. Common concerns include safety, connection to the community and the opportunity to build skills and confidence. A real home is more than accommodation – it provides daily activities, a sense of belonging and support that reflects each person’s life.
The Trust provides two types of residential support - matched to individual needs and the level of support wanted. The full residential support option is for those who need access to 24/7 support. Options include flats, small group homes and larger shared residences. The other support we provide is Supported Independent Living (SIL) - for people in their own homes who just want a couple of hours support each week with day to day activities.
Personal profile plans guide day-to-day living, with whānau involved as part of the ongoing conversation. Plans are reviewed regularly so activities and goals can evolve as needs and wants change. Over time, supported living environments can foster friendships, strengthen community connections and support pathways towards greater independence where possible.
Currently, 75 people are supported across a range of residential homes. Demand for disability residential services and 24/7 support remains high, with services currently at capacity. Future development is supported through ongoing fundraising initiatives.
Tokoroa | South Waikato
Page: Residential Support Services Tokoroa | Supported Living South Waikato - Last updated: 27th August, 2026
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If you are interested in disability support, you will require a needs assessment - find out more here.
Residential support services for safe, supported living and real community
- Residential support services offer safe homes and 24/7 support
- Independent living support to residents in their own homes in Tokoroa who just need a few hours each week
- Residential disability support with individual choice-led decisions
Flexible residential support services matched to individual requirements
Residential support services begin with a needs assessment from Disability Support Link. This assessment is used to determine appropriate accommodation options that match a person's wants, and the level of residential support required.
For access to 24/7 support, the Trust has single and two-bedroom flats, homes for three or four people, and a larger facility supporting up to 18 people with higher support needs. Residential support can also be provided in a person's own home.
All homes owned by South Waikato Achievement Trust are wheelchair accessible and designed with safety in mind. Some people require awake staff day and night as part of 24/7 support, while others need overnight staff available for emergencies or a few hours of support in their own homes through supported independent living.
Levels of support are shaped by individual needs and preferences, ensuring a balance between safety and autonomy from the outset. Where paid work is part of an individual plan, further details are available on the vocational support page.
All homes owned by South Waikato Achievement Trust are wheelchair accessible and designed with safety in mind. Some people require awake staff day and night as part of 24/7 support, while others need overnight staff available for emergencies or a few hours of support in their own homes through supported independent living.
Levels of support are shaped by individual needs and preferences, ensuring a balance between safety and autonomy from the outset. Where paid work is part of an individual plan, further details are available on the vocational support page.
Personal plans and residential disability support focused on individual choice
Personal plans guide daily life for every resident. These are developed through time spent understanding individual interests, preferences and goals. Planning covers both support needs and the broader picture of home life, work, goals, and community participation. Planning includes:
- A support plan based on formal assessment
- A lifestyle plan focused on participation and personal goals
This approach follows the Enabling Good Lives principles, where activities are not dictated by staff. Individual choice leads, and support is organised around those preferences. Plans are reviewed regularly as circumstances change or new goals are identified.
Whānau involvement is encouraged. Families are welcome to visit, discuss plans and see the living environment firsthand. This openness builds trust and ensures both practical needs and personal goals are well understood. Options for creative and community activities, as well as work opportunities, are outlined in the Creative Hub and Work Pathway pages.
Whānau involvement is encouraged. Families are welcome to visit, discuss plans and see the living environment firsthand. This openness builds trust and ensures both practical needs and personal goals are well understood. Options for creative and community activities, as well as work opportunities, are outlined in the Creative Hub and Work Pathway pages.
Supported living services connected to work and community activities
The South Waikato Achievement Trust connects residential support, work opportunities, and community participation. Bringing these three areas together within one organisation supports the key parts of everyday life – home, work and day activities. This integrated model supports:
- A consistent support approach across home, work and community activities
- Smooth transitions between services as needs or interests change
- Clear pathways from residential support towards greater independence where appropriate
Residents can take part in work, creative activities and community programmes if they choose to do so. Support is also available for school-to-service transitions and for moving between different accommodation options.
Changes to support levels, personal plans or accommodation are planned around individual circumstances and available options. For further information or to discuss services, get in touch with the team via the contact form.
Accessing support
To be eligible for Disability Support Services (DSS) funded support, you must be a New Zealand citizen or otherwise eligible for publicly funded services, have a confirmed physical, intellectual or sensory disability, or autism (or a combination of these), that is likely to continue for at least six months and require ongoing support, and generally be under 65 years of age. You will need to provide evidence of your eligibility for publicly funded services and confirmation of your disability. People over 65 with age-related needs are generally funded by the Ministry of Health.
To get started, contact your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation, or have someone such as your GP contact them on your behalf with your permission. They will discuss your eligibility and, if you meet the criteria, arrange a needs assessment that can include your family, whānau, aiga or carers. Please note there is usually a waitlist for in-person appointments. If you are not eligible for DSS-funded support, the NASC will help connect you with other services that may be able to assist.
Supported living is usually considered when safety, daily routines or support needs are difficult to manage at home. An early kōrero helps clarify needs, risks and what support is already in place. If you want to explore what government funded home help can look like, find out more about Needs Assessment and Service Coordination here.
24/7 residential support is determined by assessed needs. In some homes, awake staff are present day and night, while in others, staff are available nearby overnight and respond as required.
Support may include assistance with personal care, meals and daily routines, along with transport to work or community activities where these form part of an individual plan. Daily routines are shaped around personal choices rather than a fixed timetable where possible.
Residential support at South Waikato Achievement Trust includes higher-support options, including a larger facility for people who need more help day and night, or single flat homes with 1 on 1 support. The NASC assessment sets the level of support and personal plans keep it focused on what matters to each individual. Whānau involvement stays important, especially when needs are complex or changing.
The South Waikato Achievement Trust residential support services are funded through the government. Contact the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination providers (NASC) to find out more.
Timing depends on individual circumstances, assessment outcomes and the availability of suitable homes. The process involves reviewing support needs, exploring supported living options and planning any transition in a structured and considered way. For those entering our residential services, visits can form part of this process, allowing potential residents and whānau to view the home environment and meet staff and residents before moving in.