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Our News

New MASH Trust community space opens in Taitoko Levin

On Monday 24 March, MASH Trust opened its new community space Te Puna Rau Aroha, in Taitoko Levin. This has been a project years in the making as we searched for a site in Horowhenua that would be fit for the future of MASH. We spent time refining plans, and consulted across the community with iwi, sector experts, staff, people we support, and their whānau. We worked closely with Wayne Bishop Group around the construction work, while a catalyst team made sure everything from data cabling to furniture was taken care of. We also worked with Muaūpoko who gifted us the name Te Puna Rau Aroha and led the site blessings. Our new community space aims to bring the community in with bookable spaces such as the Sensory Space, and Spa Pool, as well as being a base for Living Plus, and our office-based staff in Levin.

In early March, we held our first whānau/family advisory group meeting (some of the members of this group are pictured, with others attending online using Teams). This group will support MASH to ensure the voices of the whānau/family have contributed to the development and review of key processes that impact them.

Whanau advisory group

Construction underway for MASH Trust's new community space in Levin

Construction has started for a new community space in Levin that has been gifted the name Te Puna Rau Aroha by Muaūpoko. Te Puna Rau Aroha will be a fun, accessible, and inclusive space where disabled people feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, and engagement with their community. It will include a bookable private indoor spa and sensory room. The name Te Puna Rau Aroha refers to the place where love, respect, courage, safety, and sharing is what really matters. A place and space where the essential vitality and life force of individuals, whānau and the community is nurtured, cared for, cared about. Where we can work and play together to reach for our dreams and our potential, and where everyone can thrive. Te Puna Rau Aroha will open in early 2025.

We recently ran our second feedback survey for the year for people we support and their whānau/families. These surveys will continue to run every six months to help us promote the voice of the people we support and their whānau, learn, and make improvements. The Leadership Team reviewed the findings and as a result have committed to: Continuing the rollout of The MASH Way. This is the way that we do things at MASH. Continuing the rollout of My Life My Plan. Our process for setting and supporting the achievement of goals and dreams with the people we support. A major clean-up of the key contacts we hold in our database. Ensuring they are relevant and hold all the required and correct information. Further engagement with staff prior to the next survey opening to support the people we support and their whānau to have a voice and share their experiences. These surveys are always a valuable learning opportunity for MASH. A huge thank you to everyone who took part.