Building a Tāngata Whai Ora-led Aotearoa
Kites Trust exists to empower Tāngata Whai Ora (people seeking wellbeing) to lead their own journeys with freedom, dignity, and self-determination. We are grounded in a commitment to community, creativity, and liberation.
Ngā ratonga
Our services
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Peer support for anyone experiencing mental health or addiction distress who comes to the Emergency Department.
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The Peer Tree is a peer-led community for young adults aged 18-30 years old. It focuses on mental wellbeing, connection, and creativity.
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Inpatient Peer Support is available in Te Whare o Matairangi (Wellington Hospital) and Te Whare Ahuru (Hutt Hospital).
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Peer Support is about real connection with someone who understands because they have lived through similar experiences.
Tō mātou tīma
Our team
Our team is made up of experts with lived experience, passionate about providing the support you need. We understand the challenges and are here to offer compassionate, practical guidance – every step of the way.
Support the Kaupapa
Tākoha mai
Make a donation
Support a movement led by lived experience
We are Tāngata Whai Ora, for Tāngata Whai Ora.
Kites Trust is a peer-led organisation in Pōneke. Since 2002, we have centred lived experience in mental health and addiction recovery in Aotearoa. Our purpose is simple and powerful: create a community where Tāngata Whai Ora design, deliver, and lead the support they know is needed.
What your support makes possible
- Employment with purpose
- Training and development
- Peer support where it matters most
- Young adult peer spaces
- Community-led initiatives
- A connected peer support workforce
Make a difference
Honoa mai
Join our Community of Practice
This space has been created by our Community of Practice Lead for peer support workers across Te Whanganui-a-Tara. It’s a place to stay connected, share experiences, learn, collaborate, and uplift one another in our peer support practice.
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Ngā taunaki
Testimonials
“I’ve been a Peer Support Worker with TWA for six months, and I value working in a genuine, down‑to‑earth way. Seeing people grow and get better is incredibly rewarding, and I’ve always felt welcomed and supported in this role.”
Murray McCarrison
Peer Support Worker
Kites Trust
Ngā hua o tā mātou mahi
Our impact
179
Interactions
30
Hours with Tāngata Whai Ora
28
Coffee groups
02
Art groups
10
Volunteers
Ngā pūrongo o te wā
Latest news
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Celebrating Connection and Insight: Our Journey with Whitireia’s Peer Support Research Project
Last year, we had the incredible opportunity to be part of a meaningful peer support research initiative led by Whitireia. This project explored the power of peer support in our communities, and we were honoured to contribute our voices and experiences to such an important kaupapa. Importantly, the research was grounded in recommendations from both the […]
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Kites Strategy Workshop: A Collective Vision for the Future
In early April, the Kites Trust whānau—both board and staff—came together for a transformative two-day strategy workshop led by the phenomenal Katerina Kupenga of Arahina Consultancy. It was more than just a planning session; it was a space to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine our future together. Grounding Ourselves in Purpose Held in Lyall Bay, the […]
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Reflection on Our First Peer Community of Practice Event
Stepping into our first Peer Community of Practice (CoP) event, my main goal was simple: to bring everyone together in person, spark connection, and see what ideas might emerge. What unfolded was far more meaningful than I anticipated. Held in the beautiful setting of Whakamaru, the event had a warm, welcoming energy. What stood out […]
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Team Talk: Behind the Scenes at Kites Trust on Wellington Access Radio
Last week I had the privilege of interviewing two of my incredible colleagues Madeline and Megan. Megan is our Service Manager at Kites Trust; she manages our wonderful Peer Support team operating in the hospital wards and in the community around Pōneke. Madeline is our Strategic Projects Manager, who dreams up possibilities for the future […]