Pou Whakaaro, a support organisation for people with mental health challenges and disabilities in the Eastern Bay, is entering a new era of leadership.

After 17 years at the helm, long-serving general manager Claire Pye has retired, handing the reins to incoming chief executive Jonathon Hagger.

Reflecting on nearly two decades of service, Ms Pye described her time with the organisation as “amazing".

“It has been amazing working alongside the people we have the privilege to support,” she said. “To support them to live a really amazing life.”

Pou Whakaaro provides a wide range of support services, including mental health and disability support, respite care, and programmes that foster independence, inclusion, and community involvement.

The organisation also oversees CReW, the local employment and waste-minimisation initiative that came under the trust’s governance in 2013.

“And that has been great, it has been an opportunity for people to volunteer, to train and to be employed.”

Today, Pou Whakaaro supports around 200 people across the Eastern Bay.

Ms Pye said one of the organisation’s most important achievements had been increasing social inclusion for those who might otherwise feel marginalised.

“When I first joined, the brief was around inclusion. It has been heartening to see how involved people are now – whether it is going away with social clubs, volunteering, or being employed and valued in workplaces,” she said.

“We also support people to run their own micro-businesses.”

Their aim with all that they did, she said, was for people to be recognised as valuable members of our communities.

Pou Whakaaro’s move from Te Tahi Street to its Bracken Street premises was a milestone, improving its visibility and accessibility.
“This created visibility. It put us on the bus route and put people in town,” Ms Pye said.

She also acknowledged the support of the regional council, particularly in providing bus passes to people who cannot drive.
“That access to transport has been a significant step toward making our community more inclusive and helping people become more independent.”

Under Ms Pye’s leadership, Pou Whakaaro has grown from a staff of 11 to more than 20, and it has expanded its services through partnerships with peer support and family support organisations.

Mr Hagger, who has been in the role for less than two weeks, said his early focus has been learning the history and scope of Pou Whakaaro and CReW.

Previously with Rotorua Community Hospice, he said he felt  “privileged and fortunate” to carry on Ms Pye’s work.

He does not foresee immediate structural changes but believes the organisation can elevate its storytelling.
“Especially sharing the stories of our people; there are a lot of diamonds in there,” he said.

After only eight days in the role, Mr Hagger said meeting the people behind the programmes has already been inspiring.
“The interaction is just magic. The important part, which Claire has modelled, is taking the time to meet, talk, and listen to people.”