Support that feels like whānau
When māmā and their tamariki feel supported and surrounded by care, they can move toward the life they’re working for. Through connection, encouragement, and practical help, we walk alongside parents as they build strong, thriving whānau.
Our story - A place of aroha, hope and lasting change
Rongopai House Community Trust began with a simple idea: to create a welcoming space where whānau in the Far North can access practical support and services that help build strong, loving foundations for their families.
We were established by the leadership of St Saviour’s Anglican Church in Kaitaia, who saw a need in their community and responded with aroha. What began in 2011 as Feed My Lambs - offering kai, care and connection to local māmā and pēpi has grown into a trusted place of healing and practical support for whānau across Te Hiku.
Since becoming a registered charity in 2016, Rongopai House Community Trust has supported more than 250 whānau each year through programmes grounded in real-life support, warmth and understanding.
We’re locally led and deeply connected to the people we serve. Many of our team bring their own lived experience and walk with compassion beside those navigating poverty, violence, addiction or isolation.
Here, whānau find more than services. They find strength, belonging and a chance to thrive, in their own time and in their own way.
Our people
We’re a small, dedicated team that knows this community well. Each of us brings experience, aroha and a passion for helping whānau thrive.
Dino
Vicar & Director
Dino is the Vicar of St Saviour’s Anglican Church and Director of Rongopai House . He provides spiritual leadership and strategic direction across the Trust’s work. With a heart for social justice and a deep commitment to whānau in the Far North, Dino ensures our kaupapa is grounded in faith, hope and practical action. His leadership supports a strong culture of aroha and service, helping to guide our team and uphold our vision of lasting change.
Roberta
Whānau Coach
Roberta (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Muriwhenua, Ngāpuhi) is a Registered Nurse with 18 years’ experience specialising in mental health. She and her husband James moved to the Far North in 2016 to reconnect with their whenua and raise their five children in a more grounded, community-focused way. As Whānau Coach, Roberta draws on her clinical expertise, cultural knowledge and lived experience to support whānau with spiritual, social and health needs - working collaboratively with local services to help families thrive.
Whetu
Administration & Finance Officer
Whetu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hauā - Tainui) has proudly served at Rongopai House Community Trust for the past four years. Originally moving to the area in 2016, Whetu fell in love with Ahipara and its surrounding vibrant community. A devoted mother of three and a proud nan of three mokopuna, Whetu draws on her own life experiences to connect with and support others. She sees herself in many of the new mothers in the community, understanding their challenges because she’s been there too.
Our partners - Walking together for whānau
We’re proud to collaborate with trusted partners who share our heart for helping whānau thrive. Together, we offer stronger, wider-reaching support across Te Hiku.
Parenting Place
A key partner in our journey, Parenting Place has helped us grow, connect, and build deeper impact with whānau.
Te Hiku Hauora
As the Far North’s largest health provider, Te Hiku Hauora works alongside us to support māmā and tamariki with greater wraparound care.
Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri
A kaupapa Māori service walking with us to support whānau healing from trauma and violence.
Kindness Collective
Spreading kindness through practical support such as kai, clothing, care packs and household essentials to bring comfort and dignity to whānau in need.
Nurturing Families
Delivering essential support to whānau through practical aid, emotional care and parenting education.
Salvation Army
Collaborating to provide practical help like kai, clothing, and emergency support for families in crisis.
Far North REAP
Supporting whānau through learning, parenting workshops and local education opportunities.
Kaitaia Plunket
Helping connect our māmā with essential pēpi health checks and early parenting support.
Department of Internal Affairs
Partnering through community development support and funding pathways that strengthen local initiatives.
Te Oranga Whānau Services
Working with us to provide holistic whānau support grounded in tikanga Māori (culture).
Department of Corrections
Partnering to support individuals and families affected by incarceration and rehabilitation journeys.
Strengthening Families
Collaborating to wrap multiple services around families and coordinate plans for wellbeing.
Women’s Refuge
Referring and supporting māmā escaping violence to ensure safety and healing.
Waitomo Papakāinga
Supporting local housing and whānau stability in our shared roles.
Te Rarawa Anga Mua
Partnering on initiatives that uplift whānau wellbeing and resilience across iwi-led services.
Local Health and Wellbeing Agencies
We also engage with a range of health providers to support parents through Feed My Lambs and other programmes:
Northland DHB, Te Tai Tokerau PHO, Maternal Mental Health, Immunisation Services, 0800 My Teeth, Hospital Midwives, Family Planning, Preschool Education, Budgeting Services, Drivers Licenses, and Healthy Homes.
These connections make it possible to offer wrap-around practical support that helps whānau take real steps forward.
Spreading kindness through collaboration
In early 2024, Rongopai House Community Trust was proud to partner with The Kindness Collective Foundation and Mitre 10 to improve and refresh our community hub in Kaitaia. This collaboration led to the construction of a new outdoor playground and the full refurbishment of our community kitchen- two much-used spaces that help us deliver programmes for local tamariki and whānau.
Thanks to generous support from Mitre 10 and the Kindness Collective’s dedicated team of volunteers and tradies, we were able to make the spaces more comfortable and useful. These now host everything from playgroups and parenting courses to community dinners and support sessions.
This partnership shows the real difference that can be made when corporate, charitable and grassroots organisations work together around a shared kaupapa. It has not only improved the physical space, but also lifted community spirit and strengthened our ability to support those who need it most.
Nurturing Families & The Period Place
We are proud to announce a new partnership with Nurturing Families and The Period Place. Nurturing Families works alongside over 180 agencies to distribute essential baby and children’s items. These items include cots, car seats, clothing, toiletries and more for those who need them most.
Through this partnership, Rongopai House Community Trust will be able to extend additional support to māmā and whānau in Kaitaia by receiving and distributing essential supplies such as nappies, formula and hygiene products. This collaboration strengthens our ability to wrap care around our most vulnerable families and complements our existing programmes like Feed My Lambs.
At the core of this partnership is a shared belief that ‘Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, loved, and nurtured.’
Together, we’re ensuring more tamariki in Te Hiku o Te Ika have the best possible start to life.
Our funders
We’re deeply grateful to the funders who believe in our kaupapa and walk alongside us to uplift whānau in Te Hiku.
