Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support provides free, 24/7 support services to help victims of traumatic events across Tairāwhiti and nationwide. Offering emotional support, practical help and guidance, they help individuals through challenging times and connect them to any necessary resources.
Earlier this year, Trust Tairāwhiti approved $13,000 in funding to the Gisborne Manaaki Tāngata team, supporting costs like volunteer training, telecommunications and travel to maintain services across the region from Wairoa to Potaka.
Founded in 1987 by a former Gisborne Police court orderly, Kevin Joblin, Manaaki Tāngata has been a vital support system in the justice process for nearly 40 years.
Focusing on empathy and advocacy, the organisation provides clear information on victims’ rights, support navigating the justice system and referrals to other services.
Over the past year, they’ve supported over 1,100 people in Tairāwhiti, with each case often affecting up to ten to thirty others, including whānau, friends and colleagues.
“Tairāwhiti has faced challenging times,” says Julia De Cleene, Gisborne’s Team Leader. “We’re seeing a steady stream of referrals and sometimes spend an entire day with a single whānau.”
Guided by victim-centric, trauma-informed, and Te Tiriti-led values, Manaaki Tāngata has a flexible, open-door approach, offering neutral, personalised support wherever people feel most comfortable – whether at home, over a coffee, or in the office.
National Grant Specialist Denise Graham says their collaborative approach ensures those affected can cope, recover and connect with additional community resources when needed.
“We’re the second responders in our communities, following the first responders. We work closely with NZ Police and other community support agencies. If we’re not the right fit, we’re well-connected to refer people to someone who is.”
In addition to increasing service awareness, particularly in Wairoa and up the coast, Manaaki Tāngata is working to recruit more volunteers to address growing service demand across the region.
“Having more hands would mean more dedicated support across Tairāwhiti,” says Julia.
With its dedication to victims and their extended networks, Manaaki Tāngata remains a trusted organisation in times of need. As the Chief Executive of Manaaki Tāngata Victim Support, James McCulloch, says, “We want to see an Aotearoa where no victim is left behind.”
More information on Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support and their support services can be found here.