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MAHI MŌ TE PAINGA
Work for Good
in New Zealand
Welcome to Work for Good. Explore what it means to support people with intellectual disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand, and what to expect along the way.
Connecting people to careers in intellectual disability support.
HE AHA TE MAHI TAUTOKO?
What does a
support worker do?
Support workers help people with intellectual disabilities live full, independent and meaningful lives.
The role is about more than care, it’s about supporting people to build skills, make choices and participate in their communities.
HE TIROHANGA TŪTURU KI TE MAHI
A Real Look
at the Role
Support work is varied, practical and rewarding. You could be supporting daily routines, encouraging independence, helping someone connect with their community or simply being there when it matters most. Every day brings new experiences and opportunities to make a difference.
Watch our video of a day in the life of a support worker in New Zealand.
Hello,
I’m Emma
“I felt drawn to Support Work because I have always had a passion for working with people. In the role of a Support Worker, you really get to walk alongside others supporting them to live life to the fullest. I have found there is something so special about being able to be a part of a person’s life in such a deep and meaningful way.”
TŌ MAHI?
Could support work be
the right career for you?
Supporting people with intellectual disabilities is rewarding, but it also comes with responsibility. Discover the qualities that make a great support worker, explore career pathways and find out whether this profession is the right fit for you.
HE AHA TE HIRANGA O TĒNEI MAHI?
Why this
Work Matters
Highly skilled support workers have a direct impact on the well-being, independence and quality of life of the people they support.
Great support can help open doors. Poor support can limit freedom.
That’s why this work matters.
NGĀ KŌRERO A NGĀ KAIMAHI TAUTOKO
Support worker stories
Hear what its like to be a support worker right from the source.
Meet William & Bella
Join William and Bella as they share their morning routine, including getting ready for William’s work on a New Zealand farm.
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William is 72 and shares his home with two flatmates. He has an intellectual disability and receives support with some aspects of everyday living. Bella has been a support worker for 12 years and has supported William for the past five years.
Meet Justin & Lane
Spend time with Justin and Lane at a New Zealand native tree nursery, where Justin works with individualised support from Lane.
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Justin is 37 and has an intellectual disability. Lane has been a support worker for 20 years and has supported Justin for the past 15 years.
Meet Amy & Roslyn
Follow Amy and Roslyn as they shop at the supermarket before heading home to prepare dinner together.
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Amy is 33 and shares her home with two flatmates. She has an intellectual disability and receives support with some aspects of everyday living. Roslyn has been a support worker for 14 years and has supported Amy for the past 6 years.
Meet Jack & Ignacio
Join Jack and Ignacio for a glimpse into Jack’s evening routine, from dinner through to getting ready for bed.
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Jack is 22 and has an intellectual disability and lives with 2 flatmates. He receives one on one support from Ignacio, who has been in support work for 16 years. The two have known and worked with each other for many years.
ME PĒHEA TE NOHO HEI KAIMAHI TAUTOKO I AOTEAROA?
How do you become a support worker in New Zealand?
If you think support work is right for you and you would like to live in New Zealand, this section will guide you through each stage of the journey, helping you understand what to expect before you begin.
