Stronger Waitaki’s one-stop support shop

Published on 20 May 2026

New tool makes finding help easier and faster

Finding help in Waitaki has just become easier, with the launch of the Stronger Waitaki Support Finder — a new online tool designed to connect residents and whānau with the support they need, when they need it most.

The interactive tool brings together information on housing, health, finances, food, and social support, making it simpler for individuals and families to find the right help quickly and easily. Developed through a partnership between Stronger Waitaki and Health New Zealand, the Support Finder is a key outcome of the Waitaki Health Futures Project, Te Waka Hauora o Waitaki.

The platform is designed to connect the community with services available across the district, region, and country, helping people identify the most relevant local and national support options.

At a time when many households are facing growing financial pressure, access to clear, reliable support information has never been more important.

Ali McIntyre, Community and Stronger Waitaki Lead, says the new tool responds directly to a clear need in the community.

“We know there is already a wide range of support available across Waitaki, but it can sometimes be difficult for people to find or navigate,” says McIntyre.

“The Support Finder brings that information together in one place, so people can quickly see what is available and how to access it.”

The Support Finder has been built to be practical and easy to use, with straightforward information about what each service offers and who may be eligible. The platform will continue to grow over time, with additional services and updated information added as community use and feedback increase.

“This is just the beginning,” says McIntyre. “We will keep building on the Support Finder, adding services and refining the information so it remains current and useful for our community. We also know there will be services we have not captured yet.”

Community groups, organisations, and service providers who would like to be included in the Support Finder are encouraged to get in touch with Stronger Waitaki at strongerwaitaki@waitaki.govt.nz.

Residents, whānau, and community organisations are encouraged to explore the Support Finder and share it widely across their networks.

The Stronger Waitaki Support Finder is now live and available at: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Support

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz