Manaaki programmes, support groups and workshops

We offer a variety of regular groups, workshops and manaaki (care) programmes to support our clients, their carers and whānau.

These take place at Te Kowhāi, in the community, family home or the place of care. Our range of activities and programmes allows a change of scene, companionship and support in various settings. We also offer grief support groups and workshops for whānau after a loved one has died.

All our services are free for people with a life-limiting illness in Wairarapa, including their whānau and carers. Programmes and workshops generally run during school term time and are facilitated and supported by trained professionals. Transport can be arranged for anyone who needs help to attend and all sessions can be attended on a drop-in, or regular, basis.

Programmes and regular activities

  • Ducks in a row workshops

    This is a series of informal educational sessions designed to help those with a life limiting illness, whānau, carers and support people get organised before a client is too unwell to express their wishes.

    These workshops are free for our clients, carers, whānau members and anyone wanting to support those caring for someone with a life limiting illness.

    • Understanding palliative care

    • Financial audit

    • Understanding care plans

    • Legal matters

    • Funeral arrangements

    • Understanding entitlements and benefits from Work and Income


    Next start date: Thursday 2nd May (for six consecutive sessions), 12:30pm – 2:30pm
    Location: REAP UCOL, Dixon Street, Masterton

    Please click here to register or contact us for more information.

  • Individual creative arts therapy

    Individual creative arts therapy, with a registered therapist, is offered to support those with a life-limiting illness and grieving whānau including tamariki.

    Art and creative therapy offer opportunities to explore feelings that may be hard to put into words and may help reduce anxiety and find new pathways to healing.

    We can also offer small group sessions of between 4 and 10 participants.

    Please contact us for further information or if you’d like to attend.

  • Grief cafe

    We hold a monthly coffee group for grieving whānau and carers at Te Kōwhai.

    This informal coffee group is designed to provide an opportunity to find a sense of meaning and hope after loss.

    Our spiritual carer and a trained volunteer facilitate the meet-up.

    Sessions: Monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, 10am - 12pm.
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us if you’re interested in attending.

  • Creative workshops

    These creative workshops offer the opportunity to practice self-care for those with a life-limiting illness, whānau, carers and the bereaved.

    Creative expression through art, regardless of skill level, has been shown to reduce stress and provide some distraction from pain, aid with sleep and support legacy gifts.

    Our workshops are run by trained artists supported by our spiritual carer and provide a safe outlet to express emotions and discover the joy of making something by hand.

    Featherston sessions: Mondays 9.45am - 12.30pm (starting Monday, 6th January)
    Frequency: Fortnightly during school term
    Location: Fareham House Creative Space, 80 Underhill Road, Featherston

    Masterton sessions: Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm (starting Wednesday, March 6th)
    Frequency: Fortnightly during school term
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us for further information or if you’d like to attend.

  • Manaaki programme

    Our Manaaki programme (formerly Te Kōwhai Club) offers a place to meet others, relax and have some fun, as well as hear information on navigating the times ahead.

    Enjoy the variety of different activities - music, community connection, presentations and speakers, or simply companionship.

    Catering is provided and transport can be arranged.

    Sessions: Thursdays 10.00 - 2.00pm
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us if you’re interested in attending.

  • Other support groups & workshops

    We offer other grief support groups, remembrance services and workshops for whānau including tamariki.

    Our support groups and workshops can provide an opportunity to find support and expression in a variety of ways.

    Sessions: Regularly throughout the year
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us if you’re interested in attending.

Enquire about programmes

Other services we offer

Our supportive care is tailored to individual physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs and these factors are taken into account to help optimise the quality of life for our clients.

The other services and resources available to you include:

Please don't hesitate to call or contact us if you have any questions about our services or the support we offer.