Spotlight on a Member - Hōhepa Wellington

'Every life fully lived’ is the vision that underpins Hōhepa, an organisation committed to being a high-quality disability service provider dedicated to sustainable practices. Hōhepa believes that communities reach their full potential when every person is given the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, an approach inspired by the ‘anthroposophical’ teachings of Austrian academic Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century.

As one of four Hōhepa branches established in Aotearoa New Zealand, Hōhepa Wellington supports the needs of Greater Wellington’s intellectually disabled community, providing residential accommodation in a beautiful purpose-built estate located in Otaihanga. With land originally purchased in 2015, development of accommodation and infrastructure has progressed as funds have become available. 

The site now includes eight homes supporting 16 individuals, alongside additional homes in the Paraparaumu community. It also features shared facilities and welcoming communal spaces that support educational and therapeutic activities, such as music therapy, yoga, arts and crafts, and cooking classes. 

Hōhepa Wellington is situated in an area of sand dunes and wetlands with a stream meandering its way through the whenua. The large site supports outdoor activities, including veggie gardening using bio-dynamic principles, nurturing natives in an on-site nursery, and hosting regular social gatherings.

Hōhepa Wellington’s people connect with the wider Kāpiti community through participation in activities as diverse as horse riding at the Kāpiti Equestrian Centre, swimming at the Paraparaumu Aquatic Centre, collaborating with The Shed Project’s arts and drama programmes, and visiting the library or a local café.

Last year the Hōhepa Wellington’s team welcomed their first volunteers to help with managing the vegetable garden, running the native plant nursery and assisting with general garden maintenance. Hōhepa was recently awarded funding to establish a large greenhouse that will enable a further expansion of their horticultural activities. They are also channelling resources into increasing resilience of their wetland areas.

Hōhepa Wellington is currently offering two exciting volunteer opportunities at their Otaihanga site, with a focus on gardening and estate maintenance. You can read more about and apply for these here: Hōhepa Wellington | Volunteer Kāpiti