Waikato children supports
Discover supports available to support our rangatahi and tamariki in the Waikato region
Discover supports available to support our rangatahi and tamariki in the Waikato region.
If you live in Hamilton, Raglan, Huntly, Glen Murray, Tauakau and Pōkeno anywhere else in the Waikato region, there are support services available for you and your children.
Our Waikato region is part of the Midland | Te Manawa Taki region through Health New Zealand, Waikato Health Services.
Waikids Child Development Centre
Disability team within the Women's and Children's service at Waikato Hospital. They provide services to tamariki with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability and those at risk of developmental delay, and disability.
Their services include
1. Diagnostic assessments
2. Home safety adaptation
3. Equipment Modification Services
Contact the team
Email cdcadmin@waikatodhb.health.nz
Phone 07 839 8709
Address 222 Pembroke Street, Hamilton 3240
What to expect with Waikids
“From the day a Waikato baby is born until they become an adult, they are a Waikid. It’s an integrated approach that coordinates the care of a child and family.”
All Waikids services are committed to:
raising awareness about health issues
caring for children with health issues and their families
keeping children healthy.
Other services available in Waikato
If you're caring for a child or young person with a disability or health needs in Waikato, there’s good support available to help your whānau. Whether you're in a city like Hamilton or a smaller town like Raglan or Glen Murray, you’re not alone.
Needs Assessment & Service Coordination (NASC) – Life Unlimited
Life Unlimited is the NASC provider for people under 65 in the Waikato. They’re the team that helps work out what support your child is eligible for, and they’ll guide you through the options.
They can connect you with carer support, respite care, in-home help, and equipment and housing modifications.
Contact: You can self-refer or ask a health professional to do it for you. Visit lifeunlimited.net.nz or call 0800 008 011.
True Colours Children’s Health Trust
This trust was set up in Waikato to offer emotional support for children with serious health conditions. You can self-refer or be referred by a clinician. They offer free services including:
Counselling for children/young people, their siblings, parents, grandparents and whánau
Specialist clinical and emotional support from the time of diagnosis
Home and hospital support
Different fun types of therapy including play and art
Advocay and organising on your behalf for agency and healthcare support.
Bereavement support
Visit them at Children's Charity Waikato, NZ | True Colours Children's Health Trust
Autism, ADHD & Neurodiverse Support
If your child is neurodivergent, there are some great supports in Waikato:
Autism New Zealand (Hamilton branch) – family support, workshops, and advocacy
Parent to Parent Waikato – connects you with other families in similar situations
Youth Health & Mental Wellbeing
For rangatahi (young people), Waikato has youth-friendly services that are free or low-cost:
The People’s Project – Hamilton (youth and family support)
REAP Waikato (Rural Education Activities Programme – offers workshops and support in smaller towns)
Youth Intact – alcohol and drug counselling service for youth
Korowai Aroha Whānau Services – wraparound support for young Māori and their whānau
Whai Marama Youth Services – Hamilton-based support for youth wellbeing
Disability & Community Support Services
Enrich+ – supports youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, including life skills and employment
Te Roopu Awhina – Māori-led disability service
IDEA Services – supported living and respite
Recreate NZ – fun group activities and camps for disabled youth
Special Olympics Waikato – sports and recreation
PHAB Waikato – social groups for youth with disabilities