Support for older people in Taranaki

Local services providing care for older people in Taranaki. These include Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies, Meals on Wheels and nursing.


Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies

The Needs Assessment Service assesses the needs of people who struggle with daily activities because of age, a health condition or disability. The goal of the needs assessment is to help people maximise their independence.

Needs Assessment Service (internal link)

NASC agencies organise help to stay at home, support services for carers and entry into residential care.

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination — Taranaki

There are Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agencies for:

  • New Plymouth
  • Hawera
  • Eltham
  • Inglewood
  • Mokau
  • Opunake
  • Waitara
  • Waverley.

The agency contact for Taranaki is Community Support Service, Health New Zealand Taranaki.

Community Support Service —  Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora Taranaki  (external link)


Other services for older people

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a support service that prepares and delivers a subsidised hot midday meal.

Meals on Wheels (internal link)

You usually need to be referred to the service by a healthcare provider.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has contact details for Meals on Wheels services in each region.

Meals on Wheels community directory — Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) 

District nursing

To contact district nursing services:

Shuttle services

The Connector hospital bus runs a weekday Hāwera-New Plymouth bus service. The Connector makes 4 return trips daily Monday to Friday.

Bookings made for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki patients and visitors are to be completed through reception at Base or Hāwera Hospital or Health Centres.

The Connector — timetable, fare and route (external link)

Coastal Community Transport is a free service for coastal Taranaki residents needing to get to essential commitments such as social service, medical or hospital appointments in New Plymouth, Stratford or Hāwera.

Eligibility criteria apply.

More information at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki.

Parking and transport — Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki (external link)