Nau mai haere mai!
From Petone to Kaitoke Birthright has been supporting Hutt Valley whānau led by a single caregiver since 1965.We offer a range of social services for whānau, caregivers, and tamariki/rangatahi, so take a look around!
About
| What we do | Our qualified, registered Social Workers work one-on-one with whānau, provding counselling, advice, parenting skills, advocacy, and more. |
| Kaiawhina | Our Kaiawhina works to enhance general wellbeing, plus help with things like completing forms and connecting with community. She also hosts a regular coffee open to anyone who would like to meet with others on the same journey. |
| Whānau Room | Our Whānau Room is open to all whānau that are registered with us, providing good quality second hand (and sometimes new) goods. Open on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can book a 30 minute slot and take whatever you need, at no cost. |
| Workshops | We offer workshops throughout the year on various topics, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, parenting, parenting teens, co-parenting through conflict, budgeting and more. Check our calendar for dates. |
| Other | We are also able to provide occassional kai parcels, help with school camps, sports fees and school uniform costs (funding depending). |
To register, pop into the office on Wednesday or Friday (holidays depending) 9.30-2.00 and chat to one of our friendly kaimahi.
MEET THE TEAM
Sarah Szabo, Kaiwhakahaere
How long have you been in this role?
Almost 8 years.
What do you love most about working at Birthright?
Being a part of some huge achievements experienced by our whānau
What job did you want when you were a child?
A choreographer - hahahahaAlice LaHatte, Social Worker
How long have you been in this role?
2 years and going
What do you love most about working at Birthright?
I love the opportunities to listen and hear the amazing stories of our whānau, to be able to advocate and empower them to thrive through adversity.
What was your favourite place you have lived?
I have had the opportunity to live all around the world with my whānau. I have lived in Taiwan and Kazakhstan.
My favourite place right now is right here in Pōneke with my beautiful whānau.Keturah Parton, Social Worker
How long have you been in this role?What do you love most about working at Birthright?What would your last meal be?Lithia, Kaiawhina
How long have you been in this role?What do you love most about working at Birthright?If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?Kate, Resources Coordinator
How long have you been in this role?
I’ve been working here for nearly 9 years. I’m going for a decade!
What do you love most about working at Birthright?
I love lifting others, meeting people from all walks of life and being surrounded by strong, uplifting women x
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
In 10 years, I see myself living by the beach, cashed up enjoying life and healing others.Tania Allen, Board Co-Chair
How long have you been on the Birthright Board?
4 years
What has been the highlight for you so far?
Learning more about what Birthright actually does out and for the community. And seeing 1st hand what a difference the Whanau Room makes to a Dad and his daughter.
If you could drive any car, what would it be?
I want an older style Mustang or Ford Pickup truck with a wooden tray.Mindi Lawrence Board Co-Chair
How long have you been on the Birthright Board?What has been the highlight for you so far?If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?Nicole Sullivan, Board Treasurer
How long have you been on the Birthright Board?
2 years
What has been the highlight for you so far?
*Being able to spread the word and educate people on the awesome mahi Birthright does for our community. *
What is your favourite type of cake?
BananaAdrian Woodliffe, Trustee
How long have you been on the Birthright Board?
*I joined the Board in August 2025 *
What has been the highlight for you so far?
In myn short time I have been amazed by, and very proud of, the work that the Hutt branch does – the team certainly punches well above its weight and delivers great results for those in need. It is great to work alongside such passionate and committed people.
What was your childhood nickname?
Ado - it still isKyleen Leong, Trustee
How long have you been on the Birthright Board?
What has been the highlight for you so far?
If you had a whole day and night to yourself, what would you do?
Vision
Whānau led by single caregivers in the Hutt Valley are empowered, informed and resilient; and tamariki are raised in a safe, nurturing environment that supports them to reach their full potential. Whānau Māori feel seen, understood, and have their cultural and spiritual needs fully met.Purpose
Birthright Hutt Valley Trust will provide a range of services that supports whānau decision-making; makes connections; reduces inequities; advocates and enhances overall whānau wellbeing, to meet our vision.Mission
• Birthright Hutt Valley Trust will provide a tailored in-home social work service to assist whānau in setting and achieving goals to improve their wellbeing.• We will use our networks to advocate for whānau and bridge relationships between single caregiver whānau and their communities.• We will take a hauora approach to our mahi that regards all aspects of both individual and whānau utilising Kaupapa Māori frameworks to achieve our goals.• We will provide programmes that are relevant to the whānau we support.• We will provide access to basic needs such as food, clothing etc and seek funding opportunities to allow us to subsidise extra-curricular activity fees and school uniform costs.• Our staff will seek to continually upskill to ensure their practice includes the most up-to-date theories and research, and current government policy.• Our service will be non-judgmental and unbiased, open to anyone regardless of gender, religion, culture, identity, or sexuality.• Our mahi will strive to be bi-cultural, adhering to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring that te ao Māori and tikanga are respected and practised.
EVENTS 2026 - PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Opening hours and Contact
Office Opening Hours
Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday - CLOSED
Wednesday - 9.30-2.00
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 9.30-2.00
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - CLOSEDWhānau Room opening hours
Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday - CLOSED
Wednesday - 9.30-12.00
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 9.30-12.00
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - CLOSED
* Times and days open to change during holidays
** Open some Saturdays for donations
Please see our Facebook page for information
Contacts
Phone: 04 567 7123
Email: [email protected]
Address: 101 Copeland St, Epuni, Lower Hutt
Please email [email protected] to request a referral form