Te Whare
Mīharo Ora
The House of Amazing Wellbeing
A calm, inclusive space for autistic, high needs & sensory disability tamariki in the Nelson–Tasman region. After-school and holiday programmes for tamariki aged 5–13 — built around your child, not the other way around.
Community-led. Neurodiversity-affirming. Built with aroha.
Te Whare Mīharo Ora is a charitable trust delivering after-school and holiday programmes designed specifically for autistic, high needs & sensory inclusive tamariki. Our kaupapa is grounded in aroha, dignity, and neurodiversity-affirming practice — a place where every child can feel safe, understood, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Who We SupportTwo dedicated hubs. One inclusive community.
No formal diagnosis is required — many whānau come to us while navigating assessments or waiting for appointments.
Gentle Beginnings
A nurturing space for our youngest tamariki, with gentle routines, sensory play, and warm one-to-one support in a calm, structured environment where little ones can truly unwind.
Space to Be Yourself
A safe space for rangatahi aged 9–13 to connect, decompress, and be themselves — on their own terms, at their own pace, with absolutely no pressure to perform.
Your Whānau
Autistic, high needs & sensory inclusive tamariki who benefit from calm, low-demand spaces, predictable routines, sensory regulation support, and gentle transitions. As we grow, we’ll expand our capacity further.
We adapt to each child — not the other way around.
We do not use behaviour-modification, reward charts, or compliance-based systems. Everything we do is grounded in connection, co-regulation, and genuine respect for each tamaiti.
Connection First
Genuine relationships between staff and tamariki are at the heart of everything we do.
Co-Regulation
We help tamariki regulate by being calm, present, and attuned to their individual needs.
Sensory Understanding
Every child’s sensory profile is respected, honoured, and accommodated without question.
Predictable Routines
Clear, consistent structure helps tamariki feel safe and ready to engage on their own terms.
Strength-Based Support
We see and celebrate each child’s unique strengths — not just their challenges.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Our team responds with understanding and compassion — never judgement or pressure, ever.
Calm. Structured. Flexible.
A gentle landing after a busy school day — designed to feel like breathing out.
Arrival
Children settle at their own pace with sensory activities already set up. No rush, no pressure — just a calm welcome in.
Free Choice
Sensory stations, quiet spaces, and social areas are open — tamariki choose how they spend their time.
Tech Room & Library
Supervised device time and a quiet space for reading, homework, or decompressing solo.
Afternoon Activities
Creative projects, games, movement, outdoor play, and social connection — always optional, never forced.
Wind-Down
A calm, gentle finish before pick-up so tamariki leave feeling settled and ready for home.
Holiday Programme
Each term we design a fresh holiday programme packed with fun, connection, and sensory-friendly activities — in-centre and out in the community.
🎨 In-Centre Activities
- Sensory and creative exploration
- Art, craft, and making projects
- Movement and play
- Social connection in a safe, familiar environment
🌳 Community Outings
- Motueka Recreation Centre
- RDA Riding for the Disabled
- Local parks and nature spaces
- Tasman community events
Safety & Wellbeing
Your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain small group sizes and supportive ratios so every tamaiti receives the attention they need. If a child becomes overwhelmed, we respond with calm, connection, and understanding — never punishment or pressure.
Our environment includes quiet spaces for regulation, sensory tools, predictable routines, gentle transitions, and staff trained in emotional co-regulation.
All staff are Police-vetted, trained in child safeguarding, and operate within our Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy in alignment with the Children’s Act 2014 and the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
Chosen for warmth, patience, and genuine understanding.
Every team member is trained in sensory needs, co-regulation, and our neurodiversity-affirming approach. They’re not just staff — they genuinely care.
We work with you, not just for you.
We want whānau to feel confident and comfortable. We want you to feel good about where your child is spending their time.
🌙 Junior Hub · Ages 5–8
Parents attend a visit day with their child to explore the space, meet the team, and settle in together at your own pace. No rush — we go at your whānau’s speed.
🌟 Senior Hub · Ages 9–13
Parents can stay for the first 30 minutes while their young person settles in. After that, the programme runs as a drop-off service with your full peace of mind.
Accessible for every family.
We are working toward OSCAR approval and WINZ subsidies — our goal is to keep our programme accessible for every whānau, regardless of financial circumstances.
Final pricing will be confirmed closer to opening.
Simple, stress-free enrolment.
We make it easy for every family — because you’ve already got enough on your plate.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Fill out our online form below so we can learn about your child — their interests, needs, and what a great day looks like for them.
We Contact You
We’ll get in touch to arrange a visit and talk through your child’s needs, strengths, and routines. No pressure — just a conversation.
Parent & Child Visit
Explore the space, meet the team, and get a feel for the environment — completely at your own pace.
Enrolment & Start Date
Once everything feels right, we’ll confirm your place and support you through the full enrolment process. Waitlist available if we reach capacity.
🌈 We’re Currently in Setup Phase
Our Motueka centre is being prepared with sensory-friendly spaces, predictable routines, and a warm, welcoming environment.
We’re taking Expressions of Interest now — fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.