Tē Whare Mīharo Ora
The House of Amazing Wellbeing
A calm, sensory-inclusive space for autistic and neurodiverse tamariki in the Nelson–Tasman region. After-school and holiday programmes for tamariki aged 5–16.
Tē Whare Mīharo Ora is a community-led charitable trust delivering after-school and holiday programmes designed specifically for autistic and neurodiverse tamariki aged 5–16. Our name means “The House of Amazing Wellbeing” — a place where tamariki can feel safe, understood, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
We’re building a calm, predictable environment where children can unwind after school, explore sensory play, build friendships, and feel genuinely supported — without pressure or judgement. Our kaupapa is grounded in aroha, dignity, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
💕 Who We Support
We welcome tamariki aged 5–16, across two dedicated hubs. No formal diagnosis is required to attend — many families come to us while still navigating assessments or waiting for appointments.
🌜 Junior Hub — Ages 5–9
A nurturing space for our youngest tamariki, with gentle routines, sensory play, and warm one-to-one support in a calm, structured environment.
🌟 Senior Hub — Ages 9–16
A safe space for older rangatahi to connect, decompress, and be themselves — on their own terms, at their own pace, with no pressure to perform.
🌈 Who is this service for?
Mīharo Ora is designed for autistic and neurodivergent tamariki who benefit from calm, low-demand spaces, predictable routines, sensory regulation support, and gentle transitions. As we grow, we will expand our capacity to support a wider range of neurodivergent profiles.
🎯 Our Approach
We do not use behaviour-modification, reward charts, or compliance-based systems. We adapt to each child — not the other way around.
🤝 Connection
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.
🕐 Predictable Routines
Clear, consistent structure helps tamariki feel safe and ready to engage.
⭐ 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.
🌙 A Typical After-School Afternoon
Our afternoons are designed to be calm, structured, and flexible — a gentle landing after a busy school day.
1
Arrival
Children settle at their own pace with sensory activities already set up. No rush, no pressure.
2
Free Choice
Sensory stations, quiet spaces, and social areas are open — tamariki choose how they spend their time.
3
Tech Room & Library
Supervised device time and a quiet space for reading or homework.
4
Afternoon Activities
Creative projects, games, movement, outdoor play, and social connection — always optional.
5
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 Activities
Sensory and creative activities • Art, craft and making • 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.
❤️ Our Staff
Chosen for their warmth, patience, and genuine understanding of neurodivergent tamariki. Every team member is trained in sensory needs, co-regulation, and our neurodiversity-affirming approach.
🧠 Neurodiversity support
🎓 Youth work & education
💜 Disability-informed practice
🤹 Trauma-aware care
🌈 Lived experience
🤝 Co-regulation skills
👪 Whānau & Parent Visits
We want whānau to feel confident and comfortable — we work with you, not just for you.
🌜 Junior Hub (Ages 5–9)
Parents attend a visit day with their child to explore the space, meet the team, and settle in together at your own pace.
🌟 Senior Hub (Ages 9–16)
Parents can stay for the first 30 minutes while their young person settles in. After that, the programme runs as a drop-off service.
💵 Pricing & Subsidies
✅ OSCAR-Approved & WINZ-Subsidised
Our pricing will be aligned with OSCAR-approved rates. WINZ subsidies will be available and we can guide you through the application process. We aim to keep our programme accessible for every family while maintaining a high-quality, sensory-inclusive environment.
Final pricing will be confirmed closer to opening.
📝 Enrolment Process
Simple and stress-free — we make it easy for every family.
1
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.
2
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.
3
Parent & Child Visit
Explore the space, meet the team, and get a feel for the environment — completely at your own pace.
4
Enrolment & Start Date
Once everything feels right, we’ll confirm your place and support you through the full enrolment process. If we reach capacity, we operate a waitlist.
We’re currently in the setup phase 🌈
Our Motueka centre is being prepared with sensory-friendly spaces, predictable routines, and a warm, welcoming environment. We’d love to hear from you.
Pre Enrolment Form
We are taking Submissions of Interest for Our Motueka Branch - If you are interested in enrolling your Child or wish to know more about what we do, fill in the form below and we will be in touch,