Andy’s Kowhai House: A Legacy of Belonging and Support.
At Andy's Kowhai House, nestled in the heart of Gordonton, Waikato, we're building a nurturing community where individuals with disabilities can thrive. This dream was brought to life through the inspiring vision of Andy Oliver, pictured here alongside his beloved siblings. Their cherished family bonds underscore the warm, supportive environment we've created.
Even though Andy has recently passed away, we are proudly carrying his legacy forward through Kowhai House. This home is a living testament to his spirit, built on the principle that every individual deserves a place where they are not just cared for, but truly seen, valued, and empowered to live a fulfilling life.
Inspired by Andy’s Vision!
Andy's journey, though marked by rare challenges like Fryns-Aftimos syndrome and severe epilepsy, was profoundly rich and filled with unique joys. His remarkable resilience, his incredible mind, and his deep connections – especially his unforgettable bond with the Fonterra milk tanker drivers – taught his family invaluable lessons about dignity, purpose, and community. It was this understanding, gleaned from Andy's day-to-day life and his extraordinary ability to find joy, that inspired his parents, Ken and Deirdre, to create a space that would genuinely understand and support individuals with similar needs. Andy's Kowhai House is a living testament to his vision, built on the principle that every individual deserves a place where they are not just cared for, but truly seen, valued, and empowered to live a fulfilling life.
Our Mission:
Our mission at Andy's Kowhai House is to empower individuals with disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives within a supportive and inclusive community, inspired by Andy's spirit of resilience and joy.
Our Core Values: Inspired by Enabling Good Lives
At Andy's Kowhai House, our commitment is to provide a home where everyone thrives with dignity, purpose, and joy. Our core values are directly inspired by the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) framework, a transformative approach to disability support that champions individual choice and control.
We believe you should lead your own life. We support residents to make their own choices, pursue their aspirations, and manage their supports in a way that's clear and easy for them.
Every person here is valued and treated with the highest dignity and respect. We honour individual identity, uphold privacy, and ensure everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Our goal is for residents to live full, purposeful lives, just like anyone else. We encourage active participation in the community, skill-building, and celebrating each person's unique contributions.
We are committed to investing early and consistently in each individual's potential. We support residents and their families in setting ambitious goals, building lifelong skills, and accessing resources that foster independence and a fulfilling future.
Kowhai House is a place of true belonging. We foster deep relationships within our home and help residents build and maintain strong connections with their families, friends, and the wider community.
We champion continuous personal growth and the pursuit of happiness. We create an environment where residents can explore new interests, achieve personal milestones, and find genuine joy in their everyday lives.
Contact us
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our home, wish to inquire about a potential resident, or want to learn more about supporting Andy's Kowhai House, please don't hesitate to get in touch.