Business North December / January 2021

14 | Northland’s IT & Computer Repair Specialists 09 438 8484 Education Business Residential • Computers • Networking • Sales & Repair • Installation & Servicing uit.co.nz • IT Strategy & Planning REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Northland Business Awards - NorthAble Matapuna Hauroa T Sue Russell NorthAble - making a difference NorthAble Matapuna Hauora has been f supporting those with disabilities to access information and support services for 30 years. N oel Matthews is CEO of NorthAble Mat- apuna Hauora, an NGO and charitable trust that provides an array of social services contracted to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development. NorthAble Matapuna Hauora has been supporting those with disabilities to access information and support services for 30 years and has an office in Whangarei, an agency in Kaitaia, a mobile van and team of staff who travel throughout the Te Tai Tokerau region. The Equipment Plus Shop and mobile ser- vice started in 2010 and has had a significant impact on improving mobility and enhancing comfort for people as they age, it is the largest distributor of equipment in Northland and some lines the largest in the country. COVID has had some positive impact, given clients are feeling more comfortable about going online to make contact for advice and to purchase or hire equipment. All seven NorthAble services were consid- ered essential services through the COVID lockdown, causing Noel and the team to use online platforms and social media to ensure each person registered on its books were receiving assistance. “We went into ‘the cloud’ with all our data and IT systems just before COVID lockdown, so we were prepared and able to work re- motely. When Business North spoke with Noel, mid-October, he still had 75% of his staff working from home. In total NorthAble Matapuna Hauora em- ploys 21 FTE’s and their work and their impact in the region was recognised in their nom- ination this year at the Westpac Northland Business Awards, something Noel is hugely proud of. Entered into the Marsden Maritime Hold- ings Medium Business Award, NorthAble Matapuna Hauora subsequently took out line honours as the category’s best medium-sized business. “It was exciting to be able to receive the award. It was a wonderful evening for North- Able and the disability sector and an incredi- Noel would welcome further freeing up of resources and support surrounding those with impairments away from the institutional setting and into community-based organisa- tions where some of these services may be more accessible. NorthAble Matapuna Hauora has extensive hire equipment and sales facility, which is very popular. During the Christmas break the social ser- vices arm will shut down for ten days, but the Equipment Plus showroom will remain open throughout. NorthAble services are top-rated, and Noel is looking forward to growing opportunities to further supply their clients and community with the very best of services in 2021 and beyond.” ble feeling of being recognised alongside the other finalists.” “When you are working in the social services realm the success of what you do depends on having sound systems and a culture that is focused on creating the best experience from the point of entry and throughout the whole engagement experience. Noel engages with a management team of five and a Board of Trustees of eight. “I have a great management team, and my role is to make sure they have what they need to achieve their goals well.” He has been with NorthAble Matapuna Hauora for 16 years but has a total of 30 years working in health services. He enjoys working in this sector, describing it as stimulating and challenging. “The review of the Health and Disability Sector report was released last year and pointed to DHB’s divesting services into the community to free up space and time for their staff to concentrate on the more com- plex and acute cases.” “When you are working in the social services realm the success of what you do depends on having sound systems and a culture that is focused on creating the best experience from the point of entry and throughout the whole engagement experience.” NZ’S #1 RESELLER OF THE LIFT CHAIR Proud to be an agent of North Able; Winners of Whangarei Medium Business Awards. Service with a smile! 09 408 0851 www.farnorthpharmarcy.com 53 Commerce St, Kaitaia farnorthpharmacyltd