Matea Philosophy
The Trust and Staff are absolutely committed to providing a supportive, encouraging, and positive environment in a homely atmosphere, like flatting, giving freedom and choice with safe boundaries.
Everyone working together to support the learning of independence, general health and wellbeing and the development of social and academic life skills.
Everyone is a valued member, respected and encouraged to be the very best they can be. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons.
Everyone working together to make Matea a great place to work and live.
Make a Difference
Your support really makes a difference.
Matea Trust receives partial funding from the Ministry of Social Development. However, this funding does not cover the full cost of the services and opportunities we provide.
Donations help us continue creating meaningful employment, vocational opportunities and daily activities for men with intellectual disabilities who live at the Homestead, as well as those who are part of our wider community.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide a safe, supportive and purposeful environment where the people we support can develop skills, build confidence and enjoy a greater sense of independence.
Monetary donations can be made directly to the Matea Trust bank account:
ASB Bank
Account: 12-3013-0101939-01
Account Name: Matea Trust
If you would like to discuss other ways you can support Matea Trust, please contact us.
Meet the Trustees
Karen Hellyer
Trustee
Karen Hellyer joined the Board in 2018 and has been involved with Matea Trust since 2016 when her eldest son Andrew, moved into the Matea Residential House and joined the vocational team in the firewood distribution. Her vested interest in the future of Matea has motivated her to become more involved. Karen grew up on the Hibiscus Coast and has lived and worked here in the dental industry for many years. She has two grownup children and they love to spend quality time together as a family and this includes travelling - preferably somewhere warm! Karen says: “I look forward to working with the other Trustees in continuing to make Matea the best it can be.”
John Turrall
Chairperson
John Turrall has been a trustee at Matea since 2013 and became Chairperson in 2018. He is married to Reese and has a son Richard who works at Matea in the vocational team four days a week and became a resident of Matea late in 2020. John, a retired solicitor, and his wife live in the North Shore Bays. As Chairperson of the trust, John is driven to see Matea go from strength to strength and looks forward to working alongside the other trustees and all staff members to make Matea Trust a success on every level that will see the residential, as well as vocational clients, have opportunities to continue living and learning life skills that make them feel valued and needed in our community.
Grant Askew
Trustee
Grant has been a trustee since 2017. His son lives at Matea and works five days a week in the vocational team. Grant lives with his wife, Deborah, in Orewa on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast. He has an extensive international career in advertising, marketing, communication, and print. For the past 20 years, he has owned and operated an Auckland-based print business. Grant has a long history of involvement with organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities, serving in various roles including volunteer, trustee, and chairperson. Like everyone at Matea, he is dedicated to providing residents with the absolute best environment. His philosophy is simple: the care and well-being of the residents are the most important factors. He strongly believes that what we do today shapes the future they will live in tomorrow. Grant is also passionate about expanding Matea’s services to positively impact a greater number of individuals in need.
Janine Morton
Trustee
Janine has only recently joined as a trustee at Matea Trust and has a son, Connor who joined Matea’s Vocational Team 1 day a week for work experience a couple of years ago, and never left. Janine also has a brother with an intellectual disability and has seen first-hand the need for something as special as Matea Trust within our community, not only for the excellent residential facility it provides, but also the important vocational team that provides a caring, supported environment whilst teaching valuable skills to our young men.
Janine works from home within the security industry and has lived on the Hibiscus Coast for over 20 years with her family. When she was asked to join the board of trustees at Matea, she thought it would be a good opportunity to assist in something she is passionate about. She is looking forward to working with the other trustees to ensure Matea goes from strength to strength.
Everard Allison
Trustee
Everard lives in Narrow Neck with his wife Elizabeth Fairgray and their son Hamish, who has been part of the Matea vocational crew since 2011, currently 4 days per week. Matea has been a great fit for Hamish’s interests and abilities.
Everard is a recently retired architect with his own practice, and joined the board in 2024 as more time became available as he transitioned out of fulltime employment. His architectural and business experience provides a different perspective on issues as they come before the board.
He is keen to work with the board and staff to support the vocational and residential teams develop their full potential and give them all a home away from home environment, supportive, caring, and expanding opportunities for personal development. This will include an improvement in the quality of residential accommodation and over time this may include a gentle expansion in the numbers of young men Matea cares for.