Local Branches Taranaki

Address: Communication House, 62 Powderham Street, New Plymouth

Phone:  06 769 5958

Email:  taranaki@autismnz.org.nz

Co-ordinator:  Judi Gopperth

Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.30am – 3.00pm

Chairperson:  Mairi Wharehoka

About Us

The branch covers Taranaki. We offer information, education and support to parents, caregivers, relatives, friends, teachers, health professional and any other person interested in and concerned for children, adolescents, adults and their families living with ASD.

Information Co-ordinator

I come from a background in education having held primary teaching and management positions.
Taking up the role as Co-ordinator in our sole charge office has been both interesting and rewarding.  Interesting as there is so much to learn and understand-rewarding as I get to meet and work alongside individuals and families living with ASD.
Taranaki is great place to live-small enough to have a strong community base, big enough to have quality services and support.
Our Taranaki branch committee while small in number is big on commitment, support and knowledge. A really proactive and dedicated group. A real plus for the Taranaki region.

Judi Gopperth
Information Co-ordinator

Branch Office location

We can be found in Communication House, on the Powderham Street one way, next to the Grand Central Hotel and opposite the BP Petrol station. Autism Taranaki office is upstairs.

Key Activities

•    Provide parents and carers with information and support
•    Provide information to professionals and liaise with other agencies
•    Support Groups
•    Raise awareness of ASD
•    Provide newsletter with ideas, information and what is happening locally
•    Books and other resources available from our Branch library

Newsletter

The Branch Newsletter, published every three months provides great communication and exciting new articles.
We encourage contributions – always great to have stories from people about their adventures and achievements.

A copy of the latest newsletter from Taranaki Branch can be downloaded below:

June/July/Aug 2010

Sep/Oct/Nov 2009

Jun/Jul/Aug 2009

Mar/Apr/May 2009

Dec/Jan/Feb 2009

Support Group Meetings

These are social get togethers for parents, whanau, caregivers and anyone with ASD. There are currently four support groups in Taranaki. Everyone very welcome.

Coffee Group – New Plymouth

  Monthly on a Monday 10 – 11.30 am. Different venue each month

Coffee Group – Hawera

  Every second month @ Hawera Play centre. Children welcome

Girls Night Out

  Monthly on a Thursday 7.30 pm @ Crowded House

Social Group – Adult group

  Monthly on a Sunday 2 pm @ Expresso