About Family Start
Family Start West Coast/Buller grew from a local vision: that whānau on the Coast should be able to access compassionate, practical support close to home. Established through the Tai Poutini Whānau Po Kite Ata Trust in 2006, and operating continuously since its establishment, the organisation was created by local community partners to ensure the Family Start Programme was delivered locally and shaped by local need. Over time, it has grown from a single core service in Buller and Grey into a broader, trusted wrap-around organisation supporting whānau across Buller, Grey and Westland through early intervention, advocacy, practical assistance, and connection to the right services at the right time. While much has changed, the heart of the organisation has remained the same: a relationship-led commitment to helping whānau and tamariki thrive from the very beginning, guided by values of follow-through, walking alongside whānau, practising with mana and cultural safety, keeping pēpi and tamariki at the centre, and continually learning and improving.
We believe that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are here to support that journey.
Our Mission
We partner with whaiora across the West Coast and Buller to build safe, nurturing homes and stronger futures. We do this through relationship-led, strengths-based and culturally grounded support, early intervention and evidence-informed programmes, practical assistance and advocacy, and by connecting whānau to the right services at the right time - without judgement or shame.
Our Vision
Whānau and tamariki in Te Tai o Poutini thrive from the very beginning - safe, connected and confident - supported by a trusted, wrap-around service that delivers on its promises.
Our Values
We do what we say we will do
We follow through, communicate early when circumstances change, and take responsibility for results.
We walk alongside whānau
We listen first, respect whānau voice and choice, and work in partnership on whānau-led plans.
We practice with mana and cultural safety
We give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and uphold manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga in every interaction.
We keep pēpi and tamariki at the centre
We respond early, focus on safety and development, and strengthen caregiver capacity in the first years of life.
We learn, reflect and improve
We use evidence, supervision and good data to improve outcomes, repair when things go wrong, and lift quality under pressure.
