About us

We believe that:

- That people with disabilities as citizens of New Zealand have the same rights to

full community participation.

- Learning & Development is a life long process and that all people have the ability

to learn and develop.

- Every person can have a valued role in society

- Services must be developed to meet the needs of the individuals that use them

- The needs of people change and service need to responsive to those changes.

About MASH

MASH Trust began in 1991 and evolved out of the de-institutionalisation process involving closure of large mental health institutions throughout New Zealand in the 1990's.

Established as a Charitable Trust, this non-government organisation (NGO) participated in providing community based supported accommodation initially, going on to develop a comprehensive range of social and vocational rehabilitation opportunities for consumers.

Central to the trust’s work is it’s value base which is characterised by a philosophical approach emphasising consumer recovery through partnership. This philosophy involves empowering consumers through their active involvement in decision making and participation at all levels.

As a consequence, consumers receiving support within MASH have direct involvement in the running of the organisation not only at the governance and operational levels, but also in the actual managing of consumer run services under the Trust’s auspices.

This partnership approach is taken so seriously that it is formally enshrined in the Trust’s legal constitution.

The Trust also works in partnership at a tertiary level for postgraduate mental health nursing qualifications, and for support worker, social worker and trainee nurses by providing training and placement opportunities for staff whether consumers or non-consumers.

All of the initiatives of MASH are aimed at promoting improved quality of life for consumers by infusing the recovery model throughout all Trust activities in direct partnership with consumers.