Take My Hands and NorthAble Team Up for Community Good

Take My Hands has been making a big impact across the Asia-Pacific for years, getting much-needed medical gear to people who need it most. Now, thanks to a new partnership with NorthAble Matapuna Hauora’s EQ+ service, they’re bringing that same energy to communities right here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This collaboration is already changing lives in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). Take My Hands knows how to source and distribute medical equipment, while NorthAble EQ+ has the local know-how and connections to get it where it’s needed. Together, they’re making sure people can access essential mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and over-bed tables – items that aren’t just helpful, but life-changing for those who rely on them to stay independent and keep their dignity.

It’s not just individuals benefiting from this work. A Northland marae that runs vital kaumātua and kuia (elder) programmes now has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site, all thanks to this partnership. That means better safety for elders who spend time there and a real commitment to looking after the whole community.

For Take My Hands, this is the next step in their journey. They’ve already sent over 127,000 kilograms of medical equipment to 15 countries, and that work isn’t stopping. But now, they’re also putting their skills to use closer to home. Managing Trustee Janette Searle sees it as a natural shift.

“We’ve always been about connecting those who have with those who need it. This partnership allows us to do just that, but with a stronger focus on supporting our own communities here in Aotearoa.”

NorthAble Matapuna Hauora’s EQ+ service has been a pillar of support in Northland since 1989, providing everything from mobility aids to expert advice on navigating life with a disability. Their mobile van service even takes support directly to rural communities. With their deep roots in the region and Take My Hands’ expertise in repurposing medical equipment, this partnership is a perfect match.

More than just a practical solution, this collaboration is a powerful example of how working together creates real impact. It’s not just about providing equipment, it’s about making sure people can live fuller lives, stay connected, and be part of their communities.

As this partnership grows, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when organisations team up for a common goal. Take My Hands is deepening its roots in New Zealand while continuing its work across the Pacific, and NorthAble Matapuna Hauora is making sure more people have the support they need.

Small actions, like passing on unused medical gear, can create massive change. This is about more than equipment. It’s about empowerment, connection, and making sure everyone gets the chance to thrive.

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Words and images supplied by Take My Hands