Visionwest is upskilling in-home healthcare across the district.
This content was prepared by Visionwest and is being published by The New Zealand Herald as Advertorial.
As a home healthcare provider, Visionwest is supporting more people than ever before. Across Aotearoa, growing numbers of people are turning to home-based support for a range of needs, such as recovering after illness or injury, navigating growing older, living full and safe lives with a disability, or managing complex needs.
As more care shifts into the home, the quality of support depends on skilled people, practical training, and strong local co-ordination.
Visionwest opens new office in Rotorua
In Rotorua, that focus is being strengthened as Visionwest develops its reach into the region. Visionwest is a social service agency specialising in social support, housing, and healthcare, with offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and now also Rotorua.
Murray Penman, director of health services for Visionwest says: “The team has been operating in the Rotorua / Lakes area for over 10 years and is excited to have a new home.”
The new offices were officially opened on March 23 on the site of Rotorua Baptist. The launch event brought together key leaders, local friends (like the Māori nursing team from Korowai Aroha), and support workers.
“It was a milestone on the journey of building a movement of care that is locally delivered and expertly trained – a strategic and transformative investment to benefit whānau throughout the district.”
Enliven and Visionwest share resources
A key part of that investment is practical training. Visionwest and Enliven (a service of Presbyterian Support) are strengthening local learning for support workers by sharing specialist equipment and creating opportunities for hands-on practice. This helps support workers build confidence with safe moving and handling, transfers and everyday support that protects both clients and staff.
With more complex needs being supported at home, training has to be realistic and relevant to what workers face day to day. Enliven general manager Wendy Hoskin says the approach strengthens “quality and dignity,” helping teams meet modern expectations and lift standards across the sector.
Penman adds: “These facilities give local teams a dedicated space to meet, coordinate support, and stay connected with whānau and partner services. They also create a practical hub for building capability so staff can learn, debrief, and share good practice close to where care is delivered.”
The value of quality care at home
For Rotorua whānau, the impact is practical and immediate: safer moving and handling, calmer support during vulnerable moments, and greater peace of mind for families and clinicians alike. It can also mean fewer avoidable injuries, better continuity of care, and a more confident workforce people can trust in their homes.
As demand for care at home continues to grow, Rotorua will need services underpinned by skilled people, practical training, and strong local foundations. By establishing a dedicated base at Rotorua Baptist and strengthening hands-on learning, Visionwest is helping ensure more people can receive the right support at home, with safety and mana at the centre.
Please head to www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare to learn more about the range of services you may qualify for.