About Us

He whakamarama

Supporting the Tauranga Community for over 30 years.

Providing community-based support, education and wellness programmes to people who have mental health and addiction needs. We support people in their own homes, empowering them to live independently and fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

Our Whakapapa | History

LINC has evolved from smaller residential services that were established in the late 1980s to meet the needs of people being discharged from Tokanui Hospital and their families. At that time New Zealand was following the international trend to close large psychiatric institutions and beginning to provide “care in the community”.

LINC (formerly Bay of Plenty Community Homes Trust) provides support to people in their own homes and offers a Supported Living Service which supports people into their own homes.

With the active and inspirational leadership LINC has evolved and grown at a phenomenal rate. This growth can be directly attributed to the ongoing commitment to responding to the voices and needs of the people we serve. LINC staff hold hope for the people they support, even when they struggle to have hope themselves. We strive to support the people we support (tāngata whaiora) to be independent in making life decisions; to live well within their community; and to be known for who they are, not by their symptoms or the diagnosis they were given. 

LINC has moved quickly to find ways to meet these aspirations, and with time a change in focus occurred.  Recovery, living and participating in the community became the goal of LINC rather than the provision of a “Home for Life”. This goal led to the development of support options that actively promote recovery and holistic wellbeing, so that people can live their dreams. 

LINC met (and continues to meet), this challenge daily by being innovative, creative, and having a commitment to doing things differently. We offer

·       Community based mobile support.

·       Kaimahi who have lived experience and are trained in intentional peer support.

·       Support to access housing providers.

·       Joint ventures with sector services including Health NZ.

·       Joint ventures with other community providers.

·       Health and wellbeing support.

·       Support to develop skills and resources for individualised wellness plans.

·       Access to Cultural support and programs.

The commitment to enabling people to live their dreams is what recovery focused service delivery is all about. LINC works with the people we support (tāngata whaiora) to (re)discover and then achieve their dreams.  LINC has a small team and values a positive workplace culture with a focus on wellbeing of our staff (kaimahi) and the tāngata whaiora we serve.

Our Vision and Mission

VISION

Living independently,

Navigating Communities.

MISSION

Empowering people with mental health and addiction needs through community-based support, education and wellness programs.

FOCUS

Supporting whaiora to thrive.

Our Values

Foster Hope

Foster hope and resilience by emphasising strengths, encouraging personal growth, and inspiring confidence in the future.

People First

Empower whaiora to take charge of their wellness journey by prioritising their goals, values, and unique needs. Treat every person with unconditional positive regard, respecting their autonomy and preserving their dignity in all interactions.

Collective Care

Work in partnership with whaiora and their whānau, their support networks, and other professionals to provide holistic and effective support.

Authentic Acceptance

Provide a safe, non judgmental space where whaiora and their whānau feel valued and accepted for who they are, free from stigma or bias.

Compassion in action

Show genuine care and kindness. Show understanding through actively listening and responding to the unique experiences, challenges and needs of others with empathy.

Our Principles

We value and embrace diversity 

Staff (kaimahi) are our biggest asset

We recognise the impact that trauma has on people’s lives

We focus on people’s strengths, resilience and their wellbeing

We believe that a self-fulfilled and meaningful life is possible for everyone

Hope, a non-judgmental approach and respect are at the heart of everything we do

We work alongside the people we support (tāngata whaiora) to offer the best support that’s right for them

We follow the principle of self-determination (Tino Rangatiratanga) and support tāngata whaiora to maintain control of their lives

LINC Leadership and Trustees

Hester Hattingh

  • Hester has spent many years in leadership roles across the mental health and social services’ sectors in both New Zealand and South Africa. Hester holds a clinical master’s degree in social science and several leadership qualifications. Hester has been involved in leading teams in strategy execution, business development and management, project management and operational management. She is passionate about service improvement, community engagement, cultural integration and removing barriers to allow for easy accesses to services for people who LINC supports (tāngata whaiora) with mental health and addiction needs in our community. Hester is a proud member of the Golden Key Association and therefore has strong networks across the world.

    Hester fell in love with LINC long before she joined as General Manager in 2023. LINC represents all the values and aspirations she holds close to her heart. She is proud to work for an organisation that deeply cares for tāngata whaiora.  

    Hester is happily married, and a proud mother and grandmother. When she is not working, she loves doing anything that involves her family, reading till late at night and enjoys trying out new restaurants and their array of menus.

Narmadha Dhayanandan

  • Narmadha Dhayanandan is a Registered Nurse with a deep commitment to community work and supporting individuals in living independently in their own homes. She was drawn to LINC because it aligned with her passion for community engagement and the team culture that LINC promotes. Narmadha appreciates how LINC consistently strives to meet the evolving needs of the community and is excited to be part of this mission.

    With nearly eight years of experience in the NGO sector, Narmadha began her career in community work in Hamilton before moving to Tauranga to manage a respite whare. She brings valuable knowledge and expertise from her previous roles, including her involvement in establishing new processes within LINC. Narmadha is dedicated to fostering strong community connections to enhance support for whaiora and is passionate about the growth and development of her team.

    In her spare time, Narmadha enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring various forms of art.

David Dyer

  • David Dyer has 28 years of experience as a secondary teacher, focusing on careers education, work placements, and special education. His background equips him with a strong understanding of workforce readiness and skills development. Currently, David drives Bay Hopper buses in Tauranga, and connects with individuals facing various health challenges.

    David joined LINC after his son received exceptional support from the organisation. Grateful for the support, he offered his services to the board. His values, particularly a holistic approach to health—encompassing nutrition, exercise, spirituality, and social well-being—align with LINC’s mission. He is also a strong advocate for natural healing methods.

    David contributes valuable expertise in education and training to the board. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys running, tramping, trail cycling, and stand-up paddleboarding, and leads children’s activities at his church.

Peter McCarthy

  • Peter McCarthy is experienced in the service, maintenance, and security of aluminium joinery as a self-employed professional. His connection to LINC began over 20 years ago, when a friend and former manager invited him to join the board more than two decades ago.

    Peter is passionate about standing up for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and this commitment reflects in his contributions to the organisation. His expertise in small business operations and property maintenance has been invaluable to the board.

    Outside of his professional commitments, Peter is an active member of the local New Zealand Response Team (NZRT16), a group that provides essential support during natural disasters, including responding to significant events such as the Christchurch earthquakes.

Elizabeth Murphy

  • Elizabeth Murphy is a Chartered Accountant based in Tauranga, where she provides accounting and taxation services to small and medium businesses throughout the wider Bay of Plenty. Her commitment to community service is evident in her role as Treasurer for various organisations, including the Girl Guides BOP, BOP Rose Society, and NZ Rose Society.

    Elizabeth’s connection to LINC began through her accounting practice, where she works alongside Chris Railton, one of the original trustees who identified a significant need for support in the community.

    With a personal commitment to helping others, Elizabeth has witnessed the struggles faced by her disabled brother and is inspired by LINC’s efforts to assist individuals in overcoming the challenges posed by drugs and alcohol.

    As a board member, she leverages her financial expertise to support LINC’s governance. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with family, road running, and tending to her rose garden.

Anne Gosling

  • Anne Gosling holds a BSc (Honours) in Psychology and has dedicated her career to Mental Health and Addiction Services across the Auckland, Waikato, and Tauranga District Health Boards. With a focus on addiction issues, Anne has been continually inspired by the bravery and commitment of individuals making positive changes in their lives.

    Anne’s connection to LINC began through her long-standing professional relationship with LINC’s General Manager, Hester Hattingh, during their time at the Bay of Plenty Addiction Service. When offered a position on the board, Anne was eager to continue contributing to the sector, even after retiring.

    She is passionate about supporting people as they take small but impactful steps towards better lives. Anne’s clinical experience in mental health and addiction is a valuable asset to the board, and she appreciates the opportunity to learn from her fellow trustees.

    In her spare time, Anne enjoys travelling and playing golf.

Tiffany Andrews

  • Tiffany Andrews is an Academic Manager and Education Developer with extensive experience across Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary education. She specialises in program design, strategic planning, and managing educational programs, particularly in the Pacific tertiary sector. Tiffany also brings expertise in assessment design, policy development, and project management.

    Her qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Complex Educational Needs) and a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury, alongside other certifications in education and te reo Māori.

    Tiffany's connection to LINC is personal, as her whānau has received vital support for navigating mental illness. Inspired by her parents' dedication to mental health advocacy, Tiffany joined the board to contribute to LINC’s mission. She is passionate about mental health, educational equity, and community engagement.

    In her free time, Tiffany enjoys travelling, gin tasting, gaming, and spending time with loved ones.