Supporting and empowering our most vulnerable

Tairāwhiti Beneficiary Advocacy Trust (TBAT) has been operating since 2003 as a small, independent organisation that assists people to receive the full support they require for basic life necessities.  

Shelley Hannah-Kingi, says their team are extremely grateful for the grant they received from Sunrise on behalf of The Tindall Foundation, which will be used to offset some of their office rental expenses.  

Their office provides a neutral space for people to meet with them and sort through any difficulties they may be facing. Once the team have determined what’s most urgent, they then deal with the issues piece by piece before directing people back to other government departments, armed with everything they need to move forward.  

“The grant will help us continue operating. We can then maintain our service of assisting people to navigate government departments, and as of late, find emergency accommodation due to the lack of housing available to people,” says Shelley.  

“We appreciate the funding from Sunrise so much as it supports us to keep operating. It means we can continue providing a service, helping people get housing and providing them with other assistance when they need it.”  

Tairawhiti Beneficiary Advocacy Trust, located at 141 Derby Street, is open 9am-5pm on weekdays. Making an appointment is recommended as sometimes they are out visiting or attending appointments.