Who are we?

The Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Manawatu is a charitable organisation located at 112 - 116 Te Awe Awe Street, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North. It was established in 1979 to develop a positive support structure for people with a physical disability. It is an independent and charitable organisation whose single and dedicated purpose is to ensure people with physical disabilities live as full and active lives as possible. Whether physically disabled from birth, by accident or illness adults coming under the care of the Foundation are provided with accommodation, care and support to develop skills, gain confidence and a sufficient level of independence to reach their full potential and enjoy a quality of life.

Contact Details:
Executive Director - Maxine Dale
Email - maxine@rcm.org.nz

Service Manager - Linda Parata
Email - linda@rcm.org.nz

Finance Manager - Gordon Andrew CA
Email - gordon@rcm.org.nz

A Board of Trustees is responsible for the guidance and governance of the Foundation.

The Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Manawatu Board of Trustees

Current list as follows:
Chairperson: Bruce Andrews
Kaye Archibald
Ann Cresswell
Peter Grey
Sue O'Sullivan
Isla Prenter
Colin Southey


If you are interested in becoming a Foundation member please complete the
The Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Manawatu Membership Form attached form and forward to the Executive Director.

Our Mission Statement

To provide, " A PLACE TO LIVE; A HOME OF ONE'S OWN"

Primary Aims

To provide a Home or Homes with the necessary facilities and staff for the care of chronic and permanently disabled people irrespective of race and creed, which shall be:

• A place of shelter physically and a place of encouragement spiritually;
• A place in which residents and staff can acquire a sense of belonging and of ownership by contributing in any way within their capacities to its functioning and development;
• A place to share with others and from which to help others less fortunate;
• A place in which to gain confidence and develop independence and interests;
• A place of hopeful endeavour and not passive disinterest.

The Environment And Services Available

The Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Manawatu provides long term residential care for people with physical disabilities where they are encouraged to achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

The Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Manawatu provides a clean, well-maintained and safe environment with no physical barriers that impede physical access. All facilities are linked by covered walkways to a central community hall.

The services delivered include:

• 24 hour site supervision, which includes on-duty staff, on-call staff, and emergency call bell system.
• Services cover all duties to provide personal support, life skills/social coaching, physical fitness coaching, maintenance exercises, physical activities and meaningful activity programmes.
• We offer a day programme for assessed clients living in the community.
• We have one room designated for Respite Care to provide 'Out of Family' carer relief.

We welcome enquiries about our services from individuals and the following organisations:

• Ministry of Health
• Accident Compensation Corporation Case Managers
• Needs Assessment Service Coordinators (NASQ)
• Allied Service Organisations