An 80-year-old cottage with deep local roots has been carefully restored and given new purpose in Bethlehem. Once a principal’s cottage at Bethlehem Native School, the building is now operating as a welcoming day respite space for kaumātua, thanks to the vision of Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust.
The building has carried stories and memories across generations. Today it is continuing that legacy as a place where kaumātua can spend the day in comfort, with support close at hand. With nearly $100,000 of funding from local community trust, TECT, Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust renovated the cottage over nine months. The project began in late January 2025 and was officially opened on 6 November 2025 as a Community Day Respite Service designed to be safe, accessible and welcoming for kaumātua and whānau.
The service can accommodate up to 10 clients each day, operating between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Kaumātua attending the programme take part in a range of cultural and social activities that support mental and cognitive stimulation, health and wellbeing education, regular health checks and opportunities to connect with others. For those with greater mobility, outings and day trips are also part of the programme, while the service is equipped to support people with limited mobility and those living with mild dementia.
TECT Trustee, Greg Brownless says the project strongly reflects the Trust’s strategic direction.
“Creating practical spaces that people can actually use is a big part of TECT’s focus,” says Greg, “Supporting Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust to restore this historic cottage means kaumātua and whānau have a great space to spend the day and that’s a real benefit for the community.”
Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga General Manager Reweti Te Mete says the project was driven by a growing and changing need within the community.
“Many whānau are doing their best to care for their elderly loved ones while balancing work and family commitments,” he says, “In some cases, kaumātua were left home alone during the day, or whānau had to miss work to provide care. We knew there was a real need for a safe place where kaumātua could be supported, valued and well looked after.”
Ngāti Kahu Hauora previously provided overnight respite services, but after reviewing how the service was being used and talking with whānau and hapū, they identified that a day‑stay model would better meet local needs.
“This approach allows kaumātua to remain living at home while still having access to support, companionship and meaningful activity during the day,” says Reweti. “It also gives whānau reassurance and breathing space.”
Choosing to restore the old school house was a deliberate decision, honouring what the building has meant to the area while meeting a very real need today.
“This building already held meaning for generations in our community,” says Reweti, “By revitalising it, we’re respecting its history while ensuring it continues to serve our people in a way that’s relevant and needed.”
Since opening, the facility has already generated strong local support. While there were early concerns about staffing, Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust has seen strong interest from people wanting to work in the service, along with community members offering to volunteer their time. A reflection of how much this kaupapa matters and how highly kaumātua are valued to their community.
The cottage has been named Waiāio by local kaumātua, meaning ‘calm waters’, reflecting the peaceful and grounding environment the space is intended to provide.
“At its heart, Waiāio is about manaakitanga,” says Reweti. “It’s a place where kaumātua can feel comfortable, engaged and respected, and where whānau can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands.”
Greg says the impact of the project extends well beyond the building itself.
“Backing initiatives that make day‑to‑day life better for our communities is a key focus for TECT, and that includes older people experiencing disadvantage,” he says. “Waiāio is already offering support, companionship and engagement for kaumātua and this gives peace of mind for their whānau.”
Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust says they are grateful for the support that helped bring a long‑standing goal to life and proud the cottage will continue to hold and create memories for years to come.
