6 Romeo Street, Stratford Tuesday–Thursday 9am – 4pm
A Community That Cares
Whakarato Whānau has supported local parents for years, offering practical help and compassionate care.
We’re a community-based, not-for-profit organisation. Our dedicated volunteers and supporters believe every māmā, pāpā, and pēpi deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued.
Our kaupapa is simple — we empower whānau through connection, kindness, and aroha.
What Makes Us Unique
Our mahi is shaped by connection, care, and community. People from across the motu generously donate their time and baby items to support whānau in Taranaki.
We provide a free, non-judgemental service for anyone who is pregnant or parenting — māmā, pāpā, grandparents, and other caregivers are all welcome. Our services are independent of any church or government affiliation.
We take pride in our long-standing history of supporting Taranaki families and in the vital role we continue to play within the community.
Who We Help
We support anyone caring for a pēpi — māmā, pāpā, grandparents, and whānau. Everyone is welcome, no matter your background or circumstances.
Our services are free, non-judgemental, and independent of any church or government affiliation.
We provide practical support, including:
…for babies from premature to two years old.
Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or caring for a little one, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our history
Pregnancy and Parenting Taranaki (formerly Pregnancy Help Taranaki) began in 1974 as ‘Pregnancy Aid’ in Eltham. Its early mission was to provide practical support to pregnant women who had little family support and often faced negative judgements in the community.
Fifty years later, our work continues, but the services have grown to meet the needs of the wider community. We now support not just mothers, but all caregivers, including fathers, grandparents, and whānau.
From the start, we focused on providing essential items to those who lacked resources. Today, while continuing this practical support, we also contribute positively to the environment by reusing and recycling baby items.
Pregnancy Help Taranaki became independent as Whakarato Whānau Charitable Trust, with a name that means “to provide for family.” Whakarato Whānau – Pregnancy & Parenting reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting caregivers and infants up to two years old, building on over 50 years of care, connection, and practical support.
Staff
Mindy Haldane
Kia ora, I’m Mindy, mum to three teenage boys and proud to be part of Whakarato Whānau – Pregnancy and Parenting. I’ve been with the organisation since 2022. I am the administrator and also the Client Services and Volunteer Coordinator, in this role I am deeply committed to creating a welcoming space where every parent and whānau feels supported, empowered, and cared for.I love being part of a kaupapa that wraps aroha, practical support, and encouragement around families as they navigate pregnancy and parenting. I’m dedicated to ensuring every whānau who connects with us feels respected, uplifted, and supported. BACK TO…
Board of Trustees
Dave
Dave is a committed and experienced board member who has contributed his time and expertise…
Emma
Emma has been a dedicated board member since 2018. She supports whānau throughout their pregnancy,…
Sally
Sally is a dairy farmer and mother of grown boys. She has been the Manager at…
Kim Waite
Kim brings more than three decades of experience as a teacher and school principal, working closely…
Jo Patterson
Jo has been a dedicated member of the Board since 2020, bringing with her over…
Lorna Hobo
Lorna-Marie is a mother of two. She has worked with whanau and their pepe in…