At Re-Source we see the power of community in action every single day. We are constantly inspired by the incredible work of fellow frontline organisations across Hawke’s Bay, and today, we want to shine a light on one of our most vital partners: Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
Their nurses walk alongside families to give children the best possible start in life. Their care, clinical skill and special ability to connect with families make a profound difference to the wellbeing of our community. We are privileged to play our part. By working together, we ensure that when a Plunket nurse identifies a need, we can help meet it, allowing them to concentrate on their vital work with māmā and pēpi.
To offer a glimpse into this partnership, we recently caught up with Cate, a Plunket nurse working across Napier and Hastings, to talk about the realities of her role and how practical support can change lives.
A conversation with Cate
What areas do you cover and how many families do you look after?
I currently cover both Napier and Hastings and have approximately 500 whānau under myself as an active case manager.
How many appointments would you expect to make in a week?
Around 20 to 30.
What are your goals in your work as a Plunket Nurse?
To develop a trusting partnership with the whānau, enabling me to provide high-quality assessment, education, and āwhi for the māmā and pēpi, while also supporting the wider whānau. This includes collaboratively planning to identify their needs and working alongside them to offer appropriate support. I also aim to identify any health-related concerns and help them access further assistance.
Plunket often reaches families who face barriers to other types of support. Why do you think that is?
Because of the regular visits. These foster trusting relationships that develop over time. As whānau grow and have more tamariki, we may remain involved with them for several years, allowing both the Plunket Nurse and the whānau to become familiar and comfortable with each other.
How does Re-Source support your goals and work in the community?
Our connection with Re-Source serves as a vital bridge, helping return recycled and upcycled goods back into the community, directly to whānau in need. Re-Source offers a wide range of essential items—clothing, bedding, and household goods—virtually everything a whānau might need to live in a warm, dry, and comfortable whare.
I often send through a ‘wishlist’ on behalf of clients and am continually amazed by what they can provide, even down to dog beds! They are a valuable charity that has significantly improved the standard of living for many whānau across Hawke’s Bay.
A fresh perspective
It’s not just experienced nurses who see this partnership in action. We were moved by these words from Lena Robinson, a student nurse who was recently on placement with Cate. She saw firsthand how our two organisations work together.
“Plunket nurses have this privileged position where they work out in the community and enter people's homes to complete Well Child checks, but it goes beyond just this," Lena told us.
"By being able to enter homes and build relationships and trust, Plunket nurses see firsthand where the need for further support is... This is where Re-Source comes in. Plunket are in the homes, working in partnership with whānau and identifying their needs—from a winter jacket to a load of kitchen items and everything in between—then they use their connection with Re-Source who can direct these needed goods to the whānau. This means Plunket staff don't need to find these items for themselves and can focus on their core work."
"My experience... really opened my eyes to the importance of whanaungatanga and to how Re-Source is fundamental in providing what is needed, where it is needed.”
The scale of care
The stories from Cate and Lena are happening all over the country. The sheer scale of Plunket's work is astounding.
Did you know?
Nationally, Whānau Āwhina Plunket completes over 530,000 home and clinic visits each year.
They support over 90% of newborns and their families in Aotearoa.
Here in Hawke’s Bay, thousands of tamariki and their caregivers receive free assessments, advice and connections to wider support every year.
Behind each of those numbers is a dedicated nurse like Cate, and a whānau doing their best.
We are so proud to stand with Plunket, turning care and compassion into tangible support for our community. It’s what we do, and together, we can make Hawke’s Bay a better home for everyone.