Here Toitū

Here Toitū is a free 12-month service designed to support people living with a health condition or disability to enhance their wellbeing, build confidence, and prepare for and find sustainable employment.

Here Toitū is now open for referrals from 1 September 2025.

Refer yourself or someone else

E hara tau toa, he takitahi, he toa takitahi

My strength is not that of one but of many.

Who is Here Toitū for?

The service is free to access for those in our rohe (district) who:

Are aged 18-64; and
Receive a Work & Income main benefit with a medical deferral from work obligations (Job Seeker or Solo Parents benefit with Work Capacity Medical Certificate or Supported Living Payment*)
Enrolled in a GP practice in the MidCentral region

*For those on Supported Living Payment, this programme is best suited to people who are looking to take steps toward moving off the benefit and into work.

Participation in the Here Toitū programme is completely voluntary. Choosing to take part - or not - won't affect your access to standard benefit entitlements or health services.

Your dedicated support team

Kaimanaaki (Navigator)

A member of the THINK Hauora team, your Kaimanaaki provides one-to-one support for up to 12 months, helping you set and achieve your goals, make and plans, and connect with the right services and providers.

Here Toitū Case Manager

Your Here Toitū Case Manager, part of the team at Work & Income, supports you with benefit and financial needs, and helps you prepare for work when you're ready to take that step.

Your GP Team

Your regular GP or nurse team continues to support your everyday health needs - like appointments, prescriptions, medical certificates, and referrals to other health services.

Work Broker

Part of the THINK Hauora team, your Work Broker helps you get ready for employment and supports you in finding a job that suits your strengths and goals.

Why work matters

The evidence is compelling - for most people, working improves overall health and wellbeing, and reduces psychological distress.

Who can't access Here Toitū?
While we want to support as many whānau as possible, the following are either not eligible or not suitable for Here Toitū currently:

Those under age 18 or aged 65 (Superannuation stage)
Those currently in school or full-time study
Those who are not eligible for a main benefit due to their partner’s income
Those on ACC where their case is still being actively managed by ACC – support may be possible only after case management has ended
Those whose health conditions are so severe or complex that work not a realistic or achievable option during the programme
Those who are not currently seeking or motivated for change
Who delivers Here Toitū?
It's delivered in partnership by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and THINK Hauora.