Hohepa Shop Taradale

Welcome to Hohepa Shop Taradale, located in Napier, New Zealand. Situated on Gloucester Street, our establishment is not just your ordinary food and grocery store - we are a thriving community dedicated to providing satisfying lives for individuals with disabilities.

At Hohepa, we believe in promoting independence and holistic development for our community members. Through our unique combination of curative education, social therapy, a rich cultural life, and biodynamic land-use, we encourage the growth of body, soul, and spirit for all.

Our institution offers a comprehensive program for intellectually disabled individuals, based on the Waldorf Curriculum and the New Zealand Curriculum. While we maintain close associations with the Ministry of Education, we are currently classified as an independent school. However, we have a pending application for Integration status with the Ministry of Education. Students can stay with us until the age of 21, at which point they may transition to our adult programs or move to our related facilities in Hōhepa Auckland or Canterbury.

In our adult community life, residents engage in daily vocational programs that encompass a range of craft skills such as weaving, feltmaking, woodwork, candlemaking, farming, and gardening. These vocational areas are linked to NZQA accredited courses and certificates, allowing individuals to develop personal skills and achieve their goals. Products from our farm and craft studios are available for sale at our on-site shop. We place great emphasis on giving a sense of worth through meaningful contribution and being a part of real work.

We also welcome individuals who are not part of Hōhepa Residential Service to join our Day Service programs and facilities. Our approach to developing individuals is complemented by various therapies integrated into regular life, including nursing, medical and dietary care, arts, speech therapy, social therapy, and movement and expression (eurhythmy).

Our community thrives on interest, participation, respect, cooperation, and mutual support among its members. We are proud to be part of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Community Support Package, which allocates $0.5 million to support disabled individuals, particularly Māori, and their households affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community has faced significant challenges over the past two years. However, we have been incredibly grateful for the boundless generosity and kindness shown by the Hawke's Bay community.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join the Hōhepa Hawke's Bay team and contribute to our vision of every life fully lived. We invite you to watch our latest video to learn more about our community and our mission.

Kia ora koutou katoa (Greetings to you all), and we look forward to welcoming you to Hohepa Shop Taradale.