History

Piringa (formerly Karldon Trust) was first established by two psychiatric nurses Karel (Karl) Hartemink and Donna Riley and opened in September 1989 to provide accommodation and rehabilitation for people recovering from mental illness. Its name derives from joining the first names of the organisation founders.

The Trust owns a six-bedroom house on Malfroy Road, known as The Lodge; and until 2006 it owned a seven-bedroom house (Karldon House) on leased land on Hinemoa Street. From these facilities residential support services were provided for up to 16 adults with moderate to severe mental illness. The Trust has traditionally received a high number of Māori Tangata Whaiora and most referrals whakapapa (have family links) to Rotorua or the Taupo and Turangi region.

In 2006, under new service agreements with Lakes District Health Board the number of residential beds was reduced to five and a home-based support service contract was introduced. In response to this, Piringa sold Karldon House. Many Tangata Whaiora were transitioned into their own accommodation, most of it rental and located close to the city centre. A significant change for the Staff was the transition from being solely a residential service based team to a mobile team and the service delivery changes that this required.

In 2010, the Trust purchased two 2-bedroom flats next door to the Lodge on Malfroy Road. The following year, it purchased another adjoining property and turned that into the Office which houses the support worker team as well as the administration and management staff. The Trust continues to lease flats on Malfroy Road under a long term agreement with Housing NZ. These flats are utilized mainly as ‘step-down’ accommodation for Tangata Whaiora transitioning from the residential service to a home-based living situation.

Since 2011 the Trust has provided Housing Recovery (residential), Adult Community (home-based support) and planned Respite services to adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Referrals are received via the Link People Housing and Support service.