About Us
The Donaldson Residential Trust is a community care organisation for individuals with a prime disability of intellectual disabilities. It’s aim is to ensure all residents have every opportunity for a happy and healthy life.
Originally established in 1989 as a private enterprise (with one house and 4 residents), it is now a well-established Charitable Trust* with five homes and up to 27 residents.
As a charitable trust, The Donaldson Residential Trust relies on government funding, distributed through the funding agencies.
*The Donaldson Residential Trust is a charitable trust registered with the Department of Justice under the Charitable Trusts Act, 1957.
Carol Donaldson
The story of the Donaldson Residential Trust owes much to the determination and tenacity of Carol.
She campaigned tirelessly to secure government funding for individuals that could provide adequate care for those with disabilities, while helping them to integrate with the communities around them.
As a young girl, in Hawkes Bay, Carol began to associate with disabled people due to her very caring, supportive family and their friends.
“That upbringing was hugely influential in my decision to open the houses.” says Carol.
Carol’s work was recognised in 2015 when she was on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, named as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Our Staff
The Trust employs 30 staff, which includes full and part-time employees working within the houses.
Our team includes two home supervisors, a part-time office administrator and a manager.
Good communication between staff means any issues are addressed quickly, including any matters relating to health of the residents. This includes consultation with the families, doctors and other medical personnel.
Staff are involved with administering of prescribed medications and helping residents undertake rostered tasks, as well as participating in decisions made within their home.