The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand and Stroke Tairawhiti Incorporated have announced their intention to merge in a bid to achieve their mission to reduce strokes, improve outcomes and save lives.

All services offered by both charities will continue, with Stroke Tairawhiti teaming up with the Stroke Foundation’s Midland Region team which covers the rest of the central North Island.

The Boards of both charities have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with the merger planned to take effect from 31st December 2022.

Ensuring stroke care is ‘sustainable’ in the long term

The charities said the merger will allow them to increase population health awareness that prevents strokes, as well as ramp up life-after-stroke services to people who have experienced a stroke, and their whanau.

Given the changes in the health system, with the establishment of Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) and Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority), both charities believe that by working together they can better meet the needs of the stroke-affected community of Aotearoa, providing essential community services.

John Gommans, Chair of the of the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand Board, said - "We are delighted that we will be joining with Stroke Tairawhiti to assure the long-term sustainability of stroke services in the Tairawhiti region. The signing of this MOA demonstrates our joint commitment to do more for more people who are affected by stroke across Aotearoa and learn from each other in pursuit of equitable outcomes for all, and the continuous improvement of our services."

Jan Ewart, President of Stroke Tairawhiti said – "There are many benefits to be gained from joining New Zealand’s national stroke organisation, while still maintaining our local workforce, services, and community connections. We believe that both our organisations will be stronger by working together within the new health and disability system."

More people needing complex life-after-stroke care

With over 9,500 experienced in Aotearoa every year, stroke is the single biggest cause of serious adult disability in New Zealand (2018).

By taking a proactive approach to securing the best care for their local communities, both charities are looking to prepare themselves for a future where stroke incidence is set to rise dramatically – with a 40% increase (2018) predicted by 2028. The Foundation estimates that more than 64,000 people are living with the direct impact of stroke in Aotearoa.

Just last year, the Stroke Foundation’s Community Stroke Advisors (CSAs) worked with 4,500 stroke survivors and their families, providing home visits, rehabilitation advice, workplace advocacy and referrals to health professionals.

Stroke Tairawhiti has been operating as an incorporated society since 1993, in a region of more than 43,000 people. The charity’s major activities are the provision of life after stroke support to more than 60 people a year, the delivery of a range of rehabilitation services in the community and, raising awareness of the risks of stroke through health promotion campaigns.

The merger between the two charities is subject to the final approval of the Charities Commission.

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