When knowledge is shared, communities thrive...
ACC recognizes that their policies and processes can sometimes be hard to understand, which can often lead to confusion and frustration. In 2016, Miriam Dean QC's report identified the need for navigation services to support individuals interacting with ACC.
Two organizations, SRS and Taikura Trust, shared a vision for improving the ACC experience and pooled their resources to create Way Finders. Our purpose is to support and equip people with the knowledge they need for their ACC journey, guiding them through the process and facilitating and impacting change within ACC where change is needed. We're dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and encouraging individuals to share their newfound knowledge with others, creating a positive impact on their communities.
We prioritise clients and whānau, treating them with care, respect, and dignity. We nurture people with empathy and compassion, acting in their best interests.
We strive for excellence in our services, sharing knowledge and skills to support sustainable responses. We equip individuals with tools and support for their journey.
We build trust through honesty, integrity, and transparency. We actively listen, communicate clearly, and provide positive platforms for safe conversations.
We value people's input and provide options for positive engagement with service providers and community services. We support individuals in accessing links to their local communities, other services and opportunities.
Really Independent - We are committed to delivering the Way Finder’s service with the highest level of integrity.
Really Clever - We are committed to delivering the Way Finder’s service with excellent communication and knowledge.
Really Innovative - We are committed to delivering the Way Finder’s service with clarity in order to affect change internally and externally.
Really Connected - We are committed to delivering a responsive Way Finder’s service in the most accessible and community-centric manner.
If you feel we have fallen short of our promise to you in any of these areas, please let us know by filling out our feedback form.
Way Finders is a growing team of passionate navigators working remotely throughout Aotearoa. Our team are involved in regular training and keep in touch with what is happening within the ACC world and NZ health and disability issues across the country.
Currently there are no open positions at Way Finders, however, check back again as we may be hiring soon. To register your interest in working for us please click the link below.
With over 10 years experience, Michaela has an excellent understanding of ACC, loves helping people and finds immense satisfaction in improving their lives. Whether it's connecting them with the right resources, advocating for their needs, or simply being a supportive ear, she’s all about making a positive impact. She’s got a knack for problem-solving and finding creative solutions to challenges that come her way.
Robin has worked in the ACC, Disability and Navigation space for 10 years. He is passionate about helping people to the best of his ability and puts a lot of emphasis on ensuring clients feel heard and understood.
Rob joined the Way Finders team in 2019. With 6 years in UK policing and over 9 years specialising in ACC Review Hearings, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the ACC Navigation space, he brings a wealth of experience to his role. Passionate about access to justice, Rob aims to positively impact the ACC Navigation space by providing timely accurate advice, with a people first approach at the heart of everything he does.
Laura has extensive case management experience in both the private and commercial sector including 9 years at ACC. She has a real passion and genuine motivation to help people and will explore all possibilities before providing early independent advice.
Gina has extensive experience in customer facing roles including 9 ½ years at ACC. She gets to the crux of the matter and delivers information in a clear, simple, and straightforward way with her easy-going friendly approach.
Katja is passionate about providing useful advice to people, to help them improve their situation. She has an extensive background working in the public service and finance sectors, including over two years at ACC.
Peter is a friendly and reliable person with a passion for learning and further development. Peter has 7 years of customer service experience performing case management for 4 of those years with expertise in the area of sensitive claims. Peter has been studying Psychology on and off working towards a degree in that field of study. Peter is highly enthusiastic and absolutely determined to see things through to the end.
Sarah has a passion to help people and their whānau access their ACC support/entitlements. She has vast ACC knowledge, having worked for ACC for 7 years. Sarah has a particular interest in supporting people through all ACC processes in particular Mental Injury, Permanent Injury Compensation (PIC) entitlement, and has many years within the Disputes Resolution (complaints) space.
Emma joins Way Finders bringing 11 years’ experience in the ACC Case Management and Cover Assessment space. She has sound knowledge of the Vocational Independence pathway and a particular interest in supporting mesh injured clients navigate ACC. Emma is committed to guiding people through their ACC journey with care and consideration of their unique needs.
Mel worked as an Occupational Therapist in NZ and abroad before joining ACC where she worked for 17 years. She has a particular interest in supporting people with cover for mental injury enquiries but has a wide understanding of what makes ACC and people, tick.
Michelle P has extensive claim management experience including a period of 13 years with ACC. She has a particular interest in supporting children and their whānau, alongside a broad understanding of ACC policies and practices.
Michelle G started her career as a Social Worker and then spent 21 years working at ACC with a particular interest in vocational rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and/or traumatic brain injuries. Working at Way Finders has further developed her knowledge of all things ACC.
Rachel has 18 years of professional experience working in the disability field and case management. Through listening and asking questions she will be able to provide support to help you understand what is happening and why, and guide you through the next steps.
Shelley joined the Navy as a medic at age 17, where she specialised in Surgical Nursing and post-surgical recovery. She then moved to case management roles at Ministry of Social Development and ACC over a period of 24 years. Her passion is supporting vulnerable clients to access the entitlements they need to be able to live their lives on their own terms.
Narelle’s background is in social work before she joined ACC, where she loved working as a case manager in the Non-Earner Team, Sensitive Claims and Complex Physical Injuries for 7 and a half years. Narelle possesses a calm, understanding and patient manner and takes great joy in helping people.
I felt safe and comfortable
"I’ve called Way Finders on a couple of occasions for advice. I have an active sensitive claim and it’s a difficult journey. All the navigators I have spoken to have made me feel safe and comfortable. I’ve found them to be supportive, compassionate, and pragmatic in their approach. I’m so grateful for this service, being able to contact someone who has knowledge of the process and can provide guidance has been really valuable."
Tangible and practical resources
"The service from Way Finders was extremely good. Not only did we get the advice that we needed to understand the situation we are in, but we received tangible and practical resources that have helped us shape our ongoing interactions with ACC. The response from Way Finders was also very fast. Overall, we are pleased and grateful for our encounter with your service.”
