About Us

Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Waikato is a charitable trust that builds wheelchair accessible homes for people living with a disability.

Our mission is “To enhance lives by providing accessible, affordable, quality housing for people with disabilities.”

Through donations and grants, the room rents are able to be kept affordable so residents on fixed incomes can enjoy quality of life. For folk who use a wheelchair for mobility the houses provide a genuine sense of being at home, as the house is purpose-built to fit their needs.

Many of our residents come from hospital, rehabilitation facilities, from living with aging parents, or simply from unsuitable premises that have restricted their quality of life.

Our residents wish to remain as independent as possible and to enjoy living in a friendly and supportive community. It helps that all our houses are on level ground and in a flat area, thus enabling people to walk or wheel to the shops, doctors, library, services, cafes and of course, to see their friends.

Our Governance Board

RCF Waikato has been serving the Hamilton community since 1984. Our charitable trust is governed by a Board of Trustees who dedicate their time and energies to help make a difference in the lives of our residents. Please contact our Operations Manager if you are interested in becoming a Board Member or Friend of the Trust.

Our Managers

RCF Waikato has a Property Caretaker and Operations Manager.

For all rental or maintenance inquiries please contact the
Property Manager/Caretaker – Peter Wardill:
021 850 335
[email protected]

For all other business or funding matters please contact the
Operations Manager – Chrissie Kavanagh:
021 549 597
[email protected]

Our Homes

Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Waikato owns seven wheel-chair friendly, accessible homes, purpose-built for the needs of people living with disabilities.

Two of our homes are leased to NZ Care who run 24/7 care facilities and the others are managed as independent flatting households. Individual rooms can be rented within the 2 – 5 bedroom homes. You don't need to use a wheelchair to live with us, but generally people have some sort of functional disability.

Situated in St Andrews, Hamilton, the homes allow residents to achieve qualities of independence, care, companionship and accessibility within the local community.
All rents include reasonable power use, internet and ground maintenance. Dryer costs are extra.
Each house is furnished and outfitted with modern appliances, except for the bedrooms, where people use their own beds and bedroom furniture.

Residents in each of the shared flatting houses sign a residency agreement between themselves and RCF Waikato. Residents can choose their own support people to provide assistance in the home (if required) through the individual's choice of preferred service provider via the NASC agency.
The 24/7 managed care facility for residents with higher needs is run by NZ Care Group and referrals for these homes are taken through Disability Support Link.

RCF Waikato run ads on the flatmates wanted section of Trademe for vacancies in the independent flatting homes. All the homes are non-smoking and sorry but we don't allow pets. You will find the residents to be a fun and friendly bunch, with the occasional social outing and public event.
We welcome enquiries from prospective new residents. Please leave your contact and preference details via the Contacts page of this website.

Text, call or send an email anytime if you have accommodation inquiries for yourself or a family member or friend. Inquiries from couples and small families are invited.
RCF Waikato welcomes your inquiry and are always happy to provide advice and information where possible.