HARIKOA FOUNDATION
About Harikoa Foundation
Harikoa Foundation is a registered Charitable Trust based in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are focused on research, development, and the staged launch of an integrated solution to address major systemic issues in the disability sector.
Our mission is to provide long-term peace of mind for families by creating an inclusive model that brings together housing, social connection, financial surety, and coordinated disability support.
Our name - Harikoa - means "joyful" in te reo Māori. It reflects our vision: people with disabilities living joyful, connected, meaningful lives in secure homes and supportive communities.
How Harikoa Works
Harikoa Foundation acts as a custodian, facilitator, and integrator. We do not deliver disability support services directly. Instead, we work in partnership with trusted organisations to coordinate services, develop housing, and create financial pathways.
Our role is to:
-
Conduct research and develop the model
-
Provide guidance and tools to support implementation
-
Coordinate partnerships with disability service providers, community housing providers, and fund managers
-
Advocate for systemic change that benefits the whole sector
Our Journey
Harikoa was born from the lived experiences of families seeking long-term, meaningful support for loved ones with disability.
Key Milestones:
-
2019 - 23: Facing the reality: Ongoing personal experience and inspiration from families with children and young adults with disability.
-
2023 - 24: NZ Disability Sector research, and wide stakeholder engagement: Government, disability support organisations, councils, whanau, investment schemes
-
2024 - : International models and sector research, exploring models from Canada, OECD, the United States, and Australia
-
2025 - : Parent engagement across New Zealand to understand needs and gather feedback
-
2025 - : Partnership development with organisations including Laura Fergusson Trust, government agencies, councils, and community housing providers
-
2025 - : Ongoing operational model refinement and with modern Lean and other operational models, aiming to reinvest surplus and into improved Quality of Life
-
2025 - : Development of the white papers showing a financial benefits case to the Crown of approximately $400 000-00 per person over a 20 year-period, and higher for individual families.
-
2026 - : Mobilisation of the disability community and development of the housing model to create scale, jointly aiming at 1 000 units over a 10 year period. Refinement of the impact investor benefits case.
-
2026 -: Launch phase begins with staged pilot in Rodney / North Auckland region.
Principles
-
Family-led: Families and people with disabilities are at the centre of everything we do.
-
Quality of life focus: Success is measured by meaningful life outcomes, not just service delivery.
-
Choice in care: People choose their own support providers within a network of trusted partners.
-
Cooperative model: Families work together to achieve what would be impossible alone.
-
Long-term thinking: We build for decades, not years.
Governance
Harikoa Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees with expertise in disability, housing, finance, and community development. We are establishing a cooperative governance structure that includes representation from families, people with disability, and partner organisations.
Charitable Trust Status
Harikoa Foundation Trust Board is a registered Charitable Trust in New Zealand: CC63524
Trustees
-
Herman Potgieter - Parent, Founder and Chairperson
-
Bridget Snedden ONZM - Parent, Trustee and Founding member
-
Prof Tana Pistorius - Parent, Trustee and Legal Advisor
-
Kelly Woolston - Highly experienced expert in the disability sector
Our Partners
We work in partnership with:
-
Laura Fergusson Trust (LFT)
-
Community housing providers
-
Disability service providers
-
Fund management organisations
-
Construction firms
-
Local councils and community organisations
Our Message
It delivers a life of connection, security, and dignity. It is about living a more meaningful life.
Herman Potgieter
Founder & CEO
Herman founded Harikoa to tackle challenges faced by people with disabilities in New Zealand, inspired by his own daughter. With decades of senior leadership experience, he designs models that strengthen communities and improve wellbeing. His work spans international initiatives, including UN programs, and focuses on driving systemic change in New Zealand’s disability sector through collaboration and shared responsibility. Herman also brings expertise in construction, delivering cost-effective housing solutions that offer better value for money. His mission: create inclusive communities and long-term security for people with disabilities.
Robin Sandler
Wellbeing & Counselling Advisor
Robin is an experienced clinical psychologist who supports families under stress and provides counseling for individuals with disabilities. At Harikoa, Robin advises on creating inclusive, safe communities where everyone feels they belong. Robin focuses on ideal personality profiles and strategies that help people with disabilities thrive. Robin’s work includes counseling families to reduce unhealthy co-dependency and promote independence, especially in New Zealand where support is often limited. By guiding parents and Whānau, Robin helps build healthier relationships and empowers individuals to live more independently.
Prof. Tana Pistorius
General Counsel
Tana brings deep expertise in government policy and law to Harikoa, shaping strategies that support people with disabilities. As a parent of a child with a disability, Tana understands the challenges families face and advocates for meaningful, long-term outcomes. She has served on multiple boards and committees for disability support organizations, driving policy and legal reforms. Tana is also a global thought leader in privacy and confidential information, ensuring trust and compliance. Her role is vital in navigating relationships and guiding Harikoa’s mission.
Morné Smit
Advisor
Morné is an advisor to Harikoa, passionate about building inclusive communities where everyone feels valued. His commitment to social equity and community development aligns perfectly with Harikoa’s mission.
Morné has led fundraising efforts to help children with cleft-related conditions in Tanzania access life-changing surgeries. Through organizations like Interpast, Operation Smile, and Rafiki, he has enabled medical support that transforms lives, giving children the chance for healthier, happier futures.