About Us

Our Story

As parents of a daughter with a disability, we felt compelled to address the challenge of securing her future filled with opportunity, support, and happiness. This shared concern across New Zealand inspired us to conceive Harikoa Life — an initiative to address the long-term challenges and provide real opportunities for people with disabilities. Our journey has been shaped by our experiences and numerous discussions with government agencies, support organisations, and other families, revealing the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that genuinely promotes the long-term well-being of our loved ones.
We've faced the reality of inconsistent services, overwhelming demand surpassing supply, and the pervasive loneliness experienced by too many individuals with disabilities. These challenges, short-term focus, and financial inefficiencies emphasise the need for a model prioritising long-term security, dignity, and authentic community integration.
Drawing from our organisational design and management expertise and inspired by successful international examples, we envision Harikoa Life as a mixed residential community. Here, individuals with disabilities, along with selected residents without disabilities and older people, can thrive in a supportive environment. This inclusive mix enriches lives and fosters a sense of belonging and contribution for all involved.
Harikoa Life embodies our dedication to a more inclusive society where every individual's value is recognised and nurtured. By combining collective efficiency with personal choice, we aim to provide a sustainable solution that improves the quality of life for people with disabilities, empowering them and their families to face the future with confidence and optimism.
In collaboration with a diverse network of parents, individuals with disabilities, and other stakeholders, we are committed to making Harikoa Life a reality. It's a collective effort driven by the belief that together, we can create communities that truly feel like home — where every member can lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Advisory Commitee

Herman Potgieter

Founder & CEO

Herman founded Harikoa Life as a response to the challenges faced by people with disabilities in New Zealand, including his own daughter. With extensive corporate senior leadership experience, he specialises in creating and implementing models that address community needs. His international work involves aiding the development of similar initiatives and their subsequent national expansion, collaborating with local communities to enhance wellbeing and economic growth. He has also led United Nations programs that helped boost impact on well-being.Herman focuses on driving sector-level change, particularly within New Zealand's disability sector, to address systemic issues affecting long-term well-being. Drawing from a decade of experience in enhancing New Zealanders' wellbeing, he emphasises the need for collaborative efforts and collective responsibility to drive meaningful change. While various stakeholders strive to improve the situation independently, Herman stresses the importance of unified action. Additionally, Herman brings considerable expertise in construction, where he has been instrumental in delivering improved and cost-effective housing solutions, ensuring better value for money.

Robin Sandler

Wellbeing & Counselling Advisor

Robin is a highly experienced clinical psychologist in the New Zealand health sector who specialises in supporting families experiencing stress and offering them counselling services. At Harikoa Life, Robin contributes with advice on how to create an inclusive and safe environment where individuals feel a sense of belonging. He focuses on understanding the ideal personality profile within the community and devising strategies to help individuals with disabilities thrive in this setting. Robin's counselling and psychological support services target both families and individuals with disabilities, aiming to facilitate independent living for the latter. The success of this initiative depends on the willingness and behaviours of parents and Whanau. In New Zealand, where sufficient support is often lacking, parents frequently find themselves as the primary caregivers for children with disabilities, leading to potentially unhealthy co-dependency relationships. Robin also prioritises counselling families to navigate and overcome these dynamics, fostering healthier relationships and promoting independence for individuals with disabilities.

Prof. Tana Pistorius

General Counsel

Tana brings valuable expertise in government policies and law to Harikoa Life, helping to determine the best strategies to support individuals with disabilities effectively. As a parent of a child with a disability, she understands firsthand the challenges and concerns of other parents within New Zealand, striving for meaningful long-term outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Tana has served on multiple committees and boards for disability support organisations, advocating for policy and legal changes and providing invaluable expertise. Tana's extensive experience extends to privacy and confidential information, making her a recognised global thought leader. She plays a crucial role in navigating various relationships within this initiative.

Prof Chris van Staden

Financial Advisor

Chris is a chartered accountant who plays a crucial role in ensuring Harikoa Life's financial viability and its ability to enhance the financial well-being of its members. Central to this initiative is assisting with investments, managing property portfolios, and promoting the long-term financial stability of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Chris is recognized as a global thought leader in sustainable reporting, ensuring alignment with the UN's principles and maximizing Harikoa Life's sustainability impact on local communities, the environment, and individuals with disabilities.

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Patrícia da Silva

Marketing & Communications Advisor

Patricia da Silva brings extensive experience from senior marketing and communications roles at large corporates in NZ and overseas. At Harikoa Life, her main focus is to build an in-depth understanding of the future residents of Harikoa Life and develop services that fully deliver to their needs. Patricia is involved in developing marketing strategies and communications with key stakeholders. With a deep sense of responsibility and an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, Patricia's background, including her family experience, equips her to provide empathetic and effective communication. Outside of her professional commitments, she spends her spare time volunteering for non-profit organisations, including working with people with intellectual disabilities.

Morné Smit

Advisor

Morné serves as an advisor to Harikoa Life, bringing extensive experience and a profound passion for fostering inclusive communities. His dedication to creating environments where everyone feels valued and included aligns seamlessly with our mission. Morné's commitment to social equity and community building makes him an invaluable member of the Harikoa team.

He has been actively involved in fundraising efforts to help children with clefts in Tanzania access medical support. Through his work with organizations like Interpast, Operation Smile and Rafiki, he has helped individuals access life-changing surgeries, giving them the opportunity to lead healthier, happier lives.