TE PUNANGA O TE RANGIMĀRIE
Refuge of Peace
Our Vision / Kaupapa
Dreaming is where it all starts! Welcome to our own little piece of paradise. A lifetime project: a community where all members assemble and unite around Keegan in an intentional community. All members contribute their own unique gifts for the benefit of the community. A self-sustainable, safe, stress-free sanctuary for all.
Around Keegan but not all about him…
The Property / Whenua
Located at the Southern tip of the Coromandel Forest Park and facing the most amazing bush views. 10 acres of quiet park like land with nearby numerous bush tracks, idyllic swimming holes, wild life and glow worms and many touristic destinations such as the Hauraki Rail Trail, the Matatoki Cheese Factory, Waihi Beach and The Coromandel with its many summer festivals, Steampunk and others. Just 15 minutes by car from Paeroa and 30 minutes from Thames.
A large house is comprised of 6 bedrooms and 3 living areas, to accommodate support staff and flatmates. Keegan’s parents, Lew and Franky, live in a studio near the house. There are three cabins with entertaining areas and a large barn, used for activities such as parties and movie nights. We aim at growing our food as much as possible: hot house, vegetable pods, vegetable gardens, orchards and fruit trees.
Our People / Tangata
Keegan is a really cool dude. He is also an accomplished sing-songwriter and has released an album and some singles to date. These are available here. His music is also available on online streaming platforms. Click here to watch his music video
Keegan has a range of highly complex needs requiring the support of a team 24/7. He has his own separate living area in the main house.
Kelly, Danay and Yue Li are our valued support staff, soon to be joined by Joy (in March). They assist Keegan in his everyday needs, so he can focus on the things that matter the most; enjoying life to the fullest and achieving his goals.
Lindy is our manager; she lives in Paeroa and is employed to oversee all aspects of Keegan’s daily needs, support staff and management of the house. Isaac used to be Keegan's personal assistant and has now been promoted solely to assist Keegan with his music.
Lew and Franky provide guidance and governance. We are always looking for great people to join our team, so feel free to reach out through the contact page.
To complete the picture: our two goats Peanut and Snowflake, our dogs Prince and Sasha, cat Bella, as well as chickens, muscovies (ducks) and cattle.
The Village / The Pa
Discover our one-of-a-kind accommodation options that will make your stay truly memorable.
A serene place to unwind, surrounded by nature.
The site comprises of 3 rustic huts and a gypsy themed caravan, an outdoor area with a gazebo and brazier, kitchen and bathroom (2 showers). Sleeps maximum 6 - space for tents.
Local Experiences
Immerse yourself in the local culture, discover the many tracks of the Coromandel Forest Park. Enjoy a quiet night by the fireside, listening to the moreporks and connect with the community for a truly enriching journey.
Rustic huts and a Vardo
Two huts have a loft each with a Queen size bed; the Vardo has 2 single beds.
The kitchen hut has full amenities and also includes a separate shower.
The bathroom has a compostable toilet; the outdoor shower is a treat (with hot water).
Prices and enquiries
One hut: $200 per night
Two huts: $350
Three huts: $480
Linen: $20 per hut
Bond: 10% on booking, refunded within 24 hours of end of stay
Payment due on arrival
Text your booking to 021-2563618
Contact us if you are interested in a long term stay
Employment / Mahi
We are looking for compassionate and caring individuals to join our team, who have the skills to communicate effectively and who can demonstrate an understanding of community life.
Support Staff
If you have experience in the disability and/or mental health sectors, we would like to hear from you.
click here for more information
Flatmates
We are looking for individuals who would like to be a part of our vision and create a genuine connection with Keegan.
Disabilities in NZ / Whaikaha
“In 2011, members of the disability community developed the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach with the intent of increasing choice and control for disabled people and their families.
The EGL approach is a foundation and framework to guide positive change for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, families, communities and governance structures. The aim is to shift authority from ‘the system’ to regarding disabled people and their families as experts in their own lives, and leaders in their lives and communities.”
Enabling Good Lives Principles
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Self-determination - Disabled people are in control of their lives.
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Beginning early - Invest early in families and whānau to support them; to be aspirational for their disabled child; to build community and natural supports; and to support disabled children to become independent, rather than waiting for a crisis before support is available.
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Mana enhancing - The abilities and contributions of disabled people and their families are recognised and respected.
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Person centred - Disabled people have supports that are tailored to their individual needs and goals, and that take a whole life approach rather than being split across programmes.
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Ordinary life outcomes - Disabled people are supported to live an everyday life in everyday places; and are regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation - like others at similar stages of life.
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Mainstream first - Disabled people are supported to access mainstream services before specialist disability services.
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Easy to use - Disabled people have supports that are simple to use and flexible.
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Relationship building - Supports build and strengthen relationships between disabled people, their whānau and community.
The national EGL website has more information about EGL principles. external URL
If you'd like to find out more about the impact of EGL in the community, visit EGL Good Life Stories external URL on the EGL website.
Read more: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/enabling-good-lives/