Our Story
About Interlock NZ
An inclusive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered.
A social setting that brings together life experience, disability, and community connection.
A warm safe space for Interlock NZ to grow
Interlock NZ is situated in Cambridge, New Zealand. Our members come from across Cambridge and the surrounding areas, including Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Hamilton and Matamata.
We are thankful for the Hautapu Rugby Club, who have secured our lease for four days a week over the next three years to run our weekly groups from the Cambridge Junior clubrooms
This place to call home allows us to offer a fun, safe, welcoming space for people who are living with a disability to connect with friends and community while developing opportunities to learn, share and connect.
Projects with purpose
Our members work on projects with purpose, experimenting with a range of paper-craft options, small kit-set building projects, artworks and small woodwork projects, using tools found in most homes. They can explore life skills such as sewing and cooking while creating lifelong social connections.
"Our focus is 'to work with, not do for' our members."
This means assisting to do what they are unable to do under their direction.
Community Connections
With each new project we keep in mind that we are supported by our community, and in turn we often make extra items to offer back to our community usually in kitset form.
Finding individual expression
We strive to guide our members to find their individual expression. When given the ability to explore, our members produce unique creations, and we love seeing their confidence grow when they achieve something new.
“The little things. The little moments. They aren’t little.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Interlock NZ ethos
Where life, disability, and community connect
Intrinsic value
We believe everyone has a place, a voice, intrinsic value and a purpose that deserves to be acknowledged.
Equity + equality
Equity and equality are not the same things, though they walk in partnership.
Innate humanity
The value of a person does not reside in their status, gender, colour or social standing. Rather, the value of a person is in their innate humanity and as an individual.
Accessible, affordable + achievable
Our programme must be accessible, affordable, and achievable for all members.
Help us achieve Equity + Equality
"An amazing place to be"
"I have been helping Interlock for the last few years and it is such an amazing place to be. I thoroughly enjoy helping such awesome people with their craft-making; it’s a wonderful thing to spend time with them and is my Happy Place. My High School aged Granddaughter also loves to come and help when she gets the chance."
Contact Interlock Trust
Phone: 021 578 856
Email: interlocknz@outlook.co.nz
Cambridge Junior Rugby Club and Community Centre
Corner of Victoria and Taylor Street
Cambridge 3434