Taranaki Retreat - Taranaki Retreat 517 Hurford Road

4.8/5 β˜… based on 8 reviews

About Taranaki Retreat

During her illness, the experience of stays at Ronald McDonald house was significant :
  • No charge for the stay - no being leant on to pay for things you just couldn't manage in the middle of crisis. Stuff was bad enough already,  without extra bills added in.
  • The staff understood about trauma and how it affected people. So - a readiness to care, and - all that it was possible to cover off - done!
  • From time to time, local businesses would come in and cook a meal for all the residents. Over the dished up sossies - you knew that they knew (and understood). Their compassion and understanding went a long, long way.
  • Being around others, walking a similar path - helped battle a sense of isolation in your situation.

 Also significant was the experience of others going through different kinds of losses. How hard it was to find similar compassion and understanding if the tragedy was with mental health - it carried such a terrible stigma. How difficult it was to know what to do following, for example, an overdose by a loved-one, when they returned home from ED. What next - both for that person, and their friends? It turned out that 'business as usual' could lead to the ultimate loss.  

There were two terrible suicides which prompted a move from wringing hands in despair to rolling up the sleeves in action. We understood that it was the responsibility of the WHOLE COMMUNITY to bring about the change we wanted to see - not the health service, or the government, but US! How could ordinary people express the compassion and provide the simple hospitality that might make a difference?

People began to share their stories... and how they wanted to see things change in the future. How could they help with the plan?

Finally, an experience away on Retreat - of a caring environment and 'getting away from it all' - prompted the same family to sell their  house, buddy up with others feeling similar hope and wondering about  similar possibilities. A charitable trust was formed in 2014; the land was purchased, and intense volunteer work began on bringing it to fruition.

The Hurford Road site was chosen because of its centrality (the Retreat was to be for ALL of Taranaki, and beyond) - but also its relative proximity to New Plymouth - so that volunteers wouldn't be too far away - and so that transport services would be relatively close on hand. The beautiful site spoke to us with :
  • The view of the sea in the distance
  • Its raw, rural, true-Taranaki style (with the cattle slowly walking past in the paddock next door)
  • The presence of the flowing water bringing the elements of peace, refreshment and freshness (including the place where two waters meet)
  • The beautiful drive of anticipation to the site
  • ​...and, of course, the uninterrupted view of Te Maunga tapu o Taranaki

Contact Taranaki Retreat

Address :

Taranaki Retreat 517 Hurford Road, New Plymouth 4374, New Zealand

Phone : πŸ“ž +99
Postal code : 4374
Website : https://www.taranakiretreat.org.nz/
Categories :

Taranaki Retreat 517 Hurford Road, New Plymouth 4374, New Zealand
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Peter Stock on Google

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Wow. Its not just the most amazing place to give you a space breathe, it is a holistic, healing, non-judgemental place of genuine love. This place and its wonderful people literally saved my life! ??He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
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conan monsall on Google

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Genuine place of love health and healing.all welcome.
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SF UL on Google

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After a traumatic life changing event I was in need of a break. I was told of The Retreat by a friend who encouraged me to apply. I did and soon after a Team member came to interview me. Soon after I was offered a stay at The Retreat. From the moment I stepped through the gates I was made to feel at home. Throughout the week I had opportunities to talk to professionals, partake in a variety of activities, enjoy the gardens, or just read or watch tv. The Team helped get me back on my feet and I left feeling like a new man. This is a truly amazing place and I hope to be able to repay them one day.
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AurΓ©lie Barbotte on Google

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We spent a great time in the taranaki retreat for 2 weeks. Suzy, Jamie and all the staff are pleasant and generous persons. The guests were amazing and lovely. This place is very peaceful with a beautiful view on the taranaki and lot of animals (goats, pigs, chooks,...). This project was one of the best project we were part of. We highly recommend this place.
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T,C,L,R Sons on Google

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From my own personal experience. I will give the retreat 5 stars plus many more. For ever grateful for the comfort and guidance. Not to mention the on going support I still receive to this day ?
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Bruce Dew on Google

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Some of the friendliest people I have had the pleasure of being around in such a long time. They made me feel very relaxed and welcome the moment I arrived and throughout my stay. I felt like they would be the friends I want in my life for ever. I would definitely go back if the opportunity arises again. Even with the short stay you can can feel the love and caring nature from the staff so I have to thank Ryan and Jess for being amazing hosts.
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Chrissy Dawson on Google

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I stayed at the retreat now almost 3 years ago. It was absolutely a life changing experience and I can't speak more highly of the people involved in this amazing and absolutely stunning place. So lucky to have something so helpful to so many right on our back doorstep. ?
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Benjamin Tuna on Google

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Wow what an amazing place to go and just think and be away from it all We had recently gone through a true tragady with a passing some of my family went here to just unwind and think. Amazing place

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