Being the change we want to see in the world
Flying Kites exists to lead the change we want to see in the disability sector. We believe everyone who needs it should be able to access disability support services that are as unique as the person they are designed for. People don’t fit in boxes, so neither should our support services.
Flying Kites is a charity that has been established in response to what is currently available. We are here to reimagine what disability support could look like for you, your friends and your whānau.
Reimagining Disability Supports
We passionately believe that you need support that is tailored to your needs, and that anything less is a compromise that has strong ripples throughout your world.
We want to help you find support workers who connect with you and are motivated to do the work you want them to do. For some people a traditional support worker is the right fit. But for most people, they want a “Baking Buddy”, a “Pokémon Playing Partner” or a “Karaoke Singing Supporter”. We believe the magic happens when you bring people to work alongside you who share your interests, values and lifestyle.
When it comes to big life transitions (such as moving out of home, getting married or leaving a residential service) we believe that planning makes an enormous difference. We have seen the immense positive impacts that come from trusting in someone's potential, finding creative solutions and then leaping into the future together. We want this approach to be a reality for every person with a disability. We can help you plan this future, and make it a reality. We want to see you thrive when you take that leap, so we will walk alongside you to make it happen.
How We Help
Meet our team
Ainsley is the heart, brains and life force behind Flying Kites. After almost 20 years working in the disability sector, she has seen the best and the worst of what the current system has to offer. Driven by professional and family experience of navigating the disability system, Ainsley passionately believes that each and every person deserves to live a life filled with joy, challenge and connection. Through Flying Kites, her aim is to reimagine what disability supports can look like – particularly for those who are struggling to find their place within current systems.
Macushla is a founding board member of Flying Kites and has served as the organisation's Chair since 2021. She is a passionate and experienced data and analytics professional, dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive teams. She has invested significant time in understanding the needs of neurodiverse colleagues and in creating environments where everyone feels supported and empowered to do their best work. Macushla brings a broad range of skills, knowledge, and experience to support Flying Kites' mission and help meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Sarah is a dedicated professional with a background in banking and the public sector, specialising in data and analytics. She brings additional board and governance experience, as she has served on the board of Parents Centre Aotearoa since 2020. Leveraging her experience as a hard of hearing individual, Sarah brings another perspective to her work. Sarah is committed to the work Flying Kites does, championing inclusiving and ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive.
Jamie brings over 15 years of experience across the disability, charity, andaddiction sectors. Currently a Community Operations Manager at the Heart Foundation, Jamie is known for purposeful, people‑centred leadership. Their work has spanned operational, quality, and senior roles, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, addictions, or traumatic brain injuries. Passionate about services that genuinely serve people, Jamie is driven to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and creating systems that genuinely make a difference.