Our Story
Visions of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust (VOHH) was established in 2017 after one of the founders witnessed a mother and her children living on the shores of Lake Rotorua. From that moment, VOHH has grown into a cornerstone of the Rotorua community, providing housing and wraparound support services that empower whānau to regain independence and stability.
Today, our mahi spans housing, alongside holistic health and social services that address the challenges of poverty, trauma, and whānau wellbeing. Our dedicated team includes Social Workers, Youth Mentors, Counsellors, Kaimahi Māori, and Navigators, all working within a whānau-centred, culturally responsive approach.
We are guided by the values of Whakawhanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Pono, Aroha, Whakamana, and Rangatiratanga, and our vision of Whānau Mana Motuhake — whānau self-determination.
Each year, we support hundreds of adults and tamariki through housing, employment, education, and wellbeing initiatives. Our work has seen whānau move from motels into warm and safe homes, parents into jobs, and tamariki back into classrooms.
At the heart of it all is our commitment to mana-enhancing practice:
“I was treated as whānau – their manaaki, awhi and aroha went above and beyond.”
Visions of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust – which runs on donations and government funding – has changed the lives of numerous vulnerable people in their community, providing accommodation and wraparound services including mental health support, addiction treatment, cooking, parenting and budgeting advice.
Once a whānau has moved into permanent housing, we provide visits to ensure the members are well supported in their new home. Many people who have been in our care go on to become advocates of our organisation and return to help others.
When Covid-19 lockdown began, physical distancing rules meant our shelters had to close temporarily. Knowing that the need for the shelters would remain high, we sourced government funding to rent motels in Rotorua and Taupō to provide temporary accommodation.
In 2020, our mahi was recognised with a Lion’s International Award and Global Humanitarian Award.
In 2021, Tiny Deane (founder and former CEO) was nominated as a semi-finalist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards for his inspirational contribution to our community. Click here to see more.
Farewell to Founder, Tiny Deane
After eight years of tireless dedication, Tiny Deane, the heart behind VOHH, has stepped down as CEO. While this chapter closes, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to shape lives for years to come.
Tiny’s journey began in 2017 — not from a boardroom, but from a moment of deep compassion. After witnessing a woman and her children living on the shores of Lake Rotorua. That moment struck a chord so powerful that he and his wife Lynley knew they had to act. Together, they founded VOHH, built on the belief that everyone deserves a roof over their head, a warm meal, and to be treated with dignity.
Over the years, Tiny turned that belief into action — bold, hands-on, and often deeply personal action. He and Lynley sold their rental property to open the first women and children’s shelter in Rotorua. Within months, another women’s lodge was opened in Taupo to meet the growing need. He created a night shelter, a laundromat, showers, and a koha shop to support Rotorua’s rough sleepers — all built on one simple but powerful idea:
“If a person has a safe place to sleep, food to eat, a clean body and clothing, they can then approach the day’s challenges with a clear mind and the mana to lift their head and look for a solution.”
Tiny didn’t just talk about change — he lived it. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he moved swiftly to get Rotorua’s rough sleepers into safe accommodation in just 72 hours. Later, he helped form Te Hau ki Te Kāinga, a powerful collective of local providers bringing wrap-around support to Contracted Emergency Housing Motels. Behind the scenes, he quietly cared for his team, always looking after the 134 staff members who made up VOHH over the years. Through his leadership, thousands of people found more than just shelter — they found hope, support, and someone who believed in them.
As VOHH prepared to close its last Contracted Emergency Housing Motel in December 2025, Tiny felt, it’s time.
“My job is done. It’s time for me to go back to my real life.”
Though he may be stepping away from the day-to-day work, Tiny’s spirit will always be at the heart of VOHH. His courage, kindness, and vision have touched every part of this organisation and the community it serves.
To Tiny - thank you...for your belief in people when they couldn’t believe in themselves, for your refusal to turn away when the problem seemed too big, for building something that will outlast us all.
From all of us at VOHH, and from the many lives you’ve touched — thank you for everything.
You’ll always be a part of this kaupapa and you will be missed!