About Us

Lifestyle Trust came into being in the mid-1960s as the Waikato branch of the Disabled Citizens' Society Incorporated.

In 1970 the organization established a sheltered workshop in Peachgrove Road, Hamilton East, where members undertook contract work for local businesses.

Over time the workshop grew.

In 1976 an additional training centre was established in Bryant Rd, Te Rapa, where people gained woodwork and metal work skills, with the aim of getting jobs in the community.

The organization changed its name to Hamilton Sheltered Workshops and Training Centre Incorporated in 1985 in conjunction with the opening of its purpose-built workshop premises in Sunshine Avenue, Te Rapa.

A major philosophical change took place in 2000, with the two workshops merging on the Sunshine Avenue site.

There was another name change, this time to Lifestyle 2000. In 2003 contract work stopped and the transition to providing vocational services began.  Becoming a charitable trust in 2005, Lifestyle Trust embraced the philosophy of inclusion. The organization has been developing and refining the way it supports people ever since. 

In 2007 three community centres were established in suburban Hamilton, the Head Office moved to Dinsdale and the industrial Sunshine Avenue site was sold, in a move to bring the organisation and its people closer to the local community.