Our Story

Our History

Nurturing Families was previously known as ‘Mummys In Need’, and was founded in 2012 recognising an urgent need. When Tayla Nasmith, aged just 12 years old at the time, saw children around her without the basic necessities, she knew she could help. A Facebook page was launched as a platform acting as a bridge between families and donors. It was a place where people in need could reach out and donations could be sourced immediately and passed straight on to meet the demand.

After just a few months ‘Mummys In Need’ took off and became a platform attempting to meet a growing demand and supporting around 50 families per month with 2 part time volunteers.

Years on, ‘Mummys In Need’ grew to adapt to work as a support agency for various midwives, social workers and other organisations helping roughly 400 babies per month with a range of material essentials that a child under 12years required.

In 2023 it was decided that our name needed to change. We had grown, we were supporting more than just mothers in need- we had evolved to assisting a range of caregivers and whānau in crisis- and so came the launch of ‘Nurturing Families’. 

Our Mission

Nurturing Families envisions a world where every family and child, regardless of circumstances, has the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive. By providing essential material aid, emotional, social, and educational support, we empower lives, build resilient communities, and nurture the potential of future generations.

Our mission is twofold:

  1. to deliver indispensable aid to families, and;

  2. to provide emotional and educational support, fostering the growth and development of both families and children.

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Kindness

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Dignity

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Inclusivity

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Sustainability

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Kindness

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Dignity

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Inclusivity

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Sustainability

• Kindness • Dignity • Inclusivity • Sustainability • Kindness • Dignity • Inclusivity • Sustainability

Meet the Team

  • Tayla Nasmith

    Founder & Leader of Nurturing Families

    Hi, I am Tayla! I Founded Nurturing Families when I was 12 years old after being aware of children around me, who lacked the basic essentials they needed to thrive. Outside of the charity, I love staying active, hanging with friends, and looking after my niece and nephews. My biggest goal in life outside of goals I set for the charity, would be to be a mum. Nurturing Families is where my heart is at right now and I work day and night to ensure I lead our community toward a future where one day hopefully we aren't needed.

  • Marissa Bell

    Community & Partnerships Manager

    Hi I’m Marissa, I am a mum of 3 beautiful, busy children and have found myself naturally gravitating towards the charity sector after having kids and realising the need in our communities. I’m all about building strong connections and bringing people together to make magic happen in the not-for-profit world. I am passionate about volunteering and championing volunteers, and about the real difference we are making for those most vulnerable in our region.

  • Mel Wardrop

    Warehouse Coordinator

    Hi I’m Mel! I am a mum to 3 children who keep me busy and filled with purpose. I started volunteering with Nurturing Families over 2 years ago and I quickly found myself in the warehouse at any spare moment I had. I just loved everything about the work and the mission. I was stoked to be able to take on the role of managing the warehouse and communications with our case workers.

  • Melanie Nasmith

    Community Centre Coordinator

    Hi I’m Mel, the mother of Tayla! For many of the beginning years I facilitated a lot of the giving as Tayla was too young and didn’t have a car or the resources to help by herself. Now I’m involved in the charity in many ways including having a case load of families who we connect with directly in the community. Outside of Nurturing Families I am also a mum to two other children and a Nana to 4 beautiful grandchildren who keep me VERY busy.

  • Roseanne Williams

    Taranaki Branch Coordinator

    Hi, I’m Roseanne! I am a mum of two, and manage the day to day operations of the Taranaki Nurturing Families branch. I love being part of the community and making a difference for our locals in need.