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Our name is inspired by the warou, the welcome swallow.
A small native bird of Aotearoa, often seen moving between land and water,
reading its environment, and adapting in real time.It doesn’t rely on chance.
It relies on awareness, timing, and the systems around it.What It Represents
Swallowing works in much the same way.
When it changes, it’s not a failure,
it’s a shift in rhythm that needs the right support around it.Like the warou, safety doesn’t come from forcing the old way.
It comes from adapting to what’s in front of us.How This Shapes Our Work
At Swallow & Speech Therapy Consultants, we don’t just focus on the individual.
We focus on the system around them.
Because when the right systems are in place:
Teams feel confident
Risk is reduced
And people remain connected to kai, culture, and dignity
Our Kaupapa
Guided by manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga,
we work alongside teams and whānau to build care that is:Safe
Practical
Human
Swallow & Speech Therapy Consultants was built from experience within aged care, community, and hospital settings across Aotearoa.
Over time, it became clear that dysphagia was not being supported as a system, but managed in parts. And that this often led to inequitable outcomes.
What We Believe
Dysphagia is not the exception. It is part of the reality of an ageing population.
And when we normalise this, we can design systems that support people in ways that uphold:
Identity
Dignity
Choice
Connection to kai and culture
Our Commitment
To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in how we work:
Partnering with services and whānau
Protecting safety and wellbeing
Supporting meaningful participation in care decisions
Our Approach
We bring together:
Clinical expertise
System design
Workforce education
To create practical, sustainable change within aged care.
