Independent Living - Royal Oak

Independent Living is a New Zealand not-for-profit organisation positioning itself as a long-standing provider of disability equipment, services and advice—operating three retail outlets, an online shop, and wholesale distribution. The organisation emphasises assistive technology and personalised solutions to support independence for people with impairments, their families and support networks. Its stated approach focuses on assessing abilities and matching appropriate products and services; the site notes many staff have lived experience of disability. Product range and retail services The online catalogue covers a broad spectrum of categories relevant to accessible shared housing and managed coliving settings: bathroom and bedroom aids, continence products, daily-living and dressing aids, kitchen utensils, seating and recliners, mobility devices (walkers, rollators, crutches, mobility scooters, powerchairs), wheelchair accessories, and personal-care items. Key mobility and hygiene items commonly used in communal living situations—raised toilet seats, shower stools, commodes, transfer aids and mobility scooters—are offered for sale and hire. The site highlights top-selling items with current prices (examples include incontinence pads from NZ$10–$18, specialised grooming tools ~NZ$27, transfer/car exit aids NZ$40, raised toilet seats NZ$95 and shower stools NZ$140). Hire, trials and support services Independent Living provides short- and long-term hire options and promotes free home trials for mobility scooters, enabling on-site assessment prior to purchase. Value propositions listed include a competitor price-match policy (terms apply), free Auckland delivery for mobility scooters, and 12 months interest-free on purchases over NZ$499. The organisation also offers expert customer support through qualified Assistive Technology Mentors and a central contact point (0800 625 100; info@ilsnz.org). Maintenance, community and advisory programs Beyond retail, services include equipment repairs, cleaning and decontamination, home trials, and ACC equipment servicing. Advisory and community-facing initiatives referenced on the site include access and advisory consulting, accessible conference facilities, Asian information services, the Kaumatua and Kui Programme, and South Auckland community presentations. The disability support section lists pathways and guides for people new to disability, financial support information, transport, employment, education, housing, legal/rights resources, wellbeing and leisure, and respite care for carers. Relevance for coliving operators For coliving providers managing inclusive sites, the organisation offers ready access to both equipment procurement and short-term hire, on-site trials for scooters, maintenance/repair services, and advisory resources that can support accessible design and resident support planning. The site positions Independent Living as a comprehensive supplier and community resource for disability equipment and related services across New Zealand.