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The Connection Hub

027 294 1000

craig@theconnectionhub.org.nz

A place to be heard, supported, and empowered.

The Connection Hub is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering meaningful connection, growth, and support within our communities. We believe that every individual thrives when they feel understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We place a strong focus on early intervention support, helping individuals and whānau address challenges before they escalate. Through education, mentoring, advocacy, and community programs, we provide practical guidance and tools to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create positive outcomes.

Whether it’s supporting parents in the Family Court system, providing mentoring, or facilitating peer connection, our approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and practical support.

Support and services we offer

Click on each heading to read more

First Steps

A rapid-response service for individuals served with Protection or Parenting Orders, offering tailored guidance, peer support, and connections to legal, educational, and wellbeing resources to reduce stress and promote positive change.

Family Court

Practical and emotional assistance for navigating Family Court, including help with documents and McKenzie Friend support to ensure clarity, organisation, and child-focused advocacy.

Early Intervention Mediation & FDR

Support for separating parents to make collaborative, child-focused decisions through early mediation and guidance throughout the Family Dispute Resolution process.

Education

Flexible short courses in parenting, communication, and wellbeing. Available in various formats with certificates and referrals to further education to meet personal or agency requirements.

Supervised Contact

Community-based supervised contact to help families rebuild trust and transition toward independent arrangements, especially when court-funded options are limited.

Oranga Tamariki

Advocacy and guidance for families involved with Oranga Tamariki, including support at hui, liaising with professionals, and ensuring whānau voices are heard in planning and decision-making.

Weekly Meetings

In-person or online peer sessions that combine education, shared experiences, and mutual support to foster community and promote positive parenting outcomes.

Ongoing Mentoring

Continued guidance after services end, with regular check-ins and problem-solving focused on sustaining progress and supporting long-term wellbeing for children and whānau.

Your Weekly Connection

A Monday morning newsletter offering uplifting messages, practical tips, and inspiration to help parents start the week with clarity, confidence, and positivity.

“I spent nearly two days on the phone trying to find a family lawyer. Everyone I called was either not taking clients, had a conflict of interest, or never called back. Then I was referred to Craig. Within minutes, he found me a lawyer and even came with me to the first appointment, which meant a lot because I was so nervous. He’s continued to support me throughout the process, and I’ve already phoned him a couple of times when I didn’t understand something. Just knowing he’s there makes me feel supported and cared for.”
Mark (client)
"I’d known Craig for a while but never realised he might be able to help. When I decided to represent myself, Craig offered his support. He gave me hope and helped me simplify everything. Instead of fighting everyone, I learned to focus on what was best for my son. Things changed quickly — I went from supervised visits to overnights, and now I have my son five nights a fortnight, exactly what I’d wanted all along. Craig also showed me the importance of building relationships and earning trust. I could never have achieved this without him.”
Mike
“I have referred many of my clients to Craig, particularly those struggling to manage their emotions during an extremely difficult time. Many are navigating the aftermath of a relationship breakup and, in some cases, facing the distress of having no contact with their children. Craig has a unique ability to understand the pressures and complexities clients face as they move through the Family Court system. He connects with them in a genuine way and provides the support they need. Without question, Craig’s involvement contributes to more positive outcomes for my clients.”
Family Court Lawyer

About me

I’m Craig McGuigan, founder of The Connection Hub. My journey has taken me from the corporate world and academia into the heart of community and whānau support work. It took me a while to realise that my true passion is helping people connect, not just with each other, but with themselves. I believe that understanding and valuing yourself is the first step to building strong, meaningful relationships.

For the past decade, I’ve worked across social services, health, and community development, supporting parents, kids, and whānau to create stronger relationships and brighter futures. Whether it’s through Family Court support, mentoring, mediation, education or supervised contact, my focus has always been on helping people to grow, find their footing and feel empowered.

The Connection Hub started with a simple idea: everyone deserves support that’s easy to access and genuinely empowering. My goal is to walk alongside families, making sure they feel heard, supported, and ready to move forward with confidence and hope.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my family, hitting the gym, keeping active, or learning more about health, wellness, and personal growth.

Contact me

Let's start the conversation

Phone:  027 294 1000

Email:    craig@theconnectionhub.org.nz

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Phone:  027 294 1000

Email:   craig@theconnectionhub.org.nz

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First Steps Support

First Steps Support is an early intervention initiative designed for individuals who have been served with a Temporary Protection Order or an Interim Parenting Order. We understand the importance of acting quickly during these critical times. Our service is tailored to reduce stress, keep you on track, and support you in making positive changes right from the start.

Our services include:

  • Guidance on Protection Orders and Parenting Orders
  • Support with mediation, where appropriate
  • Assistance with child contact and supervised visits
  • Connections to legal support
  • Short-term education options tailored to your needs
  • Weekly peer groups (online or in-person)
  • Mentoring and community services, including MSD, health, and alcohol & drug support

Family Court Support

Navigating the Family Court process can be overwhelming, and I’m here to provide both practical and emotional support. While I’m not a lawyer and can’t give legal advice, I encourage parents to seek legal representation if possible. For those without a lawyer, I can assist with:

  • Drafting affidavits and court documents
  • Ensuring everything is clear and well-prepared
  • Appearing as a McKenzie Friend in court—offering quiet guidance, staying organised, and making sure your voice is heard, always keeping your children’s wellbeing at the centre

Early Intervention Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Support

I help parents in the early stages of separation collaborate to make practical, child-focused decisions. If appropriate, I offer neutral mediation services to reduce conflict, improve communication, and create arrangements that prioritize the children’s best interests.

In addition, I support parents navigating the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) process. This includes:

  • Guidance on preparation for mediation
  • Understanding the steps involved
  • Improving communication during sessions
  • Attending FDR sessions as a support person, ensuring you feel confident and focused on reaching solutions that work for your family

Education & Support Services

I offer a variety of short courses designed to enhance skills in parenting, anger management, communication, and overall health and wellbeing. These sessions can be tailored to your needs and are available in:

  • Self-study
  • One-on-one
  • Small group formats

Whether for personal growth or to meet specific court, agency, or other party requirements, I provide certificates and letters of support upon completion. Additionally, I can help you access further educational options, such as Parenting Through Separation and advanced courses to support your ongoing development.

Supervised Contact Services

I provide supervised contact for children and families in the community. This service can supplement court-funded supervision or be offered when funding is unavailable. Supervised contact plays a critical role in rebuilding trust and confidence, helping families move toward more independent contact arrangements over time.

Support with Oranga Tamariki

I work alongside families involved with Oranga Tamariki, providing a voice and support throughout the process. My services include:

  • Liaising with social workers and other professionals
  • Supporting whānau at Hui and Family Group Conferences
  • Helping families access services in agreed plans
  • Holding Oranga Tamariki accountable, ensuring your whānau’s voice is heard every step of the way

Weekly Meetings

Weekly meetings offer parents the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Available both in person and online, these sessions include:

  • An educational component
  • A supportive environment for learning and peer encouragement
  • An opportunity for parents to provide peer support to others

These meetings offer a sense of community while addressing common challenges and building positive outcomes.

Ongoing Mentoring & Support

After any service, I remain connected with you to help keep progress on track. This may include:

  • Regular check-ins
  • Guidance on next steps
  • Problem-solving and linking to additional services

Everything I do is focused on the wellbeing of your children and long-term positive outcomes for your whānau.

Your Weekly Connection – Newsletter

Inspiration, Positivity, and Practical Tips—Delivered Every Monday Morning

Your Weekly Connection is an easy-going, yet impactful, newsletter designed to give your week an uplifting start. Packed with inspiration, positivity, and practical tips, it’s all about setting you up for success. Delivered straight to your inbox every Monday morning, it’s a gentle reminder that when you win the morning, you win the day—and when you win Monday, you win the week.