A hands-on, heart-led approach to care

Our vision

To be outstanding care providers of residential care

Quarter circle icon in lemongrass colour

for people with high and complex needs

The Solway Vision story

Solway Vision was founded with a deep understanding of care — and a belief that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and at home. With experience in disability support, the founding team created a service shaped by empathy, respect, and real-world understanding.

Today, our small, tight-knit team supports a community of people with complex needs across the Franklin Region– always with a personal, flexible approach that puts people first.

Solway Vision support worker and resident holding hands in bedroom setting

How we do things

Family-like feel

Our homes are spacious, warm, and full of heart – creating a calm, close-knit environment where every person is truly known and cared for.
Celebrating individuality

Every person is different – and we embrace it. From personal goals to daily routines, we adapt to the individual, not the other way around.
Peaceful settings, grounded care

Set in quiet, countryside communities, our homes offer space to breathe, reflect, and grow — a peaceful backdrop for everyday life.
Bringing light to every day

We lead with kindness and always see the good – showing up with warmth, humour, and hope, even on the tough days.
Small team, big heart

As a non-corporate, family-run service, we are flexible, hands-on, and people-first – valuing connection and community.
A true sense of family

At Solway Vision, everyone knows everyone. With our leadership team involved day-to-day, and a genuine culture of connection, our homes feel like one big extended family.
Focusing on strengths, not disabilities

We see each person for who they are – embracing their abilities, interests, and individuality, and supporting them to grow with confidence.

We do care differently

What sets Solway Vision apart is simple – we care like family. With a small, values-led team and a rural setting that offers peace and calm, our approach is flexible, personal, and full of heart. We celebrate individuality, lead with positivity, and walk alongside our people every step of the way — because real care means showing up with kindness, always.

graphic that reads 'one step, one smile, one day, at a time'

Leading with care

Trish and John Noble

F O U N D I N G D I R E C T O R S
Trish and John Noble are the founding Directors of Solway Vision, bringing a deep understanding of the disability and mental health landscape. Their passion for providing outstanding residential care began with Trish’s belief that she could create a true home for people with significant challenges. Over the years, they have built strong community connections and continue to offer invaluable insight, guidance, and heart to the Solway Vision community.
Anna Noble

D I R E C T O R
Anna Noble joined Solway Vision as a Director in 2024, bringing extensive clinical experience as a Registered Nurse and a strong passion for supporting people with complex neurodevelopmental, medical, and behavioural needs. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration — working closely with families, multidisciplinary teams, and community networks to achieve the best outcomes for each person. Anna is committed to empowering staff and continually strengthening standards of care, believing that kindness, clinical excellence, and equity must always go hand in hand.
Maree Milne

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
With more than 20 years at Solway Vision, Maree brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She ensures our financial and administrative systems run smoothly and always align with Solway Vision’s goals and values. Maree is driven by a genuine desire to support the people we care for and plays a key role in helping our organisation continue to grow with purpose.
Sharen Madden

O P E R A T I O N S
Originally from the UK, Sharen has called New Zealand home for more than 20 years. With a background as a Registered Nurse, she has spent her career managing aged care services and developing strong leadership and management skills. Sharen values the dynamic nature of the disability sector, where each day brings new opportunities to make a meaningful difference. She is proud to lead the operations team at Solway Vision and help create a supportive, nurturing environment for residents and staff alike.
Kathryn Laing

S E R V I C E M A N A G E R
Kathryn was raised on a dairy farm in the North Waikato, where early lessons in hard work, community, and fun have shaped her approach to life and care. A natural explorer with a passion for helping others, she supported a monastery rebuild in Khunde, Nepal at age 15 while climbing part of Mt Everest — an experience that sparked her commitment to making a positive impact. With a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Criminology, Kathryn brings both analytical skill and deep empathy to her role as Service Manager, ensuring thoughtful, people-focused support every day.
Dianne Gasson

S E R V I C E M A N A G E R
Dianne has been part of the Solway Vision family since 2012, contributing her experience as a Support Worker, House Leader, and now Service Manager. She holds qualifications in Community Facilitation and Diversional Therapy, which she loves for the creativity and joy they bring to the people we support. Caring has always been central to Dianne’s life – from her early work as a Karitane nurse and nanny overseas, to supporting deaf students and working with children with disabilities. Now settled into rural life for more than 30 years, she is a proud mum and grandma who finds real purpose in the connections she builds every day.
Melanie Kolmer

S E R V I C E M A N A G E R
With a strong clinical background and more than 10 years of experience in the health and disability sector, Melanie brings a deep commitment to person-centred care. As Service Manager, she leads with compassion, clinical insight, and a focus on achieving the best outcomes for each person we support. Her holistic approach balances operational excellence with empathy, advocacy, and respect for individual dignity, ensuring our services are safe, empowering, and tailored to individual needs.
Mike Noble

D I R E C T O R
Mike has been part of Solway Vision since 2015 and became a Director in 2023. His skills span maintenance, property management and development, daily logistics, and crisis management — all contributing to safe, well-supported home environments for the people in our care. Mike strongly believes that positive surroundings create positive outcomes, and he is known for finding practical solutions with calmness, warmth, and genuine kindness. His steady presence is valued across the entire team.