Tango Kilo Mike
Tango Kilo Mike is a modern approach to providing support for individuals and their families connected with New Zealand Defense Force and Emergency Services. We employ training, education and exercise as our focus strategies for crisis avoidance.
Who are we?
We are a New Zealand-based charity dedicated to supporting veterans and emergency service personnel in their transition to civilian life and fostering their well-being. TKM is the phonetic abbreviation for 'Take a knee, mate', and is our recognition that sometimes, we need to pause, take a breath and collect ourselves.
Our tag-line is 'A different type of pressure' demonstrates that while men and women in uniforms are protecting others, they themselves still struggle. It also links us to our heritage through martial arts, where pressure comes in many forms.
We provide a range of services, including career transition coaching, digital training programs, and resources focused on building a strong sense of Identity, Purpose, and Belonging after service.
We address a critical gap in the support system for our community, particularly for those struggling with the invisible wounds of service. By leveraging digital technology and strategic partnerships, we aim to make our services accessible and affordable to all who need them.
We started in 2019 and have provided support to hundreds of individuals across Aotearoa, including crisis intervention, technology training, and securing employment into civilian roles.
Membership is free
Join us today and make the next step in becoming the best version of yourself.
Our Mission &
Strategic Vision
Mission: To empower veterans and serving personnel to thrive by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate the challenges of transition and build fulfilling futures.
Vision: A society where all veterans and serving personnel feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed in their civilian lives.
Regardless of what you are facing in life, we firmly believe you should not be there facing it alone.
What we do
We provide online and in-person support to those who need it, and commonly includes the following:
- Employment support - service transition, redundancy, retirement, medical incapacity .
- Career upskilling - CV design, interview preparation, salary expectation setting, career planning.
- Social and psych support - integrating back into society, decompression following deployment or critical event.
- Business support - coaching and mentoring, technology development/support services (through our strategic partners).
- Financial support - budgeting, retirement planning, debt reduction, buying a house (through our strategic partners).
- Physical exercise - access to paid and free martial arts training
- General advocacy - changing the narrative about what it means to serve, have served, and access to wider support networks across New Zealand.
- Family support - supporting the spouse and wider family for those who are serving.
What makes us different?
Specialised Focus: Our niche focus on veterans and in-service personnel allows us to tailor our services to the unique needs of men and women in uniform.
Accessibility: Our digital-first delivery model makes our services accessible to individuals regardless of location.
Affordability: Our fee structure and potential for grants and funding ensure that our services are accessible to individuals and organisations with varying financial situations and stages of growth.
Holistic Approach: We address both the practical and psychological aspects of being in a uniform of service, service transition, and supporting people in building fulfilling lives now and into the future.
We maintain a strategic partnership model with people and organisations around the globe, recognising that capability and success is amplified when we work together. We call this our Coalition for Good. We have links into SFO groups in the US and UK, veterans groups in US, UK and Aus, and a host of sole-trader/supplier initiatives with people who just want to help.
Find out more about us
Discover more stories, tips, and updates by following us on our other social media platforms. Join our growing community and stay engaged with the latest from Tango Kilo Mike.
Click below to follow us now and never miss out on the action.
HELP TANGO KILO MIKE ACHIEVE ITS MISSION
Tango Kilo Mike Charitable Trust is a registered NZ Charity: CC59166
If it's an emergency and you or someone else is at risk,
Call 111
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). Specialized support for individuals at risk of suicide.
- 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 anytime for support from trained counselors, offering immediate emotional support.
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland. Confidential support for people in distress, available 24/7.
- Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) – Emotional and financial support for current and former service members. Reach out via local RSA networks.
- Veterans' Affairs Crisis Support – Assistance specifically tailored for veterans in crisis. Learn more here.
- Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) . Specialized support for anxiety-related challenges in high-pressure roles.
- Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825. Help for families coping with someone else's mental health challenges.
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666. A listening service for those needing emotional support.
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or online chat. Targeted support for younger members of the community.