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 we are.
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 tagline 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.
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
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, veteran's groups in US, UK and Aus, and a host of sole trader/supplier initiatives with people who just want to help.
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Help Tango Kilo Mike
Achieve their mission
Tango Kilo Mike Charitable Trust is a registered NZ Registered Charity: CC59166
If you or someone else is at immediate risk, in an emergency
Call 111
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). Specialised support for individuals at risk of suicide.
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 anytime for support from trained counsellors, offering immediate emotional support.
Veterans' Affairs Crisis Support – Assistance specifically tailored for veterans in crisis. Learn more here.
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.
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 a loved one'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.