Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge

Every Tamariki Deserves a Safe Place to Dream

In the quiet of the night, a mother makes the bravest decision of her life. With her tamariki tucked close, she leaves behind a home filled with fear, carrying nothing but hope for a life free from violence.

At Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge, provided by the Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge Charitable Trust, we are the open door waiting for her. Our service is more than just a shelter; it is a sanctuary built on cultural understanding, manaakitanga, and the promise of a fresh start. We pride ourselves on listening to the voices of the wāhine who walk through our doors, ensuring their journey to safety is self-determined and respected.

Healing the Whole Whānau

We know that true peace requires a path for the entire family. While we protect women and children, we also operate the Rongomātāne Men’s Centre. This is a dedicated space for men to do the hard work—to take accountability, work on themselves, and learn new ways of being to break the cycle for good.

Our care also extends to our most vulnerable kuia and kaumātua through our specialized Cultural Elder Abuse Response Service. We provide a culturally safe and respectful environment to ensure our elders are protected, honored, and free from harm within their own homes and whānau.

Our Unique Support Systems

We understand that healing requires more than just a roof over your head. To support the spirit of our whānau, we offer:

Emotional Support: Meet Tui, our on-site emotional support dog, who provides unconditional comfort to both wāhine and tamariki during their hardest moments.

Pet Refuge: No one should have to choose between their safety and their beloved pets. We have an on-site pet refuge so that furry family members can stay safe too.

Pastoral Care: Our Kaiwhakahaere is on-site to provide essential pastoral care, ensuring cultural and spiritual wellbeing is at the heart of the recovery process.

Why Your Support Matters

Domestic violence disrupts the very spirit of a family. Your donation allows us to provide:

Immediate Safety: 24/7 crisis line and emergency accommodation.

Advocacy & Empowerment: Navigating Legal advice, Police, WINZ, and Oranga Tamariki (CYFS).

Elder Protection: Specialized support for victims of elder abuse.

Community Training: Active involvement in DV initiatives and awareness.

How You Can Help

As a Charitable Trust, we rely on the spirit of the community to keep our doors open. Your donation ensures that when a woman, a child, or an elder reaches out, they find a safe space that welcomes them and their pets.

We cannot do this alone. By donating today, you stand alongside us in our mission to create a community where every home is a place of peace.