Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge plays a vital role in providing safety, advocacy and long-term support for wāhine and whānau experiencing violence. The new Training and Community Hub expands this mission by offering early support, skill-building opportunities and an empowering, accessible space for the community.

The opening ceremony brought together whānau, partners and community leaders for a warm and meaningful celebration, marked by kōrero, kapa haka performances and shared kai.

The event also coincided with the final day of the global Orange the World campaign. As Deputy Ambassador Maarten Heetderks shared during his remarks:
“Campaigns end; the work does not. Human rights are realised not only in New York, Geneva or in the Beehive, but here, in our own communities.”

The Embassy is proud to support Te Whare Tiaki’s leadership and their commitment to creating safer futures for tamariki, mokopuna and whānau. Their work reflects a powerful truth: preventing violence requires long-term, community-driven effort grounded in care, dignity and connection.

Ngā mihi nui to kaiwhakahaere Caroline Herewini and her team for their dedication and for turning global commitments into local reality in such tangible ways!