Whakamaru: The new transformational centre for the community

From its early days of operating as a soup kitchen, to then operating out of their building on Gordon Place in Newtown for the past 35 years, WCM has been working to connect and support the people of Wellington. 

In the past six years, they have been focusing on building Whakamaru, one of the biggest initiatives their organisation has undergone. Building this hub has been no easy feat with WCM working to make sure they have a range of services available all in one location, from long-term housing to a medical centre, to a contribute-what-you-can café, which also operates as a Crisis Recovery Cafe overnight. 

The building costs come from fundraising and donations, and support from organisations like Wellington City Council. 

Built in Mount Cook, this centre operates on a ‘no us and them’ model, where anyone who walks through the doors will be able to receive care and support. When you enter the building, you are even greeted by the words 'So glad you're here,' to welcome you into the space. 

Whakamaru has:  

• Long-term transitional housing with 35 apartments suited to individuals and families, with staff present on-site 24/7. Transitional housing supports people to find permanent accommodation. 
• A social supermarket that provides immediate or ongoing assistance with food support to people in a way that prioritises dignity and choice.
• Community practitioners from social workers, counsellors, addiction support workers and financial mentors – all providing support across areas such as housing, income, health, education and whānau support.  
• Craig & Gail’s cafe is open to everyone in the community and operates under a ‘contribute what you can’ model. Serving coffee and kai, the model allows customers to choose what they pay for items on the menu.
• A cafe space which also operates as a Crisis Recovery Cafe, providing immediate support to individuals or whānau in mental distress at any time of day or night.
• Laundry and amenities where manuhiri (visitors) can access dignified options for showering, laundry and toilet facilities.  
• Ora Toa will operate their Medical Centre for patients inside Whakamaru, with additional dental care to come.

On top of this, the building is intended to be used as a hub for all people in Pōneke to come together, regardless of their circumstances. With Craig and Gail’s cafe, bookable meeting rooms, a 24/7 Chapel, and bump spaces where staff, volunteers, residents and guests can connect, the team at WCM encourage everyone to stop by. 

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge says that while the opening of the building may signal the end of the project, he believes that the journey is only just starting.  

“It’s somewhat surreal for me. This has been my life for six years and bear in mind when we started this project we had just bought an old building that was just going to be done up. Now we have this incredible space for the community to use. 

“It’s beautiful, but it's more beautiful when people are here. People have been coming in and the cafe has been full of people – it’s amazing to see us get here. Now the work can really begin.”  

Wellington City Council Harm Prevention Team Lead Millie Lambess says that Whakamaru is an asset to Pōneke. 

“Whakamaru fills an essential gap in the system where people can access 24/7 support, not just within business hours. Wellington City Mission’s holistic approach to service delivery will work to dismantle barriers and breakdown stigma surrounding homelessness.  

"We are optimistic that the kaupapa of ‘no us and them’ will reduce the isolation often felt when seeking help and provide space to build community connection."

Find out more about Whakamaru and other Wellington City Mission initiatives on their website.