Since 1904, the Wellington City Mission has been a pillar of support for struggling families, at-risk youth, and vulnerable older people.Their unwavering commitment to the community has been evident through their various initiatives and services. Recently, with the support of ChristianSavings, the Mission embarked on a transformative project to develop a residential and community hub called Whakamaru.

Whakamaru, which means "a place of shelter" inMāori, is designed to be a beacon of hope, energy, and renewal for theWellington community. This state-of-the-art facility includes:

35 Transitional Residential Apartments: These apartments provide safe and supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless. The goal is to help residents transition to permanent housing by offering wrap-around support services.

Social Supermarket: The social supermarket offers food and essential items to those in need, prioritising dignity and choice. It alsoserves as a gateway to other support services that may be beneficial to shoppers.

Medical Facility: A fully equipped medical facility ensures that residents and community members have access to essential healthcare services.

Laundry: On-site laundry facilities provide convenience and support for residents, helping them maintain their dignity and well-being.

Chapel: The chapel offers a serene space for reflection, worship, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of spiritual well-being.

Public Café: The café serves as a vibrant community hub where people can gather, connect, and support one another. It operates on a "contribute what you can" basis during the day and transforms into a crisis and recovery café at night, providing immediate support to individuals in mental distress.

The development of Whakamaru is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact of thoughtful, compassionate initiatives. Christian Savings played a crucial role in financing the Mission's purchase loan for this project, demonstrating their commitment to supporting meaningful community development1.

Murray Edridge, the Wellington City Missioner, eloquently captured the essence of Whakamaru during its opening: "You will find today that this is a beautiful whare, but it will become more beautiful when people come in here... Everyone who comes into this space will be a distinguished guest, because that’s what we built it for. This building is built on the premise of creating a community where there is no ‘us and them’".

Whakamaru stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations and communities come together with a shared vision of hope, energy, and renewal. It is a place where everyone is welcome, and where the values of care, community, dignity, and respect are at the forefront.

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