We provide practical, emotional, and cultural support to wāhine, tamariki, and whānau affected by family violence.
Call the Police on 111 if you are unsafe
Call us any time, day or night.
07 886 5553 or 0800 REFUGE
You’ll speak to a trained kaimahi who will:
Listen without judgement
Help you create a mahere haumaru (safety plan)
Support your next step, if and when you're ready
If it’s not safe to stay at home, we can offer you short-term accommodation in a private, secure setting.
Private, lockable rooms for each whānau
Shared kitchen and lounge spaces
Support from your dedicated kaimahi
Time to plan your next move with safety and care
We have two safe houses. They are warm, comfortable, and recently renovated homes that look just like any other on the street. You and your children will have your own lockable room, and no one will enter without your permission. Linen, household items, a washing machine, dryer, and fully equipped kitchen are all provided.
Yes. You are free to come and go. Staying in a safe house does not stop you from meeting a friend for coffee, going shopping, picking your children up, or attending appointments. You decide whether those activities are safe for you right now.
The only rules are those that keep everyone safe. This means no visitors unless agreed with staff, no drugs or alcohol, and respect for other residents and their belongings.
Both houses are fully fenced with secure locks and crisis alarms. If it is not safe for you to stay locally, we can help transfer you to another town or city, or even get you out of the country if needed.
Yes. Each house has a children’s playroom with toys, games, and books. We also have pepe pods, portacots, and trundler beds. Outside, the fenced yards include play equipment. Children are supported by their own Advocate, who works alongside you as their parent or caregiver. Both houses also have Netflix, Disney, and wifi.

Yes. We welcome children of all ages and genders. Families stay together.

Sometimes, depending on the pet and who else is in the house. If it’s not possible, we can work with Pet Refuge to care for them while you are with us. You’ll have daily video contact with your pet.

We want you to stay connected with your whānau and friends. Where it is safe to do so, and visitors can respect the privacy of others in the house, we will support these visits.

Yes. We do not discriminate.

You can stay as long as you need. For some women it’s a few days, for others it may be weeks or months while they put safety in place and prepare for the next step. Every journey is different, and your stay will reflect your needs.
Most people don’t have to leave their home to be safe.
We support wāhine to stay in their own homes when it’s the safest choice.
This may include:
Protection and Parenting Orders
Monitored alarm systems
Home security upgrades
Ongoing safety planning and support
For wāhine at high risk after ending a relationship, this
service includes:
A silent alarm connected directly to Police
A home safety upgrade by a licensed builder
Portable alarms for public setting
This service is free for those who meet the criteria.
We support you through the systems that can feel hard to navigate.
Our kaimahi can:
Speak with WINZ, Oranga Tamariki, or Police on your behalf
Help with forms and appointments
Connect you with housing, legal support, and counselling
Stand with you at court, school, or service meetings
Family violence affects tamariki too—even if they aren’t
directly harmed.
We offer:
One-on-one and group support
Tools for dealing with hard emotions and safety or wellbeing
Support for parents and caregivers
Childrens Programme
Advocacy with schools, doctors, and agencies
When you’re ready to focus on yourself again, our group programme offers a safe space to reconnect and rebuild.
Calm, supportive environment
No pressure to share more than you're ready for
Sessions on self-care, confidence, boundaries, and healing
For all wāhine who’ve experienced family violence
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