Waikato Women's Refuge opens its sixth safe house

Monday, 25 July 2016

A new Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women's Refuge safe house has opened, the sixth facility in Hamilton.

The project took just under two years to complete, and it will accommodate around 20-25 women and children in need.

Waikato companies, volunteers and the community have contributed time and materials to ensure the completion of the project.

A small crowd attended the official opening of the facility on Monday,  when people were given a first-look tour of the inside of the house.

The house was initially set to be demolished but, with the help of local businesses, volunteers and the community, it was salvaged and transported to its new location.

 It  underwent a complete renovation, with 10 bedrooms, two living areas, bathroom facilities, a kitchen, and heat pumps to keep the home warm. 

Chief executive of Te WhakaruruhauWaikato Women's Refuge Roni Albert said it had been quite the journey, starting back in October 2014.

'It was cut into three parts and transported here, so it's pretty amazing watching them move it at 4 o'clock in the morning.'

Albert said the sponsorship, grants, and support that's been given has been amazing.

Prisoners also helped with the renovations, as part of their rehabilitation.

'Two years ago, we had everyone around a table at 7am in the morning and we just talked and discussed options.

'We had a project manager who assessed the idea, and said it sounded wonderful.'

Sir William Gallagher was in attendance, along with fashion designer Annah Stretton and Hamilton-based Labour list MP Sue Moroney.

Other businesses that sponsor the refuge also attended, including Mitre 10 Mega, WEL Energy Trust and Jan McGowan, Garden Design.

Albert said while it is good to see if finally up and running, it is unfortunate that there is a need at all for safe houses for women and their children.

'Yes it's the sixth safe house that's opened, unfortunately. So domestic violence still needs to change here in New Zealand,' she said.

'If we want to make a difference, we have to get everyone involved, and work with the families to make a difference.'

Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women's Refuge is New Zealand's largest women's refuge.

The home will be for high-crisis accommodation, as a place for women and children to seek help from domestic violence and abuse, with 24/7 crisis services operating.

The current five safe houses support around 65 women and their children.

Each week, Waikato police respond to an average 200 domestic violence incidents.

In the year 2014-15, there were nearly 10,000 family violence incidents reported to Waikato police.

Where to get help:

For the 24-hour crisis hotline, phone 07 855 1569.

If you're in danger:

Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.

Run outside and head for where there are other people.

Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.

Take the children with you.

Don't stop to get anything else.