Who We Are
Waikato Women's Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau: Protecting, Healing and Empowering Whānau Since 1986
Our Legacy
Founded in 1986 by local Māori women committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, Ruahine Albert and Ariana Simpson recognised the need for a culturally grounded response as tangata whenua (First Nation) to support women and children impacted by intimate partner and family violence, and while their work is deeply rooted in addressing the needs of Māori whānau, their doors and hearts remain open to all women and children affected by violence.
Our Growth
From humble beginnings in a one-bedroom flat offering 24-hour crisis support, Waikato Women’s Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau has grown into a comprehensive, whānau-focused service. Today, we operate:
- Crisis response
- Community outreach
- 3 crisis safe houses
- 8 transitional houses
- 15 self-contained transitional units offering safe haven to thousands of women and their children each year
Walking Together in Aroha
We walk alongside wāhine, tamariki, tāne, and whānau on their transtional journey, because true, lasting change begins with collective support. "We honour all members of our community with equal aroha and commitment from strong Māori foundations”
Our Purpose
We advance the rights of all women and children to live free from violence, the right to determine their own future and for communities to enable this to happen. Refuge offers safe housing, community outreach, and education, the tools and support for whānau to thrive. Grounded in a kaupapa Māori framework, we uphold the values of:
- Manaakitanga (care and compassion)
- Whanaungatanga (connectedness and relationships)
- Kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
- Kotahitanga (unity)
- Tikanga (cultural integrity)
Standing for Safety, Standing with Whānau
Our vision and mission define who we are, shaping every action we take to support whānau affected by family violence.
Vision
For all members of whānau and hapū to be well, to be strong, to be self-determining
Mission
To ensure that every person affected by family violence has access to timely, compassionate, and effective support. We are committed to being responsive, impactful, and led by empathy in everything we do