Te Whare o Tapatahi is a transformative initiative by YMCA Taranaki, supporting rough sleepers in New Plymouth. Located on Lemon Street, the shelter offers a safe, structured, and welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness.
Since opening, the whare has been well used—providing meals, showers, laundry, overnight accommodation and tailored support services in a respectful and secure environment.
The facility is professionally managed by experienced support workers, with help from volunteers and security staff. Safety is a priority, with CCTV monitoring and a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving YMCA New Plymouth, NPDC, Toi Foundation, Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Taranaki Foundation, and various NGOs and government agencies—reflecting a collaborative and united commitment to social wellbeing.
More than a shelter, Te Whare o Tapatahi—meaning “house of integrity”—embodies the values of dignity, unity, and compassion. It’s a place where some of our most vulnerable Tane are supported to reconnect with themselves and their community, and where structure and care come together to help rebuild lives.
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