Pictured above L to R are: John Flowers – Board Chair YMCA Taranaki, Adam Douglass – Shelter Manager, Gareth Jones – Kai Tohutohu Rough Sleeping Shelter, Kylie Ewing – Senior Social Services Manager and Joanne Dusterhoft- CEO YMCA Taranaki
YMCA Taranaki is proud to announce the appointment of Kylie Ewing as Social Services Senior Manager and Adam Douglas as Shelter Manager for Te Whare o Tapatahi (House of Integrity), New Plymouth’s purpose-built shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Building on the strong foundations laid by YMCA Taranaki CEO Joanne Dusterhoft and Gareth Jones, Kai Tohutohu – Rough Sleeping Shelter, who were instrumental in the initial concept and development of Te Whare O Tapatahi , Kylie and Adam’s appointment marks a significant step forward with a new phase of leadership, bringing with them a deep commitment to compassion, cultural understanding, and frontline experience.
Their leadership ensures that the vision of Te Whare 0 Tapatahi continues to be realised in a way that is both grounded and transformative.
Joanne Dusterhoft, CEO of YMCA says, “Kylie and Adam bring deep understanding, professionalism, and compassion to this Kaupapa. With their leadership, Te Whare o Tapatahi is more than a shelter-it’s a place of healing, belonging and new beginnings!’
Te Whare O Tapatahi’s overnight accommodation is scheduled to open mid-2025 operating from the YMCA’s Lemon Street facility.
It will offer 20 secure sleeping pods for men, provide meals, security, and wraparound social services.
Built through collaboration with key local partners, including the New Plymouth District Council, The Toi Foundation, Pinnacle Health and frontline Social Services, the shelter is designed to serve as a launchpad connecting residents to mental health support, addiction recovery, housing assistance and employment pathways.
Gareth Jones, Kai Tohutohu – Rough Sleeping Shelter, speaks to the heart of the initiative:
“This shelter is more than a roof – it’s a refuge, a restart, and a recognition of dignity. It shows that as a community, we refuse to turn our backs on those who have falle through the cracks. We’re not just providing a bed for the night – we’re providing hope, wrap-around support, and a pathway back to stability and belonging.”
“The shelter aims to not only address urgent shelter needs for the homeless but also reduce public health risks, alleviate pressure on emergency services, and improve safety and wellbeing across the wider community. Now, with Ewing and Douglas at the helm, The Y Taranaki is positioned to lead with both heart and experience,” adds Dusterhoft.
Kylie Ewing brings with her a wealth of experience and deep commitment to community well-being, having worked for many years as a field worker and manager at PARS Taranaki (Prisoners Aid and Reintegration Services). PARS is one of the oldest community organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting people in prison, released from prison, deported individuals and their whanau.
Her mahi has centred around helping people regain a sense of belonging and dignity as they reintegrate into societyrestoring connection, trust and purpose.
“The key is, supporting people to live the life they want and to feel part of the community they live in. It’s about relationships, wraparound support, and restoring mana;’ says Ewing.
Joining Ewing in the leadership team is Adam Douglass, recently appointed as the Shelter Manager – Te Whare o Tapatahi. Douglass brings extensive experience from his years of working with homelessness programmes in Australia, with specialised expertise in mental health rehabilitation and recovery services.
His work reflects a strong understanding of the complex challenges facing rough sleepers, particularly those dealing with trauma, addiction, or untreated mental health conditions.
“This is about transforming lives,” adds Jones. “It’s not just about providing a bed-it’s about restoring hope, integrity, autonomy, and whanaungatanga (connection):’
