Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett says a new safe house in Hamilton will help women and children who are escaping from family violence, start to get back on their feet.
The property provided by Housing New Zealand for Waikato Women's Refuge, Te Whakaruruhau, was opened this week and is closely situated to medical services, supermarkets, public transport and parks.
Mrs Bennett says, "I am delighted Te Whakaruruhau is now able to offer its critically important residential services from a five-bedroom base that better meets its whānau’s needs.”
“The Government is committed to partnering with organisations like the Māori Women’s Refuge, because they do an outstanding job on the frontline working with New Zealanders who are most in need of support.”
Housing New Zealand provides 86 Community Group Houses to Women's Refuges and another 1506 properties for other community organisations to rent around the country.
“Community Group Housing is a valuable service for many organisations, providing residential services for New Zealanders needing support, whether they are escaping family violence or people with disabilities who need a home,” says Mrs Bennett.
The Waikato Women's Refuge is the largest women's refuge in the country, housing over 70 women and children affected by domestic violence in safe houses.
Last month, Te Kāea reporter Wepiha Te Kanawa spoke to some of the women who are involved with the Waikato Womens Refuge while their new property was being built.
Add to...
[ Log in ]
to add this video to a playlist.