News from Waikato Women’s Refuge
TE WHAKARURUHAU – NovemBER 2019
Kia ora koutou,
We’re counting down to Christmas and it is one of our busiest times of the year for all the wrong reasons. Christmas puts extra stress on families trying to do the best for their tamariki and wider whānau. Finances are stretched, family dynamics are in the spotlight and this can lead to high-pressure situations that can erupt in violence. Our frontline team are kept very busy attending to the needs of families in the community who are struggling to cope.
Every year to spread a little cheer we put on a Christmas party for our tamariki. With the support of the wider community and the amazing donations of toys, games, crafts, books and more, we are able to pass on this love to the families we support.
As Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
If you want to spread some Christmas cheer we invite you to drop off your donations at our office – 59 Commerce St, Frankton.
Ngā mihi,
Roni Albert
Waikato Women’s Refuge Te Whakaruruhau CEO
SAVING ROSE
We are excited to announce Hamilton kapa haka group Te Kōpū Mānia is peforming at Saving Rose Gala Dinner. The newly formed group’s name is linked to King Tāwhiao and the way he described the fertile lands of this area. In pre-European times these lands were famous for the cultivation that sustained the local tribes in the Waikato region. They now use the name as metaphor for the spiritual sustenance that kapa haka provides for performers, as kapa haka is a foundation of cultural identity that grounds us in this ever-changing world.
We’ve made it easier for you to buy your tickets for Saving Rose. Just click on the link below and chose the number of individual tickets or tables you would like to purchase. You can pay using credit card or online banking.
MEET THE TEAM
Sandra Tamaki is plan lead based at the office in Frankton. She analyses the Family Violence Reports that come through from the morning Safety Assessment Meetings between Oranga Tamariki, Police, Corrections and the DHB. She gives feedback to SAMS and allocates the cases to refuge staff, which includes Independent Victim Specialists, Whānau Support Workers, Perpetrator Outreach Service and Business as Usual.
What drives you to do what you do at WWR?
Passion for our whānau, tamariki and tāne.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? Gaining Kaitiakitanga Supervision and Degree in Social Work
A quote or inspiration that sums you up? Mauria te Pono – Believe in yourself.
What is your spirit animal and why? My spirit animal is a Whale, which is a symbol of growth and progress. It calls your attention to the need to take action.
If you could make a rule for a day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be? laugh, be happy, and speak your truth
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day, and why? Michelle Obama – working for the people
Three famous people you would invite to dinner – why and what would you cook? Barrack and Michelle Obama, Rahui Papa – ask them to bring their favourite food to share…
We want to hear from you
Backbone has been contracted by The Ministry of Social Development to find out from women who have experienced family violence (including in dating relationships and relationships where there are no children involved) what longer term support and services women and their children need in New Zealand to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Women do not need to have had involvement with the Family Court, or reached out to services in the past in order to take part.
The survey closes on 1 December 2019
Stand By Me
