New Women’s Refuge Opens in Hamilton

Hamilton’s Maori Women’s Refuge, Te Whakaruruhau has this week opened a second refuge in Hamilton.  Te Whakaruruhau was established as New Zealand’s very first Maori Women’s Refuge.

Male prisoners from the Maori Focus Unit, Te Ao Marama, at Waikeria prison have done landscaping work and carved pou, or posts, for the new Whakaruruhau refuge.   Te Whakaruruhau began work with prisoners at Te Ao Marama several years ago and the inmates will continue to maintain the grounds of the new whanau Refuge. 

Hon Minister of Family Violence Tariana Turia attended the opening and gave a speech which is available here.

Radio New Zealand Coverage of the Opening:  Women's refuge work 'reforms' Waikeria prisoners is available here.

Further information about the launch, including photos are available via the Women’s Refuge facebook site here.

Photo: iStockPhoto