On Wednesday, 1st July, HAVEN Mid-South Refuge was officially welcomed into the community, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While our name has changed, our core mahi remains exactly the same. We stand firmly dedicated to supporting, protecting, and empowering our community, just as we always have.
Why we have evolved
Our transition to HAVEN Mid-South Refuge is more than just a cosmetic update; it represents our growth as an organization. This new identity better reflects our deeply rooted inclusion policy and our holistic, whānau-centred approach to family safety. We recognize that true healing happens in connection with others. To us, HAVEN is far more than just a temporary shelter from the storm, it is a place of safety, hope, restoration, and new beginnings for individuals from all walks of life.
A celebration of community and connection
We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny day for our official launch, which was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful connection. It was an absolute privilege to see so many local residents, community leaders, and service partners come together to share in this milestone. The day provided a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our vision, answer important questions about our evolving services, and feel the immense backing of the community we serve.
We were also deeply honoured to welcome our National CEO, Naomi Ogg, along with members of her leadership team who travelled to stand in solidarity with us for this new beginning. Following the formal launch event, the local HAVEN team had the valuable opportunity to host Naomi back at our office. Together, we were able to kōrero about the wider national movement and share a walkthrough of our welcoming, revamped office space.
Looking ahead
As we step forward into this new era, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, or sent well-wishes. We cannot do this vital work alone, and your presence reminds us of the strength of our collective network.
If you or someone you know wants to learn more about our wrap-around services, volunteer opportunities, or how to support our mahi, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our doors, and our hearts, remain open.
