Wāhine

Celebrating the mana of all wāhine in our community at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre.

"Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati; ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati” – Nā Kīngi Tāwhiao

Together, we are stronger

At the HWC, we welcome women and non-binary people from all walks of life. The Centre is a judgement-free zone where you’ll be accepted for exactly who you are.

When you walk through our doors, our friendly faces will make you feel comfortable, respected, and included. We’ll work closely with you to help you find the support you need to become a stronger woman, mother, partner, friend and worker. Whether you need a safe space to talk through your troubles, want to share your skills and knowledge with women in your community, or are looking to grow your social network, we’ll connect you with wāhine who will lift you up.

Ā mātou uara

What to expect at the HWC

We’ve spent the past 100 years refining our kaupapa to ensure we’re working towards our purpose of enhancing and advocating for the wellbeing and empowerment of wāhine in our community. When in our Centre or interacting with members of our team, you can expect to be treated in line with our core values.

Aroha and Kindness

We treat all women with aroha and kindness. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve been, you’ll be welcomed into the HWC whānau with open arms.

SUPPORT

We support women to feel empowered by building their confidence and independence.

Diversity

We are for ALL women. We are committed to creating and supporting a diverse community
that embraces all women no matter race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status, or other forms of discrimination.

Advocacy for Women

We believe in a shared humanity where every woman is seen, heard, valued, and recognised for
who they are. We advocate for women in order to create social change, equity and growth.

Equal Rights

We promote equal rights for women and support true gender equality in Aotearoa New Zealand. We advocate for gender equity, challenge stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw out bias and seek out inclusion.

To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document in Aotearoa New Zealand

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document in Aotearoa New Zealand and are responsible for ensuring all aspects of our activities reflect our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

He aha ngā hui?

What's on at the

Heretaunga Women's Centre

Every month we offer an updated programme of exciting activities, workshops, groups and events for you to choose from. Bookings are essential so make sure you secure your place by email, phone, our website form, or in person at the Centre.

Ko wai mātou?

Meet Our Volunteers

Here are some of the volunteers who generously dedicate their time and energy to helping women in their community.

Arabela Branescu

Enjoys sharing her unique recipes and cultural experiences with women at the Centre.

Judith Goldsack

Shares her technology skills with women in our community as a dedicated SuperSkills mentor.

Carolyn Hawthorne

Carolyn enjoys connecting and exchanging skills and knowledge with like-minded women.

He waahi tika?

is the hwc right for me?

The Heretaunga Women’s Centre is for ALL women. Regardless of your background or current situation, you’ll be welcomed into our whānau with open arms. The HWC is right for you if you:

want to recognise your self-worth and improve your self-confidence
feel isolated and want to make new friends, and you enjoy interacting with wāhine from diverse backgrounds
need emotional support through a challenging time
want to develop your personal and professional skills, or you want to work on your physical, mental, or spiritual health
have skills, knowledge, and life experiences to share with other women
need legal advice

We understand that coming into a new community can be intimidating. If you’re nervous about coming into the Centre, reach out via email, our website contact form, or our social media channels. We’ll answer any questions you have and will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable enough to come and meet us in person.

Haere mai ki te tūao

Volunteer with HWC

If you’re looking to donate your spare time and energy to helping women, we’d love to hear from you. Without our dedicated team of volunteers, we wouldn’t be the Centre we are today, and we’re always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join us.

As an HWC volunteer, you’ll get as much out of the experience as you give. You’ll make meaningful connections, learn and impart new skills, and gain the confidence and courage to become the best version of yourself.