Poipoia te Kākano Kia Puāwai - The Women's Group

Every week, wāhine (women) supported by DCM and Te Whare Nukunoa (Wellington Homeless Women's Trust) attend a special rōpū (group) called Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai (which means ‘nurture the seed so it may blossom’). The name encompasses what this group is all about: creating a safe, welcoming space for wāhine who have experienced homelessness to come together, find support and begin to heal.

Each week the group explores a value, pūrākau (story), and therapeutic tools to learn about life. Through shared experiences, the group unpacks trauma and begins to reframe it. “Some stuff I don’t want to confront but I know I need to,” says one wāhine. “Learning that I have to feel it to heal it... it’s hard, but it’s a good challenge.”

Since the rōpū began in 2023, more than 50 wāhine and 15 tamariki (children) have taken part. Some are still supported by DCM or Te Whare Nukunoa. Others keep coming back even after moving into permanent homes. The team have also held noho wānanga (retreats) to create space for deeper connection and learning.

One wahine puts it beautifully: “I’m pretty much speaking my truth and talking about myself and to other people and for me that’s huge.”