By Six
Returning to Whangārei after filming two seasons ago, we were hoping to hear stories of success and recovery.
We didn’t. If anything, problems around poverty and homelessness are worse.
This episode, however, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community and the resourcefulness of underfunded support services.
Homelessness in Te Tai Tokerau is largely hidden homelessness.
Many people live in cars beside the beautiful bay. They arrive at dusk and leave before dawn, taking any evidence of their stories with them.
One resident we met at Open Arms says they are under increasing pressure from the police and the council to move on.
“Where are we meant to go? We can’t afford campground fees. They are just making us poorer,” he says.
155 Whare Āwhina opened in 1993 to provide a community hub offering anyone in need a safe space to seek refuge, housing assistance and enjoy kai.
Anyone is able to access laundry and locker facilities and ask for legal aid or other support services.
155 Whare Āwhina have even managed to open a social supermarket where people can shop with dignity to a points system.
Liz Cassidy-Canning, Te Māhurehure, Te Kapotai, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, Chief Executive Officer, tells us that the true state of homelessness in Te Tai Tokerau is unknown because Māori feel ashamed to admit to being homeless.
“The story is much bigger than the data we have right now, says Liz. We are seeing a consistent increase in the need for assistance, especially amongst the working poor,” explains Liz.
We catch up with Carmen, an Open Arms volunteer and rough sleeper we met on our first visit.
Carmen is homeless again but has a positive attitude and is now studying business. She has an ambition to start her own business.
We also meet other resilient and inspirational characters.
This isn’t the celebration of success and recovery story we hoped for.
But it is a story of hope, courage and community.
You can watch Six’s first visit to Whangārei here.
Produced by Magnetic Pictures for TP+
Marketing support from Woolworths NZ
Made with the support of NZ On Air
