CEWH Lunchtime learning: Understanding Homelessness: Wāhine Māori lived experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Time: 12–1pm
Location: Online | Free
Registration details: here
A qualitative project lead by Kaupapa Māori researchers, for Wellington City Council - this research sheds light on pathways to homelessness, as well as how wāhine Māori experience and navigate safety – physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural - while living without a home.
We’re pleased to have Millie Lambess (Ngāti Kahungunu), Harm Prevention Team Lead at Wellington City Council, and Nan Wehipeihana (Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau a Apanui) from Weaving Insights presenting their research.
Key safety and wellbeing needs identified by the research include:
access to clean hygiene facilities
safe spaces to rest
secure storage for belongings
lighting, time of day and movement for protection
street whānau and mutual care
informal relationships and connection
better feedback mechanisms to hear from people with lived experience
strengthen post-housing navigation and aftercare support
Women who took part in the research said:
“The railway station felt safe. Security guards often checked on me.”
“Being housed is just one step… I needed support that saw me – all of me – and helped me find my feet again.”
Find out more:
Read Understanding Homelessness: Wāhine Māori lived experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs here
Ngā mihi nui,
Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness
