Explore Understanding Homelessness: Wāhine Māori lived experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs - webinar recording and resources now available
On 28 January, CEWH hosted a Lunchtime Learning webinar which explored Understanding Homelessness: Wāhine Māori lived experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs - a qualitative project led by Kaupapa Māori researchers, for Wellington City Council.
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), Director at Weaving Insights shared key findings and insights from the 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.”
Access the webinar resources:
We encourage you to share these resources with friends, whānau, colleagues, and peers.
Ngā mihi nui to Millie and Nan for generously sharing your time, insights, and commitment to this kaupapa, and to CEWH Kaihautū Dr Kathie Irwin for opening and closing us with karakia, for setting the scene, and for holding space so beautifully for Nan and Millie, and us all.
Send the CEWH Open Letter
If this kōrero moved you to take action, please sign and send the CEWH Open Letter, which calls for a national, Te Tiriti-based strategy to end women’s homelessness.
Find out more here.
Join us at our next webinar
Please join the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness for our next Lunchtime Learning webinar: Kei te rongo koe? Are you listening?
Last year, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai released their State of Care Report 2025 Kei te rongo koe? Are you listening? The report conveys what’s going well, what’s not, and what needs to change for tamariki and rangatahi in state care.
Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Time: 12–1pm
Location: Online | Free
Registration details: here
This report is about whether tamariki and rangatahi feel cared for.
Hear from care experienced rangatahi Ihorangi Reweti Peters (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa, Waikato, Ngāti Kahungunu), Lisa McLaren, Kingi Palmer and Abigail Bramwell with support from VOYCE kaimahi Cameron McKay (Ngātiwai, Ngāti Porou) and Tayla Taylor.
These speakers will share the methodology, findings and what is needed to ensure that tamariki and rangatahi in state care feel supported and cared for - a right of every child and young person.
Read VOYCE’s report Kei te rongo koe? Are you listening? here
We hope you can join VOYCE and CEWH in February.
