Lifewise NZ

In the recent issue surrounding Dean Wickliffe's alleged assault by prison guards, Lifewise CE Haehaetu Barrett was horrified to see the images following a report by Te Ao Māori News. “I was absolutely, more than angry. There was a deep sense of pōuri, and having that insight into what we could be doing better as Aotearoa – actually, for kuia and kaumātua – this just isn’t on.”   Haehaetu believes Aotearoa can – and must – do better for kuia and kaumātua. While the official number of prisoners over 70 in New Zealand remains unclear, she urges that better care should be in place within the corrections system to address the unique needs of this ageing demographic. Haehaetu also highlights the struggle faced by whānau once these individuals are released, as they find it difficult to cater to their needs.   “They are struggling within their own homes and they aren’t able to provide accommodation for this age group. Most of our whānau in this age group are suffering from medical conditions, poverty, addiction, and the onset of dementia.” Read the article to find out more >>

Feed 5 for 25   For only $25, you get to give 5 HOT MEALS to a HOMELESS whānau. The concept is simple: By purchasing a $25 card, you’re helping Merge Café provide subsidised meals to those who need them most. If someone comes into the café in need of a meal but doesn’t have the funds, these ‘Pay it Forward’ cards are given to them, ensuring they receive a healthy meal. Each card provides five meals at the café. As a social enterprise, Merge Café is always looking for ways to sustain its operations.   Purchase a Pay it Forward card here: 
https://lnkd.in/gVF-n6_M   #Lifewise #MergeCafe #PayItForward

🌸 Celebrating Wahine this International Women's Day 🌸   This International Women's Day 2025, we unite under the theme #AccelerateAction to highlight the need for swift and decisive steps towards gender equality. It’s time to increase momentum and urgency in breaking down the systemic barriers and biases that wahine (women) face, both in their personal and professional lives.   A stark reminder of the urgency for action comes from the 2023 census data, revealing that over 57,000 women are severely housing deprived*. This highlights a significant disparity that demands urgent and gender responsive solutions.   Today, let’s not just celebrate the achievements of wahine, but also commit to accelerating action. Every step forward matters—whether big or small—and together, we can speed up progress on a global scale.   Let’s amplify our voices, support one another, and continue to push for equality, justice, and safe homes for all wahine. 💪   #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #CelebrateWahine   *StatsNZ - https://lnkd.in/g8z5juuG

We are delighted to share with you the latest edition of our Lifewise Connect newsletter!   This issue is filled with inspiring and uplifting success stories highlighting individuals who have made remarkable transformations in their lives, overcoming adversity and finding hope. ✨ ✨ ✨   Click on the link to check it out. Have a fun read!   #Lifewise #LifewiseConnect

Gang operations remain a major challenge in Auckland, despite recent crackdowns and a nationwide ban on gang symbols. Michael Cugley from Te Ao Māori News visited K'Road to explore the current state of gang activity in the area. He spoke with Haehaetu Barrett, Lifewise CE, and Jo Leach, Community Service Lead at Merge Café – a well-known safe space for whānau and the wider community. While gangs are often linked to criminal activity, the article highlights the more complex role some gangs play in supporting their whānau and communities. Read more here >> #Lifewise #MergeCafe

To celebrate Auckland Pride Month, Lifewise is excited to announce its membership with Pride Pledge NZ. 🌈 This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within our organisation and across the wider community. 
Read more about it here >>> Pride Pledge 🏳️🌈   #Lifewise #PridePledgeNZ #Diversity #Inclusion

Holiday Miracle at Merge: Merge Café has long served as a refuge for whānau seeking connection and a hot meal. As Christmas approached, our Peer Support team grew concerned about the impact of the café's holiday closure on whānau who rely on us for food. Thanks to E3 Church and AT Transport, we were able to provide essential support during this critical time. 🌟❤️ Discover how E3 Church and AT Transport's generosity helped us support our community during this challenging season for our whānau. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gPiFa_cU #Lifewise #MergeCafe #CommunitySupport #HolidayGiving

A massive thank you to the Rotary Club of Remuera for their incredibly generous donation of gifts for the tamariki of the whānau we support at Lifewise. Your kindness and support make a world of difference, spreading joy and warmth to those in need. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to our community. ❤️🎁 #Lifewise #RotaryClubOfRemuera #CommunitySupport   In the photo (L to R): Lana Goodwin of Lifewise, Iain Valentine, President of Rotary Club of Remuera, and Karen Coleman of Lifewise

🎄✨ Heartfelt Thanks to Teresa Moore, Yardley Barker and the amazing team at Catalytic Foundation for their continued generosity! 💝 For the past couple of years, their Christmas Shoebox project has brought so much joy to our tamariki and caregivers from our Housing First whānau. This year, they went above and beyond! Not only did they gift our tamariki and caregivers, but they also supported our Merge Community whānau. The Merge team will be giving these out during our Christmas lunch on the 19th of December. For many of our whānau living on low incomes, Christmas can be a tough time. Thanks to Catalytic Foundation, through your kindness, we’re able to spread a little extra cheer and hope. 🌟 Ngā mihi nui to Teresa and the team for embodying the true spirit of giving and supporting our community. ❤️ #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #HousingFirst #MergeCommunity

A heartfelt thank you to Baker Tilly Staples Rodway for spreading Christmas cheer to the tamariki of the whānau we support with their generous Christmas gifts. These will be handed to the tamariki through our Family Services team. 🎁🎄 Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been one of Lifewise's most valued partners, supporting us since 2015. Their kindness and support have had a lasting impact on families in need and serve as an inspiration and a shining example of businesses giving back to the community. ✨ We know we can always count on their commitment to help make Christmas unforgettable for our tamariki. 🌟🎅 Ngā mihi nui to our friends at Baker Tilly! In the photo: Kevin Pitfield Director for Corporate Advisory Services - Baker Tilly Staples Rodway and Dana Cashmore- Lifewise Family Services