
Te Whare Hauora
Otautahi Womens Refuge
Te Whare Hauora is the only kaupapa Māori refuge service for whānau living in Canterbury and is the only kaupapa Māori, specialised refuge service in the South Island. Our foundation is built on the values of Te Ao Māori and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all our practices and services.



He wāhine, he taonga
Every woman is a treasure


Our Journey
Te Whare Hauora, formerly known as Ōtautahi Women’s Refuge, has its origins in the grassroots efforts of wāhine Māori in the 1980s who sought to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence in their communities. It was born out of a vision to create a safe space where women and children could heal, reconnect to their cultural roots, and build futures free from violence.
Support Our Mahi
Your support, whether a donation or sponsorship, helps restore mana, provide safety and empower wāhine and tamariki to reclaim their futures. Your generosity fuels 24/7 crisis support, expert advocacy and kaupapa Māori workshops that break cycles of violence and build a community where our whānau are safe, strong and connected.


Need Help Now?
If you are in immediate danger dial 111.
If you’re looking for guidance, practical advice or immediate support with domestic violence, Te Whare Hauora can help.
Call our 24/7 Crisis Line on 0800 11 7474.


