A new community-led initiative offering free mobile laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness and hardship launched on Wednesday at Rewatu Marae in Whakatāne.

The service is the result of a partnership between Waiariki Whānau Mentoring, a mentoring, brokering and advocacy service for the most marginalised communities, and Orange Sky Aotearoa, a not-for-profit that supports people through access to free laundry services and genuine human connection. The initiative is supported by Whakatāne District Council and BayTrust.

This is Orange Sky’s eighth service in Aotearoa New Zealand. Operating with a community-centric approach, Waiariki Whānau Mentoring will operate and deliver the service in Whakatāne. It will run as an eight-month trial, designed to respond to the growing needs of the community and built on the relationships and trust already established by Waiariki Whānau Mentoring.

Waiariki Whānau Mentoring is a kaupapa Māori organisation that works alongside individuals and whānau to navigate challenges and create lasting, positive change. With deep roots in the community, their whānau-centred approach makes them a trusted connector and source of support for those doing it tough.

Founder and rangatira Waata Heathcote said the partnership with Orange Sky had the potential to reach thousands.

“This kaupapa is about more than clean clothes — it’s about restoring dignity and creating a space where people feel seen, heard and cared for,” he said.

“Our partnership with Orange Sky is grounded in shared values of manaaki and equity. We want to help remove the whakamā that can come with seeking support and ensure everyone in our community has access to the basics they rightfully deserve. When an initiative is led by the community, for the community, it becomes something incredibly powerful.”

The collaboration was brought together by the council after Karen Summerhays, senior community development adviser, approached Orange Sky to explore how the service might benefit the region.

“The demand for support is growing. We’re seeing more whānau under pressure, and more people doing it tough,” said Ms Summerhays. “We knew there was a real need for a service like this, and we’re proud to have helped bring the right people together to make it happen.”

Kat Doughty, senior impact manager at Orange Sky, said the partnership was an example of how organisations partnering could achieve greater outcomes that met the local need in a way that was led by the local community.

“Our partnership with Waiariki Whānau Mentoring embodies the heart of our community-led delivery model. It supports trusted local organisations to deliver in a way that’s grounded in relationships, manaakitanga, and local knowledge.

“We’re grateful to Whakatāne District Council for their support in bringing everyone around the table and to Waiariki Whānau Mentoring Trust for welcoming us into the community.”

“We know there is a growing need for support services across the Whakatāne region, and Aotearoa as a whole. This year, compared to last year, we have already seen a 44 percent increase in the demand for our services, so we are really proud to bring this service to Whakatāne to support the growing number of whānau in need.”

Orange Sky’s services now span the motu, with free mobile laundry and shower services operating in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay.

With the help of more than 350 volunteers, Orange Sky has supported more than 34,000 loads of laundry, provided over 15,700 warm showers, and shared more than 50,000 hours in meaningful, non-judgemental kōrero with communities across Aotearoa.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE: Waata Heathcote from Waiariki Whānau Mentoring speaks at the launch of the Orange Sky mobile laundry service in Whakatāne. Photo supplied.