Wellington Women’s House

Wellington Women’s House - Te Whare Awhi Wāhine o Whanganui-ā-Tara

is a transitional housing provider for women that’s been operating in Wellington for the last 30 years. They provide a safe home for anyone identifying as a woman, over the age of 18, on low income or in transition.

Their vision — That every woman in Wellington has a safe and comfortable home that enables her to meet her needs.

Wellington Women’s House (WWH) is closely aligned with the Zonta mission to empower women through service and advocacy and is one of the local projects we support.

WWH strives to upskill and empower women and encourage success to enable them to build self-esteem, improve communication and assertiveness, and to better their employment and/or study opportunities. They support women with a safe and secure environment that provides low cost transitional housing where they can build trust, friendships, and networks.

— Rachael Bayliss, Zonta Club of Wellington.

The House is in Mount Victoria, close to the city centre. There are 16 rooms in the large old villa, with a sun-soaked front garden and a warm, welcoming feeling inside. There’s a shared lounge to gather and talk or watch TV in, a sitting room where residents can access a computer and wifi, and a fantastic kitchen where the women can cook alongside each other.

A small team provide support and advocacy to their residents. The residents come from a wide range of backgrounds, and include women:

• living with mental health struggles

• who need the company of others

• in transition between homes

• who have left a harmful or unsafe environment.

The Wellington Women’s House is an essential service, providing women housing, safety & comfort that may have otherwise been unattainable. It’s been a blessing for my mental health & well-being on numerous occasions, with a warmth & accessibility that is rarely encountered in the current rental market. I’m so grateful to have had somewhere to go & the support of the staff when I needed it.

— Former WWH Resident

WHH depend on the generosity of volunteers, donations, and organisations to help provide a safe haven to wāhine in need.

The struggle to find safe, healthy, and affordable housing in Wellington is very challenging, I know this myself after going through a relationship breakup this year. I am honoured to work at the Wellington Women’s House because of our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for wāhine. The house is a place of respite and community that helps women get back on their feet and move forward in life.

— Ebba, Coordinator, Wellington Women's House

Find out more about WWH and how you can help — wwh.org.nz