Te Whare Korowai Taangata o Kirikiriroa

15/06/2026

29/05/2026

Homelessness is not just a number. It is people. It is hardship, resilience, trauma, hope, and human lives.

The latest report shows that homelessness has reached the highest levels in Aotearoa, which is deeply concerning. Sadly, it reflects what many organisations and frontline teams are already seeing across our communities every day.

The report says significant investment in social and affordable housing is crucial to solving New Zealand's housing crisis and ending homelessness.

24/05/2026

King’s Birthday is coming up soon on Monday 1 June 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about our services over King’s Birthday weekend.
📍Our service centres and contact centres will be closed on Monday 1 June.
📍If you’re normally paid on Tuesday 2 June, you’ll be paid on Saturday 30 May.
📍There will be no other changes to payments.
📍You can still access our online services through MyMSD and our service express line.

Check out the Work and Income website below for more info 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/kings-birthday.html

01/05/2026

Kia ora 👋 A reminder that the Winter Energy Payment starts today.

This is an extra payment paid each year to help with costs like heating your home over winter.

If you’re getting NZ Super, or a main benefit like Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payment, it will be included with your regular payment. You don’t need to do anything.

The payment from Friday 1 May through to Thursday 1 October.

The weekly rates are:
👤 $20.46 if you’re single
👥 $31.82 for couples or people with dependent children

Your first payment will be a part payment because 1 May is part-way through the pay period. This is normal, and your payments will continue as usual after that. If you're getting Foster Care Allowance, please get in touch, as we may be able to pay you at a higher rate.

If you’re planning to travel or be overseas, your payments may be affected, so it’s best to let us know before you go.

Find more information, including full eligibility, here 👇

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/winter-energy-payment.html

🚨 Another reminder, if you see posts or messages about payments, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and make sure it’s from an official source.

Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.

21/04/2026

Yesterday, our Te Rito Awhi Hub Coordinator and one of our whaanau represented our community and organisation in council.

Homelessness is about so much more than not having a home.

Many people aren’t choosing this path, they’re navigating trauma, unsafe environments, and systems that haven’t always supported them.

When your basic needs aren’t met, survival becomes the priority.

Homelessness is complex. It’s human. And it requires more than just a roof to create real change.

Here's the video:

Community Committee Meeting - 21 April 2026

21/04/2026

Awesome to have our Te Rito Awhi Hub Coordinator represent our whaanau and organisation at council yesterday. Lisa shared the importance of our services and the impact they have on our community and city spaces.

Today our MR Waikato team headed to Hamilton City Council to support the insights report on homelessness in Kirikiriroa👏

We reiterated the need to educate our communities about what homelessness actually looks like and support a comprehensive strategy to prevent and end youth homelessness 🏡

Stoked to have our mates from Te Whare Korowai and Waikato Wellbeing Project in the room as well 💛

13/04/2026

Anzac day payment changes whaanau. :)

ANZAC Day is coming up on Saturday 25 April.

On this day, we will take the time to honour, reflect and remember those who have served our country – whether in decades past or more recently. ❤️

Here’s what you need to know about payment dates and our opening hours for the long weekend.

Payment dates
If you normally get paid on Tuesdays, the payment you’re due on Tuesday 28 April, will be paid on Saturday 25 April instead. There are no other changes to payments.

Our offices and contact centres
🔹Our service centres will be closed on Monday 27 April.
🔹Our contact centres will be closed on Saturday 25 April and Monday 27 April.

You can still use:
🔹the Service Express line which offers 24/7 automated phone support
🔹MyMSD to apply and manage your info online.

Check out the Work and Income website below for more information 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/2026-anzac-day-payments-and-office-closures.html

30/03/2026

Kia ora 👋 A reminder that payment changes come into effect tomorrow, Wednesday 1 April.

These changes mean updated payment rates for a range of supports, including:
👵 NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension
💼 Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and other benefits
🎓 Student Allowance and Student Loan Living Costs

These changes are part of the Annual General Adjustment, which happens each year on 1 April. Most payments increase in line with the Consumers Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of living. NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension is also linked to wage growth. This year, CPI increased by 3.11%.

In total, around 1.5 million people across New Zealand who receive financial support through MSD will be impacted by this.

You don’t need to do anything to receive these increases. Payments will update automatically.

Because the change happens partway through a pay period, your first April payment may include a mix of the old and new rates. This means you may not see the full increase straight away. You’ll receive the full increase in the week of 14 April.

From 1 April you’ll be able to check your updated payment details in MyMSD.

Find more information about the Annual General Adjustments on our website below 👇

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026.html

🚨 Just a reminder, if you see other posts or websites claiming payment changes, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and confirm it with an official source.

Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.

29/03/2026

Having a clear out or know someone who is?

We are currently in urgent need of men’s clothing donations. Particularly pants and warmer items. If you’re in a position to help, we would be incredibly grateful.

Donations can be dropped off at our Visitor Centre, 480 Anglesea Street, between 8:30am and 4:00pm.

Ngaa mihi nui for your support 💛