What a month at Waimanako – as we’ve begun our transition out from these much-loved premises! 

The massive downpours have highlighted a few things for us:–

– The growing extent of impact on communities in our motu, and worldwide – of the rapidly changing climate. For all those immediately and devastatingly affected – our heartfelt aroha to YOU.

Zooming in to our Waimanako Support Hub, here, in Taranaki – which is scheduled for demolition later this year… Operating Waimanako from the Metro Plaza is fantastic in many, many ways – but also presents a few curly challenges which we shall not miss when we relocate the cafe to new premises….! The complexity of our mahi is already plentiful in its nature – adding in the challenges of the environment, at times, make it next-level enough to make your head spin.

However, having said that – there is something incredibly real and priceless about the situation of working from a space which is neither flashy, fancy nor immune from what it is to be ‘doing it tough’. We don’t have smart matching furniture nor the trappings of wealth – it is all the more real for its imperfect beauty. To be housed in an environment which is sometimes bitingly cold, damp, prone to leaks and altercations – and.. basically… falling apart gives some genuine relatable credible. What I mean by that is – comments like, “Well, you guys ‘get it’” (while we’re tackling water pouring in through doorways and ceilings, invasions from rodents – and neighbours who aren’t always too happy about you being there) – actually enable us to help through validation.

And that, in turn, helps us in advocating FOR and ALONGSIDE our community where there is no comfortable space to live in – it checks out because it comes from a place of living with adversity. I adore the Waimanako corridor for all its wonderful randomness and real-ness – very much echoed in us – its diverse and unique team!

Another relatable factor is this: Our organisation is tackling its unhousing from the Metro Plaza. Our home is being demolished because of powers beyond our control.

This is absolutely not any kind of gripe about New Plymouth District Council – it was their compassion and ingenuity which provided the space for Waimanako in the first place; and their support of our kaupapa is humbling and wonderful. Regardless of the reasons: To lose your home ground because there is money and influence way beyond your own scope – and to be absolutely powerless to do anything about it, is, again, relatable to personal circumstances for so many who have been in the situation of “you’re out” and there’s absolutely nothing that you can do about it. In this regard, we are blessed to be embraced and loved by so, so many who would seek to support us with options and possibilities – and, of course, very few in such circumstances have that experience.

I see compassion echoed in every single interaction at Waimanako – whether it’s bringing nourishment and love through a delicious home-cooked meal, or ‘seeing’ someone and valuing their presence. Friday night, this week, it was such an incredible privilege to rest in the wholesome vibe of Waimanako with those who sought refuge there for a part of their evening. I would have loved to have bottled the atmosphere; it was priceless.

What is offered in the Koha Cafe is taonga on so many levels and simply HAS to continue to be available in our city, somehow, someway, someplace with Waimanako 2 and Waimanako on Wheels.

Don’t worry.

I acknowledge that there is also much grief. The latter part of last week involved packing up all the love that has been poured into the Confidence Centre, and all that it stands for, as part of our relocation process. A piece of my heart was broken by that happening, and I will use that sadness to share leadership in us creating some kind of similar space, based on what we have learned and experienced through Manga Hapahāpai. None of it will be wasted – be sure of that; but there is a deep sadness in the loss of this turangawaewae which it would be wrong to deny or pretend isn’t there.

We should not pretend to be all happy and ‘everything is awesome’ – but take time to talk about our sadness – whilst expressing an unwavering message of hope.…and our key kaupapa rests on that, as an organisation: Make sense and hope out of suffering by nurturing the roses that blossom in the manure of loss. That is the DNA of the Retreat Site and Waimanako; and the services that they offer (the people AND the place).

Woven into them are countless people’s own experience of loss, reworked into a presence that embodies empathy and pathways to hope and change.

YOU – as our supporters and wide whānau – are that people of change and hope, and – oh my goodness – we appreciate you, and thank you that we are in this waka together.

Arohanui, Jamie

Manga Hapahaapai / The Confidence Centre: Packed away, but WILL BE BACK!