Aroha mai, aroha atu - pay it forward

Our Koha Cafe operates on the ‘pay what you feel’ policy. You decide what to chip in for your meal and know that, by swinging by for something to eat, you’re supporting an awesome cause.

Waimanako's Workshop kete

We have an amazing kete of FREE workshops running every week! Maybe you’re interested in getting creative, finding tools for dealing with stress or anxiety, trying out meditation, or exercising for your mental health? Or maybe you’d be interested in checking out our one-off workshops?

Tune up tuesdays

Live music at the Koha Cafe every Tuesday evening! Check out our Facebook to see who’s playing next

An awesome selection of kai & inu

Our menu has something for everyone – burgers, real fruit ice-cream, nachos, pizza, barista coffee, soup, salads, baked potatoes, crepes, and more!

Tautoko for moments of distress or concern

We offer a safe, non-clinical space for you to express your feelings, fears, or worries to a caring and understanding ear. We’re here to listen, support, and connect you with the resources you may need. It’s something to consider alongside clinical supports such as ED or our Hospital’s ABC Team – and that’s also something we can help with, if appropriate. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we’re here to help you through.

aroha mai, aroha atu - pay it forward

Our Koha Cafe operates on the ‘pay what you feel’ policy. You decide what to chip in for your meal and know that, by swinging by for something to eat, you’re supporting an awesome cause.

Waimanako's Workshop kete

We have an amazing kete of FREE workshops running every week! Maybe you’re interested in getting creative, finding tools for dealing with stress or anxiety, trying out meditation, or exercising for your mental health? Or maybe you’d be interested in checking out our one-off workshops?

tune up tuesdays

Live music at the Koha Cafe every Tuesday evening! Check out our Facebook to see who’s playing next…

An awesome selection of kai & inu

Our menu has something for everyone – burgers, real fruit ice-cream, nachos, pizza, barista coffee, soup, salads, baked potatoes, crepes, and more!

Tautoko for moments of distress

We offer a safe, non-clinical space for you to express your feelings, fears, or worries to a caring, understanding ear. It’s something to consider alongside clinical supports. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we’re here to help you through.

Pepeha for Waimanako

Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Huatoki te awa
Ko Paiare, ko Paitawa, ngā toka tapu
Ko Tokomaru te waka
Ko Te Atiawa te iwi
Ko Ngāti te Whiti te hapū
Ko Mawhera te pā Tauranga waka,
Ko Pukaka, ko Te Kāwau, ko Puke Ariki ngā pā tawhito
Ko Parahuka te marae
Tihei mauriora

Find out what’s coming up next at our Support Hub: Waimanako – browse what’s coming up in our Workshop Kete over the next couple of weeks.
If you see something of interest, click to register, so we can confirm your space, and keep you updated or answer any questions:)
Click + to view.

Can’t find the workshop you’re looking for? Let us know here and we’ll be in touch!

Waimanako's Workshop Kete
Workshop NameHappening NextWho It's forWorkshop DescriptionRegister
Workshop NameHappening NextWho It's forWorkshop DescriptionRegister

pātai / news…

Findings from research around Manga Hapahāpai – what soothes people’s anxiety?

Since we successfully crowd-funded the Confidence Centre, we've been working busily behind the scenes to get it up and running! The most important part of this is ensuring that we get it 'right' - both in the form of the anxiety support we provide, and the design of...

Ten thoughts on courage – from Liz the Lead Coach

1. Courage isn’t about not having fear, it is about having and feeling that fear but still going ahead and finding our way through it. 2. Courage is about hearing the negative thoughts, the red zone story reel that we have running, and not letting that rule, not...

A Story of Change…

Liz (one of our coaches) reflects where she was at a few years ago... "Rewind a bit to 2017, I wasn't doing great.  It wasn't all doom and gloom by any means, but there was some tough stuff going on and tough stuff that I was 'dealing with' by drinking more...

Manga Hapahāpai / The Confidence Centre Launch Event!

After a major fundraiser, months of research, consultation, and planning, and lots of construction/design mahi… it’s finally time for Manga Hapahāpai / The Confidence Centre to begin its anxiety support work - but not before we celebrate all that it took to get to...

Kindfulness – a Waimanako workshop

What is it? Simply put, mindfulness with kindness! Developed by Cecily Bull who has run Mindfulness courses at the Retreat for over a year, this is a new course designed to give you some really useful tools... Instead of focusing on what’s wrong and trying to get away...

Hooray for the Retreat pets!

Koda the SamoyedRetreat Hosts Hayley and Mac have recently welcomed a number of new pets into their home. Additions to the whānau are Molly the kitten, Scribbles the fish, and a handful of aracuna chickens. They join Koda and the lambs as essential Retreat...

You gave a duck!

We emerge triumphant from another successful duck race! The corporate 'ducks' (giant toucans and llamas) again surrounded and guided the smaller ducks to the finish line. Our main victors were: Corporate: Winner - NZHL Taranaki Best dressed - Primo Wireless...

New Plymouth Rough Sleepers Outreach Service

One of our new projects planned for 2024 is a Pilot Outreach Service catered to our Rough Sleeper community in New Plymouth. We have long sought to support and journey alongside this community through our programmes, kai for koha cafe, and Listening Ear service - but...

On having been an anxious teen – and what would have helped

Kia ora, ko Zach ahau! I'm new to the Retreat Staff Team and will occasionally be writing blogs on various topics! Here's one on a particularly timely topic... When I was a teen - not too long ago, that is - I had pretty bad anxiety. In our current climate, this...

Birthday News Update from Taranaki Retreat

Kia ora e te whānauE ngā iwi o te Motu; ānei mātou te whakaruruhau o te kotahitanga e whakatau ana ia koutou, tautokohia, hāpaitia tēnei kaupapa: A co-design, research and co-production process kicked-off in 2014 resulted in the launch of Taranaki Retreat as a...

Nau mai, haere mai ki Waimanako;

The Waters of Hope

Waimanako is a Community Support Hub, built above the flowing, life-giving waters of the Huatoki. It is a trauma-informed environment of peace, acceptance, compassion, kindness, support, aroha, comfort, collaboration, connection and hope. We have a no drugs/alcohol rule, and believe in working ‘Above the Line’.

Awhi mai; Stand above the path of the Huatoki Stream facing upstream, towards Taranaki Maunga. Imagine the gifts of the awa flowing towards you and filling you up with hope, support, strength, health, courage, aroha, forgiveness – whatever you need or ask for.
Awhi atu; Stand above the path of the Huatoki Stream facing downstream, towards the sea, and let go of everything you need to – hurt, anger, frustration, sadness, resentment, jealousy or the past. You choose. Let all those emotions and thoughts flow away with the Huatoki and out to sea.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Waimanako;

The Waters of Hope

Waimanako is a Community Support Hub, built above the flowing, life-giving waters of the Huatoki. It is a trauma-informed environment of peace, acceptance, compassion, kindness, support, aroha, comfort, collaboration, connection and hope. We have a no drugs/alcohol rule, and believe in working ‘Above the Line’.

Awhi mai; Stand above the path of the Huatoki Stream facing upstream, towards Taranaki Maunga. Imagine the gifts of the awa flowing towards you and filling you up with hope, support, strength, health, courage, aroha, forgiveness – whatever you need or ask for.
Awhi atu; Stand above the path of the Huatoki Stream facing downstream, towards the sea, and let go of everything you need to – hurt, anger, frustration, sadness, resentment, jealousy or the past. You choose. Let all those emotions and thoughts flow away with the Huatoki and out to sea.

For every name, a story

The water from the Huatoki Stream flows under Waimanako. Huatoki is a mauri – a life force. Hope in Māori is “Tumanako” – the term “manako” speaks to our desire, a longing for. The Māori word for water is “Wai”. A beautiful name has been gifted to us, which speaks to the flow of water and hope. The name is “Waimanako – Water of Hope”, with Huatoki as a cleansing kaupapa: restoration for those who seek support.

A stream has many tributaries. In Māori, these are known as “manga”. Each space is like a tributary to “Waimanako” or a branch off from the source. So each area of Waimanako is a “Manga”.

The Koha Cafe is known as “Manga Huakai” or “tributary of abundant food.”

Manga Taupaepae (The Tributary of Abundant Welcome) is where visitors are received.

Manga Huatau (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Peace) and Manga Huaora (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Wellbeing and Safety) are whānau support spaces.

The Confidence Centre is known as “Manga Hapahāpai” (The Tributary of Abundant Uplifting)

Manga Huatahi (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Togetherness and Collaboration) – is a space for collaborative working.

Manga Huatoi (The Tributary of Abundant Creativity) is where creativity abounds.

Find out what’s coming up next at our Support Hub: Waimanako – browse what’s coming up in our Workshop Kete over the next couple of weeks. If you see something of interest, click to register, so we can confirm your space, and keep you updated or answer any questions:) Click + to view.

Can’t find the workshop you’re looking for? Let us know here and we’ll be in touch!

Waimanako's Workshop Kete
Workshop NameHappening NextWho It's forWorkshop DescriptionRegister
Workshop NameHappening NextWho It's forWorkshop DescriptionRegister

The Koha Cafe is known as “Manga Huakai” or “tributary of abundant food.”

Manga Taupaepae (The Tributary of Abundant Welcome) is where visitors are received.

Manga Huatau (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Peace) and Manga Huaora (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Wellbeing and Safety) are whānau support spaces.

The Confidence Centre is known as “Manga Hapahāpai” (The Tributary of Abundant Uplifting)

Manga Huatahi (The Tributary that Brings Abundant Togetherness and Collaboration) – is a space for collaborative working.

Manga Huatoi (The Tributary of Abundant Creativity) is where creativity abounds.

What is Waimanako?

A community support hub located in the heart of New Plymouth, Waimanako is safe, holistic, and collaborative, providing a kete of programmes and support services.

Waimanako; workshops

Check out our selection of workshops, and learn more about what to expect from them!

Tautoko our mahi

We rely on the generosity of our community to do the work that we do. Whether your koha is kai, time, a service, or money, every contribution is invaluable to us.

What is Waimanako?

A community support hub located in the heart of New Plymouth, Waimanako is safe, holistic, and collaborative, providing a kete of programmes and support services.

Waimanako; workshops

Check out our selection of workshops, and learn more about what to expect from them!

Tautoko our mahi

We rely on the generosity of our community to do the work that we do. Whether your koha is kai, time, a service, or money, every contribution is invaluable to us.

Manga Hapahāpai

The Confidence Centre is a drop-in support space set up to tautoko/support anyone dealing with anxiety.

pātai / news…

Findings from research around Manga Hapahāpai – what soothes people’s anxiety?

Since we successfully crowd-funded the Confidence Centre, we've been working busily behind the scenes to get it up and running! The most important part of this is ensuring that we get it 'right' - both in the form of the anxiety support we provide, and the design of...

Ten thoughts on courage – from Liz the Lead Coach

1. Courage isn’t about not having fear, it is about having and feeling that fear but still going ahead and finding our way through it. 2. Courage is about hearing the negative thoughts, the red zone story reel that we have running, and not letting that rule, not...

A Story of Change…

Liz (one of our coaches) reflects where she was at a few years ago... "Rewind a bit to 2017, I wasn't doing great.  It wasn't all doom and gloom by any means, but there was some tough stuff going on and tough stuff that I was 'dealing with' by drinking more...

Manga Hapahāpai / The Confidence Centre Launch Event!

After a major fundraiser, months of research, consultation, and planning, and lots of construction/design mahi… it’s finally time for Manga Hapahāpai / The Confidence Centre to begin its anxiety support work - but not before we celebrate all that it took to get to...

Kindfulness – a Waimanako workshop

What is it? Simply put, mindfulness with kindness! Developed by Cecily Bull who has run Mindfulness courses at the Retreat for over a year, this is a new course designed to give you some really useful tools... Instead of focusing on what’s wrong and trying to get away...

Hooray for the Retreat pets!

Koda the SamoyedRetreat Hosts Hayley and Mac have recently welcomed a number of new pets into their home. Additions to the whānau are Molly the kitten, Scribbles the fish, and a handful of aracuna chickens. They join Koda and the lambs as essential Retreat...

You gave a duck!

We emerge triumphant from another successful duck race! The corporate 'ducks' (giant toucans and llamas) again surrounded and guided the smaller ducks to the finish line. Our main victors were: Corporate: Winner - NZHL Taranaki Best dressed - Primo Wireless...

New Plymouth Rough Sleepers Outreach Service

One of our new projects planned for 2024 is a Pilot Outreach Service catered to our Rough Sleeper community in New Plymouth. We have long sought to support and journey alongside this community through our programmes, kai for koha cafe, and Listening Ear service - but...

On having been an anxious teen – and what would have helped

Kia ora, ko Zach ahau! I'm new to the Retreat Staff Team and will occasionally be writing blogs on various topics! Here's one on a particularly timely topic... When I was a teen - not too long ago, that is - I had pretty bad anxiety. In our current climate, this...

Birthday News Update from Taranaki Retreat

Kia ora e te whānauE ngā iwi o te Motu; ānei mātou te whakaruruhau o te kotahitanga e whakatau ana ia koutou, tautokohia, hāpaitia tēnei kaupapa: A co-design, research and co-production process kicked-off in 2014 resulted in the launch of Taranaki Retreat as a...

Check out Manga Hapahāpai!

The Confidence Centre is a drop-in space set up to tautoko/support anyone dealing with anxiety.

Mātapono/Values

Āwhina: Collaboration, adaptability, advocacy, awhi and navigation
Manaakitanga: Open-ended, mana-enhancing, trauma-informed care, freely and abundantly provided without barriers
Tikanga: Tino Rangatiratanga; equity; options; holistic (Whare Tapa Whā); evidence-based
Whakawhanaungatanga: Long-term, trusting, authentic partnerships with people and services

kaupapa

Pou Kotahitanga / Being There at the Grassroots: 
Responding to need with early intervention; listening, learning, and reaching out
Pou Oranga / Improving the Wellbeing of Whānau Going Through Tough Times: Suicide prevention
Pou Ōritenga / Addressing Root Causes: Improving the landscape with accountability to whānau stories; Pae Ora / healthy futures for all New Zealanders

 

Our Impact:

People welcomed in since we opened our doors

Hours of Listening Ears given to those in need of support

Meals provided free of charge

Dollars returned to local creatives through our Crafty Creations shop

Mātapono/Values

Āwhina: Collaboration, adaptability, advocacy, awhi and navigation
Manaakitanga: Open-ended, mana-enhancing, trauma-informed care, freely and abundantly provided without barriers
Tikanga: Tino Rangatiratanga; equity; options; holistic (Whare Tapa Whā); evidence-based
Whakawhanaungatanga: Long-term, trusting, authentic partnerships with people and services

 

kaupapa

Pou Kotahitanga / Being There at the Grassroots: 
Responding to need with early intervention; listening, learning, and reaching out
Pou Oranga / Improving the Wellbeing of Whānau Going Through Tough Times: Suicide prevention
Pou Ōritenga / Addressing Root Causes: Improving the landscape with accountability to whānau stories; Pae Ora / healthy futures for all New Zealanders

 

Our Impact:

People welcomed in since we opened our doors

Meals provided free of charge

Dollars returned to local creatives through our Crafty Creations shop

Hours of Listening Ears given to those in need of support

“I walked in, pretty anxious, not knowing what to expect. I had a bloody good coffee and a massive omelette, and asked for someone to talk to – I was going through a messy relationship breakup. We talked for about an hour and I left feeling so much better. I needed to get everything off my chest, and to have some tools to help me.”

“I walked in, pretty anxious, not knowing what to expect. I had a bloody good coffee and a massive omelette, and asked for someone to talk to – I was going through a messy relationship breakup. We talked for about an hour and I left feeling so much better. I needed to get everything off my chest, and to have some tools to help me.”

We'd love to keep you in the loop...

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