Waimanako; The Waters of Hope – Our Community Support Hub

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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’ (See below).

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

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 that 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 is a “Manga”.

  • The Cafe is known as “Manga Huakai” or tributary of abundant food.
  • Manga Taupaepae Huatoi (The Tributary of abundant creativity) is where visitors are received, and where creativity happens.
  • Manga Huatau (The Tributary that brings abundant peace) - is a whānau support space
  • Manga Huaora (The Tributary that brings abundant wellbeing and safety) - kaupapa is the same as Manga Huatau
  • Manga Huatahi (The Tributary that brings abundant togetherness and collaboration) -  is a space here for collaborative working; administration, and for private calls to be made.

Waimanako; is a Safe Space in our Community. Our approach is holistic (Te Whare Tapa Whā - the 'whole person') - and collaborative. This means we work together with other services such as medical practitioners, budgeting gurus, legal advisors, housing experts, relationship counsellors, trauma specialists, joggers and walkers, musicians and artists to name but a few...

At Waimanako, you'll find Te Huinga / The Gathering - our Cafe. A welcoming space where you can rock up for a good feed and excellent coffee for koha. It's on the 'pay what you feel' principle - and you know that, by stopping in for something to eat you're supporting an awesome cause... OR, if times are hard, you can fill up 'on the house'. Think... build your own breakfast, crepes, desserts, homemade baking and great coffee!

The Gathering is a place to get together and enjoy a whānau-friendly supportive environment, a sober socialising space for the community. There’s even a sweet selection of board games in the cupboard! Some people visit because they need a listening ear with one of our trained peer-support workers. ‘Anything goes’ under that category – it could be about work, grief, relationships, addictions or other tough stuff such as depression or negative thoughts. That’s what we’re here for, and we promise - no judgement. AT Waimanako we have:

  • Services working together for better outcomes for us all
  • Whānau Support Rooms - where safe spaces are created and held...
  • The Creative Hub - think textiles, paints, writing, drawing… a chill-out space
  • Support Groups - think recovery and men's groups...
  • Workshops - such as Good Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Resilience Builders, Stress-Busters, Soul Board, Navigating Social Media, Wellness.
  • Life Coaching - think a future focus, who am I, what does the next chapter hold?
  • Outreach Support - a seriously cool kaupapa - a walk-alongside you, a shoulder to lean on, support navigating whatever may be tough right now

On any given day, people come for business meetings, friendly catch ups, to study, to have some time out, a space to breathe and gather in the city… Please do come and join us today, and be a part of it all! You can find out what's happening today / this week in our regularly updated "What's on at Waimanako" page, here - where there's the opportunity to sign-up for Workshops and Groups.

We look forward to seeing you at Waimanako:)

Waimanako is located opposite the Huatoki Plaza in the New Plymouth CBD: 33 Devon Street West. If you know where ANZ Bank, Kingsway and Shampoo Plus are, then you're headed in the right direction!

Walk into the Downtown Arcade, with Shampoo Plus on your right, and wander down the corridor. You'll see the sign for our Reception towards the end of the arcade. One of our friendly Team will be on-hand to welcome you.

We're open every day except Sunday and Public Holidays, from 10am-9pm.

Over Christmas and New Year we have a Pause Period - dates for this year will be added here soon.

Phone: 06 2150993
Email: waimanako@taranakiretreat.org.nz
Facebook: Waimanako

Thinking of bringing a group for kai? YAY - please call us on 06 2150993 so that we can set up and be ready for you:)

Thinking of bringing a group for kai? YAY - please call us on 06 2150993 so that we can set up and be ready for you:)

We'd love to see you. You can book in for any of the options by clicking on them below!

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

Waimanako is a place to get together and enjoy a family-friendly supportive environment. There’s even a sweet selection of Board Games, colouring (including for adults) and toys for littlies in the cupboard in the corner – take a look!

As the in-community arm of Taranaki Retreat; our kaupapa is to support people going through challenging times. The koha that people offer for their refreshments goes towards funding our mahi and, of course, the kai and our team!

By contributing, you’re supporting a good cause - so, please give generously if you can; and don’t worry if you can’t – that’s what we’re here for. It may be that you’re thinking of visiting today just because you’re passing; curious; or have been before. Some people also visit looking for some support.

This could be if things are tough for you, a loved-one or a colleague. Tino pai. Simply add ‘A Catch-Up’ to your order, and we’ll arrange for that – either then and there, in a more private space, or at another time. No dramas. ‘Anything goes’ under that category – it could be about work, grief, relationships, addictions or other tough stuff such as depression or negative thoughts. That’s what we’re here for, and we promise, nobody will judge you.

If things have gone to custard; if you are grieving, down or hurting; if you are concerned for your wellbeing, or that of someone else - we are here for you. It might just be the right place to share what's happening with a caring community of people, who are focused on wrapping support around you; hearing the story; and working together on solutions.

“At Waimanako it's about connection; like I belong. I'm part of something. Loneliness and isolation affect so many of us. People are just accepted here.”