About the Organisation & Event
Te Whakaruruhau (Waikato Women's Refuge) provides 24/7 crisis support, safe housing, and advocacy for wāhine and tamariki experiencing family violence in our community.
Tauwhiro is a powerful 24-hour hīkoi hosted by Te Whakaruruhau in collaboration with Awakiri Hautapu and Waahi Whaanui. This alcohol- and drug-free community gathering at Claudelands Park calls on tāne to stand up for wāhine and tamariki, and expects around 500 people on site across the 24 hours.
Key Volunteer Duties & Areas
You can choose to support in an area that matches your skills and availability:
Site & Logistics: Setup, pack-down, vehicle spotting, and ensuring equipment is secure.
Welfare Team: Support water stations, prepare hot drinks, and help check in on walkers' well-being.
Security & Path Support: Hand out hi-vis gear and assist with monitoring pathways and car park routes.
Waste Management: Monitor recycling and waste stations to keep the park clean.
Participant Zone & Registrations: Welcome attendees, hand out packs, and sign walkers in and out.
Info Tent: Manage the welcome point, answer general questions, and assist with coordination.
Event Schedule & Key Times
Event Starts: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 at 9:00 AM
Event Finishes / Pack Down: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 2:00 PM (spanning the 24-hour hīkoi)
Shift Structure & Flexibility
Flexible 4.5-hour shift blocks are available across the 24-hour event (including a 30-minute team handover and briefing at the start of each shift):
Daytime Shifts (Morning & Afternoon)
Evening Shifts
Overnight Shifts
Setup & Pack-down Crew
What We Provide
Full on-site briefing, safety induction, and clear supervision.
Radios and dedicated team leads to support you at all times.
Complimentary food and warm non-alcoholic drinks during your shift.
Requirements & Next Steps
Must be comfortable in a community-minded, alcohol- and drug-free environment.
A brief on-site induction/briefing is provided at the start of every shift.
Click apply to connect with our team, or feel free to email us directly at refuge@wwrt.co.nz (Attention: Jess / Volunteer Team) with your preferred shift window!
Click the apply button to connect with our team,
or
email us directly at refuge@wwrt.co.nz (Attention: Jess / Volunteer Team) with your preferred shift window!
Te Whakaruruhau (Waikato Women's Refuge) is a dedicated, community-based non-profit organization in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton). We provide 24/7 crisis support, safe housing, advocacy, and community programs for wāhine and tamariki experiencing domestic and family violence.
Our mission is to promote whānau wellbeing, prevent violence, and empower families through trauma-informed, mana-enhancing support and community-led safety initiatives.
