Waka of Caring

Waka of Caring (WoC) is a group of volunteers in Manurewa, led by Debbie Munroe, who set up a drop-in centre in November 2019 to support homeless and whanau in need. The centre is open six days a week, 9am – 6pm, providing a safe, caring environment. Since 22 July 2025, it has been located at 304 Great South Road, Manurewa. CGFH was the tenant for the two previous drop-in centre premises.

Hundreds of people have been given warm healthy meals, clothing, blankets, household items, and food parcels, all for free, mostly donated by the local community. WoC are currently (July 2025) giving out an average of 280 food parcels a day.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. Clothes, toys, household goods and food are donated and people can have anything they want for free – no paperwork needed: just a please, a thank you and a smile. People can just turn up, and anyone is welcome to visit.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/978559512159944/

Website: https://www.wakaofcaring.org.nz/ 

Agencies such as Income Support, Manurewa and Papakura Marae, Strive, Kaha o te Kahui, Kainga Ora and many more often send their clients to the drop-in centre when they are not able to help them, and the police bring people too: homeless and whanau in need of kai or clothing. WoC look after two elderly villages in Manurewa. They also support cancer patients and mental health patients, by providing them with volunteer work, they advocate for them, and spend time with them, offering a hot meal and a chat.

WoC helps people with housing issues and connects them to the right agencies. Providers are encouraged to meet whanau in need within a safe environment.

Recent initiatives are learner licence classes, a men's group, a women's group, and a "Golden Oldies" group.

Waka of Caring greatly appreciates funding support from the Manurewa Local Board, the Auckland Foundation, the Awhero Nui Trust, the Community Organisation Grants Scheme and Foundation North.