Welcome to Your Safe Space: Resources for Care, Support, and Sustainable Living

Kia ora, whānau. We know the world feels heavy sometimes—especially when you’re waking up to the realities of patriarchy, colonisation, and environmental crisis all at once. But healing starts with knowing you’re not alone, and that there are people, places, and practices ready to support you on this journey.

Whether you’re healing from trauma, seeking justice, or simply looking to live in harmony with Papatūānuku, here are some trusted resources to keep close, wrapped in aroha and collective care.

Mental Health and Emotional Support

• Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354 | 24/7 free confidential support for crisis, stress, or just someone to talk to.

• 1737 - Need to Talk?: Free helpline staffed by trained counsellors ready to listen, day and night.

• Manaaki Tāngata / Māori mental health services: Whānau-centered approaches grounded in tikanga Māori.

Women’s Safety and Empowerment

• Women’s Refuge New Zealand: 0800 733 843 | Safe, confidential support, refuge, and advocacy for wāhine experiencing domestic violence.

• He Waka Tapu: Māori-led services supporting victims of violence with cultural and clinical care.

Easy Eco-Friendly Steps That Matter

• Reduce single-use plastics by switching to reusable containers and shopping bags.

• Support local, Indigenous, and regenerative food producers whenever possible.

• Prioritise walking, biking, or public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.

• Learn about traditional Māori environmental practices like kaitiakitanga—the art of guardianship—and incorporate its principles of respect and reciprocity into your daily life.

For Our Matriarchal and Feminist Spirits

• Engage with collective action groups like those advancing kaupapa Māori women’s leadership.

• Explore feminist eco-mathematics, spirituality, and community healing workshops—many available online for free or donation-based.

• Practice and spread aroha—love, care, and radical kindness—as a revolutionary act against systemic harms.

Remember, self-care is never selfish. It’s the foundation for resilient whānau, vibrant communities, and a thriving planet.

Bookmark this post as your care compass and check back often for updates, events, and more ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit in alignment with justice and sovereignty.

Welcome to this collective of hope, strength, and transformation.