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Kainga Aroha Community House (Kainga Aroha)
operates as a one-stop shop in the heart of Te
Awamutu. Established back in 1987, originally in
Kihikihi, Kainga Aroha is a neutral meeting place
where all people are welcome and supported in a
friendly warm environment. Open week days from
9am to 5pm, members of the community can drop in
or arrange an appointment to access a raft of services.
Kainga Aroha offers counselling, family support,
budget advice, domestic violence intervention,
supervised contact, advocacy and even a children’s
summer camp at Waihi beach.
Bruce Owen, manager of Kainga Aroha Community
House says, “The strength of the agency over the years
has been the ability to offer a wide range of services
all under the one roof.”
In recent times Kainga Aroha has noticed a growing
need for family support services, especially after
relocating from Kihikihi to Te Awamutu in 2007. The
staff now includes two full time social workers, a
part-time co-ordinator for Strengthening Families in
the Waipa district,
a full time domestic
violence worker/
budget advice
coordinator, as well
as three part-time
counsellors. And
then there’s a large
team of nearly 30
volunteers who contribute some 4,000 hours
of voluntary work each year, supporting the work
of Kainga Aroha.
Kainga Aroha Society
Community focused support services
For many years, Kainga Aroha has run an annual five-
day camp at Waihi Beach in January. Catering to 7-14
year olds, the camp offers an exciting mix of activities
including kayaking, walking, swimming, crafts,
and all the fun of the beach - in a safe and caring
environment.
“The camp is a wonderful opportunity for children
to have a great time at the beach, away from any
troubles there may be at home. It’s a chance for them
to meet new friends, learn new skills and grow in self-
confidence. For some, it’s the only holiday they ever
have,” says Stephanie Owen, one of the camp leaders.
Kainga Aroha staff are known for their great
listening ears (and cups of coffee!) offered to
members of the community. Its managers, Bruce and
Stephanie Owen, have been with the House for an
amazing 27 years and are about to retire. They are
a wonderful example of the compassion and care
provided by many people and groups in
our community.
There’s a large
team of nearly 30
volunteers who
contribute some 4,000
hours of voluntary
work each year.
$20,000
TRUST WAIKATO DONATION 2013
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
35+
Summer camp at Waihi beach
WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES
ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
