Orange Sky New Zealand

Reflecting on the official launch of our new service in Te Matau-a-Māui last week, we could not be more grateful to all those in the community who have welcomed our new van Piki Te Ora with such manaakitanga. The name Piki Te Ora was chosen by the community meaning to "uplift life" and felt like the perfect way to connect this new service with the whānau who will be using it. There were many who made this all possible and who have supported us so generously. Ngā mihi nui to those who spoke at our launch last week Warren Heke, Huia Broughton, Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise. Something that stuck with us from the day was said by Warren "A thriving community is shown by how we treat the most vulnerable. And if our community is thriving then our most vulnerable are the ones being looked after, our most vulnerable are finding this sense of dignity." We hope that through continued mahi tahi, this service will help Te Matau-a-Māui get one step closer to thriving.

Today we launched our newest service in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke's Bay supporting whānau in the community experiencing homelessness and hardship. Seeing everyone gathered together has been more than just heartwarming—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, care, and unity within the Te Matau-a-Māui community. Today, we celebrated not just the launch of this service, but the spirit of the community that has welcomed us with open arms and generous hearts. We are immensely grateful for all the support we have received from Napier City Council, Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga, Frimley Foundation, Simplicity, Royston Health Trust and Eastern & Central Community Trust. Thank you to the incredible teams from Kuhu Mai, Whatever It Takes Trust, Camberley Community Centre, Napier Assist and Napier Family Centre who have walked this path with us. We are excited for the future of this service and the impact it will have for whānau.

Last month, Glenn (pictured right), one of our volunteer Service Coordinators in Auckland, was on a trip in Australia and connected with Dave, the volunteer Service Leader in Northern Rivers. 🤝 They were both keen to connect and have a chat, discussing the similarities and differences between their respective services and the technical features of the vans and dryers, exchanging valuable notes and experiences. "It was nice to see how it happens on the other side of the ditch," Glenn said. This simple act of connection demonstrates the strong bonds that tie together our Orange Sky volunteers, regardless of where they live.

Come to connect with the Orange Sky team and learn about our kaupapa, and prepare you for volunteering with Orange Sky in Te Matau-a-Maui, Hawke's Bay! We are offering two Orangetation sessions, which are in-person training sessions to equip you in your volunteering journey with the necessary skills for success. You'll learn about Orange Sky's history, information about whānau experiencing hardship in Aotearoa, and also key training information about what to expect on shift when volunteering with Orange Sky, health and safety and much more. There will be light refreshments included and plenty of time for connection once the in-person training has completed. Session 1: 📆 Saturday 17th August 🕐1:00 - 3:00pm 📌Wesley Lounge, Trinity Methodist Church, 32 Clive Square East, Napier Session 2: 📆 Sunday 18th August 🕐1:00 - 3:00pm 📌Camberley Community Centre, 703 Kiwi Street, Camberley, Hastings Please RSVP by 15th August 2024 for the event you'd like to attend - seats are limited so be quick to book your spot! https://bit.ly/4fqrKsC

Last night, our wonderful Te Whanganui-a-Tara volunteers were nominated as finalists for the Wellington Airport Community Awards 2024. We are so proud of this recognition and even prouder of the mahi our volunteers do daily. Our volunteers are the heart of our organisation, walking alongside and supporting whānau, rain or shine, hot or cold. Seeing this mahi across the country is truly inspiring. Thank you, Wellington Airport, for this wonderful recognition. Many of our volunteers are supported by incredible organisations that help carve out this valuable time in their working week. If you or your organisation are considering volunteering, why not find out more about Orange Sky? Our volunteering not only offers a hands-on experience, but you'll also walk away each time knowing you've helped raise dignity and mana in your local community. orangesky.org.nz/volunteer - get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

This winter, we're witnessing unprecedented hardship across the motu, with some whānau arriving at our services with no shoes and no socks in the freezing cold. This week, we're launching our first-ever winter appeal to raise essential funds to meet this increased demand. We want to acknowledge and thank the businesses across Aotearoa that continuously support whānau experiencing homelessness and hardship. Special shout-outs to those that have given this winter to keep our machines spinning and the showers hot! We are immensely grateful for your support—we couldn't do it without you. Adairs Retail Group Custom Controls Ltd Craigs Investment Partners Chandler Glass & Packaging DECJUBA DC Rosser & Co GOODMAN PROPERTY SERVICES (NZ) LIMITED Halswell Timber Lime MetService NZbrokers Robert Malcolm Simplicity Sony Music Entertainment The Conference Company Ltd If your business would like to find out more, get in touch with us – we'd love to kōrero. And if you'd like to personally donate - you can do so here: https://bit.ly/4d67ACA.

We need your help! 🧡 In a few short weeks, we will be heading to Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay to officially launch our newest service, bringing clean laundry and genuine kōrero to support to local whānau experiencing homelessness and hardship. But we are missing one important thing... a name for the laundry van that will help to deliver our service to those who need it most! Vote for your favorite name: Tūmanako - "Hope," symbolizing the hope and positivity the van brings. Piki Te Ora - "Uplift Life," reflecting the positive impact of the van on people’s lives. Te Aroha - Meaning loved one or the big love, symbolizing the love for the community. 🗳️ Cast your vote now and be a part of this special journey! https://bit.ly/4dabLNb

Have you seen one of our bright orange vans driving the streets of Aotearoa and ever wondered what it is all about? Take a peek into life behind the washing machines with Joey, or head to our website orangesky.org.nz to find out more!

Orange Sky is thrilled to announce we are launching a service in Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay, which will mark our ninth service in Aotearoa! Our newest laundry van, supported by Simplicity Foundation, Frimley Foundation, Eastern & Central Community Trust and @Royston Health Trust, will begin supporting whānau in Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay with free clean laundry and genuine kōrero in early August. A special thanks to Napier City Council, Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga Council and the service providers who have supported our journey so far. If you're a Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay local and would like to support those in your community experiencing homelessness or hardship, head to orangesky.org.nz to sign up as a volunteer 🧡

We asked a few of our volunteers what they love about volunteering with Orange Sky - swipe through to learn what fills their cup! Our volunteers are the backbone of our services. Their awesome mahi is vital to keep our washers turning, showers flowing and kōrero rolling across the country. These legends are there for friends doing it tough, all across the motu, week in and week out. If you have a spare few hours each week or fortnight and want to make a difference in your community, sign up to volunteer with us today! orangesky.org.nz/volunteer