Napier Night Shelter Seeks Government Support for Homeless Services

The trust that established the Napier homeless night shelter, Āhuru Mōwai, plans to advocate for increased government support for homelessness services in provincial areas. This decision follows a recent government announcement allocating $17 million to support services primarily in urban centres such as Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Trust chair Mark Cleary expressed disappointment at the funding distribution, particularly given the context of recent discussions with Napier MP Katie Nimon. The two met earlier in the week to address ongoing funding needs to sustain the night shelter, which opened in June 2023. Their conversation also touched on broader homelessness issues in Napier, especially following the recent closure of the long-standing Outreach Centre at Clive Square just two weeks ago.

“There’s really nothing in it for Hawke’s Bay,” Cleary stated, highlighting a growing concern among local leaders regarding the allocation of resources. The absence of targeted support for provincial areas like Napier raises questions about the government’s approach to addressing homelessness in less populated regions.

Cleary’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many in the community who believe that the needs of provincial areas are often overlooked in favour of larger urban centres. The trust is now preparing to challenge the government to reconsider its funding strategy to ensure that services like Āhuru Mōwai receive the necessary support to operate effectively.

The need for such services is critical, as homelessness continues to be a pressing issue in many parts of New Zealand. The recent closure of the Outreach Centre has left a gap in support for vulnerable populations, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in Napier.

As the situation develops, the Āhuru Mōwai trust is determined to advocate for equitable funding that addresses the unique needs of communities across the country. The outcome of this challenge could significantly impact the future of homelessness services in Napier and similar provincial areas.