Te Ao Māori News
Aotearoa's first marae-based laundromat key to easing cost of living pressures
1 Sept 2026 · 2:23
Publicity
Stories from the community
News, video and social posts about Waiwaka Charitable Trust.
Our charitable purpose
Supporting whānau
Waiwaka Charitable Trust supports Māori whānau through accessible laundromat services, cultural revitalisation, and economic sustainability. Our Waiwaka Laundromat ensures equitable access to hygiene, while we promote Ngā Taonga Tākaro to strengthen whānau wellbeing.
Wānanga and self-determination
Through wānanga and education, we advance Mātauranga Māori in health, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. We foster Māori self-determination by supporting economic independence and collaborating with iwi, hapū, and marae.
01 / What we do
Three ways we invest in whānau
Service
Waiwaka Laundromat
Self-service washing and drying machines for the whole community, giving whānau and marae-based communities access to clean clothing and bedding. No folding and no manual services.
Cultural revitalisation
Ngā Taonga Tākaro
Promotion of traditional Māori games to strengthen whānau wellbeing and cultural connection.
Education
Wānanga and research
Wānanga, research and education to advance Mātauranga Māori in health, sustainability and entrepreneurship.
02 / Who we serve
Whānau first, and the wider public
Beneficiaries
Family and whānau
General public
Sectors
Health
Social services
03 / Communities
Grounded in kaupapa Māori
We are an organisation with a focus on the following communities and principles.
- Kaupapa Māori
- Marae
- Affiliation with iwi and/or hapū
- Focus on outcomes for Māori
- Ownership