Orange Sky Tauranga Launches Laundry Pod to Support Locals in Need
On the 12th of June, Orange Sky New Zealand officially launched our new permanent laundry pod in Tauranga Moana. What a special day it was. More than 50 people joined us at Cliff Road Community Hall to celebrate, including tūao(volunteers), iwi, funders, and whānau.
This new laundry pod, delivered in partnership with local charity Under the Stars. This will help us provide free laundry services to more friends doing it tough in the Bay of Plenty. Moreover, it will strengthen our ongoing commitment to community support in Tauranga and grow opportunities for volunteering in New Zealand.
Under the Stars is a grassroots not-for-profit that supports Kiwis doing it tough by providing healthy, home-cooked meals each week. Their sit-down sessions are on Thursdays at 12 pm and Saturdays at 5 pm. These shared meals aren’t just about food; they create a space where people feel seen, supported, and part of a community.
Now, with the addition of our permanent laundry pod, friends can access free laundry and hot showers. The pod is open during service times and offers clean towels, toiletries, free clothing, and even haircuts, at no cost.
With homelessness in New Zealand affecting thousands, including nearly 4,000 people in Tauranga alone, the need for accessible hygiene support is urgent. Permanent pods like this one provide a reliable, long-term presence in areas of high demand and align with national and local efforts to address housing insecurity and its ripple effects. The launch comes just weeks after Tauranga hosted New Zealand’s national homelessness summit. A timely reminder of the need for innovative services and strong volunteering in New Zealand frameworks to support them.
This new pod marks Orange Sky’s third permanent facility and sixth service across the motu. It’s made possible by a $30,000 donation from the Hugo Charitable Trust and generous support from the Awhero Nui Charitable Trust. The new pod builds on the impact of Orange Sky’s distinctive orange vans, which provide free mobile laundry and shower services to people experiencing homelessness or hardship across the motu.
The idea for the Tauranga pod was championed by Ani Stace, Strategic Partnership and Funding Manager at Under the Stars. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Ani lived in a remote community where many relied on tank water. With supply disruptions, even basic needs like showering and laundry became difficult. That’s when she discovered Orange Sky.
“I used the service myself,” Ani recalls. “It was such a relief when everyone was stretched thin, and the experience stuck with me. We’ve talked about the possibility of a permanent laundry facility at Under The Stars for years, so having Orange Sky offer this on-site now is truly magical!”
Meeting People Where They Are
Kat Doughty, Senior Impact Manager at Orange Sky New Zealand, says the Tauranga partnership reflects the organisation’s core kaupapa: connection.
“At Orange Sky, we believe in the power of connection, and this new permanent laundry pod in Tauranga allows us to offer not just clean clothes, but a moment of warmth, and kōreo. Partnering with Under the Stars means we can meet people where they are – in a space they already trust and feel safe in.”
We need you.
Orange Sky is powered by dedicated tūao and generous donors who support the kaupapa of providing clean laundry, warm showers, and genuine connection for people doing it tough. For those wondering where to volunteer in Tauranga, there’s always room to join the Orange Sky whānau.
Volunteer with Orange Sky Tauranga
