Volunteering in Wellington: Be Part of Orange Sky’s Mahi
In 2019, Orange Sky Aotearoa’s bright orange van, Hugo, began its journey to Wellington. With a few washing machines and dryers, six chairs, and a big kaupapamission, we set out to create a place for kōreroconversation, connection, and community.
Since then, thanks to the incredible support of tūaovolunteers, Orange Sky Aotearoa has delivered over 6,444 washes and 1,159 showers and shared more than 10,394 hours of conversation with people doing it tough across Wellington. With over 1,322 shifts, our team has built a service that offers more than laundry, it offers a sense of belonging.
the story doesn’t end there.
As homelessness in New Zealand continues to rise, the need for connection and support in Wellington has never been greater. We’re reaching out for more incredible volunteers to join the Orange Sky Aotearoa whānaufamily and help us continue making a difference for those doing it tough.
When Orange Sky Aotearoa launched our first shifts in Wellington in 2019, the need for support was already clear.
At the time, 1,254 people in Wellington were estimated to be living in severe housing deprivation – without access to stable, safe, or secure housing (Statistics New Zealand, 2018).
Over time, the situation has continued to worsen. New data from Statistics New Zealand (2023) estimates that at least 112,496 people or 2.3% of the population are severely housing deprived. Around 13,000 more people than in 2018, reflecting the growing scale of homelessness in New Zealand and the ongoing pressure of safe and stable housing.
But behind every number is a person.
It could be a student without a permanent place to stay.
A parent working multiple jobs and still finding it tough to make ends meet.
An older person navigating rising living costs on a limited income.
Homelessness in New Zealand doesn’t always look how people might expect.
Everyone’s story is different and we don’t always know the full picture. That’s why Orange Sky Aotearoa offers free laundry services, warm showers, and a welcoming space to sit, connect, and share kōrero if someone chooses.
Our friend John, who has been part of our Wellington community for over five years, reminds us what that connection can mean.
He had been living in his car for over a decade while waiting on the housing list, a simple laundry visit offers more than clean clothes – it offers a moment of solace. “I know everyone here. It’s always nice to have a good conversation,” John shares.
Every week, friends like John remind us that Orange Sky Aotearoa is about much more than washing and showers – it’s about people, connection, and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.
As the need grows, we’re reaching out for more people to be part of that community. If you’re thinking about volunteering in Wellington, Orange Sky Aotearoa, it’s a simple but powerful way to show up for your community offering practical support and a warm kōrero.
When you volunteer with Orange Sky Aotearoa, you become part of a larger whānau.
You’ll connect with people from all walks of life, working together to create a welcoming environment where stories are shared and connections are made.
It’s those quiet moments of kōrero where conversations flow naturally, and relationships are built that make volunteering with Orange Sky NZ so meaningful.
Cathy, one of our incredible Wellington tūaovolunteers, sees the power of these simple moments.
Each week, she joins shifts with a smile, a deck of Connect Four cards, and an open heart – ready to meet people wherever they’re at.
"At the end of a shift, [a friend] turned to us and said, ‘Thank you so much, that’s the best evening I’ve had in a long time..’"
Some nights are lively, others are quiet. However, every night is built on genuine connection, not judgment.
At Orange Sky NZ, we know people doing it tough should never be defined by their circumstances. Our kaupapamission is about providing access to basic services – clean laundry, warm showers, and just as importantly, a safe place for kōreroconversation, connection, and community.
We need you.
Today, there are still thousands of Kiwis living without stable housing across Aotearoa. The latest homelessness statistics in NZ show the need is growing, not shrinking.
By volunteering even a few hours a fortnight, you’ll be:
- Supporting community New Zealand initiatives that deliver real, practical help.
- Joining one of the few charitable organisations in NZ providing both hygiene services and genuine connection.
- Helping reduce isolation and loneliness for people experiencing homelessness in Wellington.
- Contributing to a service that empowers people, rather than defines them by their hardship.
No fancy skills are required – just a heart for people, a listening ear, and a willingness to show up.
Since that first evening in 2019, Hugo has never stopped rolling through Wellington.
But we can’t do it without you.
