Feed My Lambs Begins New Chapter of Community Support in Te Hiku o Te Ika
Feed My Lambs is entering a new season of service, continuing its commitment to supporting māmā, pēpi, tamariki and whānau across Te Hiku o Te Ika.
Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust (Te Whare) Tāhuhu | CEO Elizabeth Walker says Te Whare is privileged to take on the stewardship of the Feed My Lambs programme, ensuring local whānau can continue to access trusted support, build strong connections, and receive the resources they need to thrive and strengthen their wellbeing and resilience.
For more than 20 years, Feed My Lambs has provided a safe and welcoming space where whānau can access support, encouragement, and practical assistance. Through a combination of professional social services, pastoral care, manaakitanga, and holistic support, the service helps whānau navigate some of life’s most challenging and important stages.
Elizabeth Walker explains, “Welcoming Feed My Lambs into the Te Whare whānau builds on the strong foundations established by Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church and its longstanding dedication to serving local whānau.
“The transition marks an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region and deepen the support available to local whānau. By bringing together social services expertise, pastoral care, and cultural and spiritual wellbeing, Feed My Lambs aims to provide a holistic response to the needs of whānau in Te Hiku o Te Ika.”
“It’s important that whānau working through life’s challenges have access to the support services they need, especially within their own communities, and that they know where and how to find that support. For many years, Feed My Lambs has been one of the trusted support services for māmā, pēpi and whānau in Kaitaia, providing connection, encouragement, practical support, and a genuine sense of belonging. We want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to that legacy.”
She says she is also pleased to confirm that two Feed My Lambs kaimahi will be joining the Te Whare whānau, helping maintain continuity for existing whānau while strengthening the support available across the region.
“Our kaupapa at Te Whare is centred on strengthening whānau and helping tamariki thrive, so welcoming Feed My Lambs and kaimahi into our whare feels like a natural extension of that commitment. It means this much-valued service can continue supporting whānau while bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections across Te Hiku.”
Te Pīhopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau Archdeacon Fran Hokianga says Feed My Lambs remains grounded in the values that have guided the service since its establishment.
“Feed My Lambs has always been about people before programmes. As we enter this new season of ministry, we honour the faithful foundations laid through the ministry of Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church and Rongopai House while embracing an authentic and transparent partnership with Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri. Our prayer is that every māmā, pēpi, tamariki, and whānau will experience not only practical support, but also the hope, healing, and love of Christ.”
Archdeacon Liz Martin, Interim Priest-in-Charge at St Saviours Anglican Church says they’re delighted that the Feed My Lambs is being given a new lease of life. We are so thankful for Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri for gathering this ministry under their wing. Feed My Lambs will continue to be a valued part of the life of St Saviours, and we look forward to supporting māmā, pēpē & whānau in partnership with Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri.”
Whānau wanting to connect with Feed My Lambs should phone 0800 Te Whare | 0800 839 4273 or visit the website https://tewhare.org.nz/contact-us/.
About Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust
Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust is a kaupapa Māori social service organisation that supports whānau affected by sexual violence and family violence, delivering services that strengthen whānau wellbeing, safety, and resilience.
Te Whare has been walking alongside whānau in Kaitaia for 30 years with offices also based in Whangārei and Tamaki Makaurau.
For more information:
Erin Rangi-Watt, Corporate Services Manager – 022 499 7321