Housing First Ōtautahi

28/09/2026

This World Homeless Day (Saturday 10th October) we’re hosting an event outside the New Brighton Library.

Come down between 10:00am – 12:00pm to chat with our team and learn more about our mahi supporting people experiencing homelessness in Ōtautahi. We’ll have a BBQ going with some free kai and we’d love to see you there!

We’re also collecting donations for The Blanket Bank and HoonHay Food Bank – you can bring non-perishable food items and blankets/duvets to donate.

- Saturday 10th October 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Outside New Brighton Library

24/09/2026

We are collecting donations for The Blanket Bank and HoonHay Food Bank! From Monday 28 September to Monday 12 October you can drop donations off at the Housing First Ōtautahi office at 6/242 Ferry Road.

Help us support these essential community services by gifting donations of non-perishable food items and blankets/duvets in good, clean condition.

Donations can be dropped off between 8:30am – 3:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am – 12:00pm on Fridays.

13/08/2026

28/07/2026

Read more about the Christchurch Methodist Mission Big Sleepout at the link below.

“Homelessness in Ōtautahi is real, even if you don’t always see it,” says Housing First Manager Nic Fleming. “The Big Sleepout will make a direct, immediate difference for people who need support. And it will help our community understand the scale of the challenge.”

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-big-sleepout-to-tackle-homelessness-at-one-nz-stadium/IBPWXBZDUFFKHIW3P7J7UEKYBA/

Frontline providers are working with about 250 homeless people across canterbury.

21/07/2026

We documented some of the special moments from our Matariki celebrations, including our hāngi event and Hautapu ceremony.

Ngā mihi to our Housing First Ōtautahi collaborative partners (Christchurch Methodist Mission, Comcare, Emerge Aotearoa, Christchurch City Mission, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, Te Whare Roimata), Te Pā o Rākaihautū instructors Matua Dennis and Matua Q and their students for leading Mau Rākau, and Max Korako of Tangata Tiaki from Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke (Rāpaki Marae) for providing the mussels.

19/07/2026

Thank you to Frank Film for producing this short film about our mahi – giving an insight into the work our team is doing to support people experiencing homelessness in Ōtautahi.

16/07/2026

We are excited to be hosting the first Big Sleepout in Ōtautahi, joining the national movement that challenges business and community leaders to sleep out overnight to raise funds for homelessness services.

Funds raised through the CMM Big Sleepout will support our outreach services for people experiencing homelessness.

You can support this important fundraising initiative by donating at https://bigsleepoutsouth.nz/

On August 13, CMM will host the first Big Sleepout in Christchurch and Blenheim, joining the national movement that challenges business and community leaders to sleep out overnight to raise funds for homelessness services.

CMM’s Methodist Alliance sister organisation Lifewise started the Big Sleepout in Auckland, where it has grown into one of New Zealand’s most impactful empathy driven fundraising events.

Funds raised through the CMM Big Sleepout will support outreach services for people experiencing homelessness.

You can support this important fundraising initiative by donating at https://bigsleepoutsouth.nz/

08/07/2026

Mānawatia a Matariki! ✨

Yesterday we celebrated Matariki with our kaewa, kaimahi and the wider community. Thanks to all who joined us in New Brighton to share in the festivities which included a hāngi, Mau Rākau (traditional Māori weaponry) and colouring.

Special thanks to Te Pā o Rākaihautū instructors Matua Dennis and Matua Q and their students for leading Mau Rākau. Te Pā o Rākaihautū is an innovative pā wānanga based in Ōtautahi that integrates Mau Rākau directly into its daily curriculum. Guided by instructors like Matua Dennis and Matua Q, students learn taiaha, mahi waewae, and the protocols of the warrior to build resilience and connection.

26/05/2026

Housing First Ōtautahi Manager Nic Fleming featured on a recent episode of the Community Housing Aotearoa - CHA Hub Podcast, sharing insight into the work that the Housing First and Outreach Rapid Response teams are doing to support people experiencing homelessness.

Click the link below to listen to the podcast episode!

Podcast Episode · CHA Hub Podcast · 18 May · 30min