Hastings & Napier Women's Refuge

05/10/2026

Our next Wāhine Safety Programme is starting this October, and it’s completely FREE. 💜

Running for 8 weeks, the programme provides a safe, supportive space for wāhine to build confidence, learn practical safety skills and connect with others.
Topics and activities include safety planning, legal support, positive parenting, self-care, Rongoā Māori, arts and weaving, and community outings.

📅 Starting Thursday 15 October (running for 8 weeks)
⏰ 9.30am – 12.30pm
📍 Taradale Co-Lab, 7 Lee Road, Taradale
🥗 Lunch provided
💜 FREE to attend

Registration is essential. To register, text 021 222 8224 or email [email protected]

24/09/2026

Come join our FREE Women's Safety Programme beginning Thursday 15 October, 9.30 to 12.30. We provide lunch, and transport if required. To sign up phone or text 0212228224, or email - [email protected]. Come and build your own safety network.

22/09/2026

What a night!

On Saturday, around 130 guests joined us at the Toitoi Assembly Ballroom for the third annual Family VIP Gala Dinner & Charity Auction, and together we raised more than $35,000 through our live and silent auctions for Hastings & Napier Women’s Refuges - with more results to come.

There were some incredible moments throughout the evening, including perhaps New Zealand’s most expensive tank of petrol? After paying $2,200 for a block of butter at last year’s Gala, Colourcraft Managing Director Peter Gerbes was back, this time bidding $2,500 for a tank of petrol.

The generosity across the entire room that made the night what it was. To everyone who joined us, bid generously, donated an auction item, sponsored or supported the event, thank you. And a special thank you to our event partners Colourcraft, Harcourts, Sainsbury Logan & Williams, Direct Earth and HSM for helping make the evening possible.

Every dollar raised helps Hastings & Napier Women’s Refuges continue providing safe accommodation, advocacy and practical, ongoing support for local women, children and male victims affected by family violence.

A few photos of the night, with thanks to photographer Michael Farr.

19/09/2026

A HUGE thank you to the sponsor's of last night's Gala Dinner. We literally couldn't do it without you.

Results to come!

17/09/2026

One of the amazing items up for grabs at tomorrow's auction is a private dining experience at the beautiful Craggy Range, very generously donated by Ainsworth & Collinson.

The lucky winner will end the night with an unforgettable Craggy Range experience for six, beginning with a guided tasting of five Estate w**es and flagship Sophia, followed by a behind-the-scenes w**ery and barrel cellar tour. Then settle into The Library for a seasonal three-course menu by Executive Chef Casey McDonald, thoughtfully paired with Craggy Range w**es and framed by spectacular views of Te Mata Peak.

Thanks so much to the team at Ainsworth & Collinson!

17/09/2026

This Saturday, 12 incredible lots will go under the hammer at the 2026 Gala Dinner & Charity Auction, all donated in support of Hastings & Napier Women’s Refuges.
Among them:

~ A private dining experience for six at Craggy Range, including a w**ery and barrel cellar tour, donated by Ainsworth & Collinson
~ A round at Cape Kidnappers with professional golfer Mat Perry.
~ Three bottles of Te Mata Estate Coleraine 2019.
~ A limited-edition, hand-signed Josh Lancaster ‘Pipi’ print.
~ Plus dining, golf, w**e, wellness, corporate experiences and more.

There are also some amazing prizes up for grabs as part of the evening’s silent auction.

And if last year taught us anything, it’s that you never quite know what might happen once the bidding starts. After all, a block of butter went for $2,200...

Every bid helps Hastings & Napier Women’s Refuges continue supporting local women, children and male victims affected by family violence.

Thank you so much to all of the incredible organisations and individuals who have donated to the live and silent auctions, and thank you to auction partner Harcourts.



Bring on Saturday night!

14/09/2026

We are incredibly grateful for this ongoing support from the Refuge Outreach team from Lindisfarne College and so proud to see them receive this award ❤️

The Civic Honour Awards celebrate and recognise the wonderful groups and individuals who have given many years of outstanding voluntary service.

This year, the Lindisfarne College Refuge Outreach team received a Civic Honour award. Since 2017, the Lindisfarne College Refuge Outreach team has been an exceptional partner to Family VIP Services, providing a wide range of support for vulnerable women in Hawke’s Bay.
Students, staff and families help where needed, from providing essential items to volunteering their time, supporting fundraising initiatives and actively engaging in awareness activities, weekly gardening and vegetable growing, food pack shopping and care pack assembly and delivery.
This initiative not only provides women who have suffered family violence with practical support, and a sense of dignity, care and connection, it also focuses on youth leadership and Christian values-based action to the benefit of the students involved and the wider community.

08/09/2026

"We think it's one of those causes that feels personal, because most of us know someone who has been in a difficult situation at some point in their life.... At Colourcraft, we're really proud to be able to support the work of the Hastings and Napier Women's Refuge in some way."

Peter and Toni Gerbes at Colourcraft are long term supporters of the Gala Dinner and Refuges. In fact, you might remember Peter in the spotlight last year, after purchasing New Zealand's most expensive block of butter at the 2025 auction! This year, Toni has also come on board to help organise the event - we're so thankful for all of your support, Colourcraft!

07/09/2026

"What has become really special is seeing people return year after year. By attending again, they are saying 'we are still here, we are still not looking away, and this still matters.' There's something incredibly powerful about that continued commitment to a cause."

Long-time supporter of Family VIP Services Hastings & Napier Women's Refuge Elaine Byloo is one of the Gala Dinner's fantastic organisers.
A voice for women reclaiming their own, Elaine tells us what drives us to support the cause, and what she's most looking forward to on the night 💜

04/09/2026

“It’s time we all stood up, spoke out, and made a difference together.” ⁠
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The incredible Korrin Barrett - speaker, mentor, long-time supporter of Hastings & Napier Women’s Refuge - tells us why she's once again getting behind the Gala Dinner and Charity Auction. ⁠
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Korrin’s words are a powerful reminder of why this event matters. It’s not just about one night - it's about raising our voices for those who need to be heard.⁠
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Limited remaining tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Gala Dinner & Charity Auction, in support of Women’s Refuge Hastings & Napier.⁠ Book now to secure a spot for your group of friends, colleagues or clients.

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/family-vip-services-gala-dinner-and-charity-auction-2026/hastings