21/05/2026
And now for the positive post! It's going to be a long one!
We have so many people to thank, that have made BRHV what it is. It has been my (Sarah) personal honour to have met such an amazing bunch of people in my last 8 years.
Our funders:
There have been so many over the last 60 years it is hard to name them all, but some notable ones have stood the test of time. Lottery grants, Margaret and Winton Bear, The Lion Foundation, Pub Charity Limited, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Nikau Foundation, and Hutt City Council.
Community supporters:
Kaibosh and Waiwhetū Fruit and Vege Co op have helped us provide kai to our whānau. Kindness Collective Foundation has given us gifts at Christmas, and PJs and warm blankets in the winter. Mark Real Estate - Professionals REAA 2008 have collected Christmas gifts every year. Local businesses such as The Warehouse PAK'nSAVE and Woolworths New Zealand have helped us at Christmas and throughout the year, and there have been donations from lots of others over the years.
Of course I can't forget our wonderful Hutt Valley community, who have kept the Whānau Room stocked with the most amazing donations. There are people in our community who have bought things especially for our whānau and one person in particular who has always gone out of her way to help when we needed it.
The Birthright Whānau:
What a beautiful, resilient, kind lot of people we have had the honour to have work alongside! So many of you have taken up our battle to continue, and we appreciate it more than you know.
You have inspired us daily with your strength and determination, and broken our hearts with your tragic stories. We are devastated that we can no longer walk with you, but please feel our spirits with you, and our nagging voices telling you that you can do it, you are strong, and you are WORTHY!
The Birthright Whānau Team:
How lucky is our old gal to have had 60 years of the most dedicated staff to ever exist! It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge the years of work that Christine, Pam and Kath put in. I know you are as heart broken as us at this tragic end, but we wouldn't have survived this long without your tireless mahi.
I have had the honour of leading many social workers, volunteers and students in my time, and I want to acknowledge each one of you for the work you did with our whānau. Every one of you also taught me more about the kind of manager I want be ❤️
We have had so many volunteers over the years whose contribution has been invaluable. Most recently our Sia has been a godsend, beavering away organizing and making the Whānau Room a warm and welcoming place. I have to also acknowledge my sons. Louis has been a steadfast volunteer for everything from moving furniture, picking up and delivering Christmas presents and painting the office. Dante has been the wacky, friendly face of the Wednesday Whānau Room for a year now, and I know he will miss his interactions with you all.
Our new honourary team members Public Service Association have to be recognized for the love they have shown us personally, and the fantastic job they have done to get our story out there. Join your union whānau!
Last but by now means least, my current team. A sisterhood that has trauma bonded so we will be connected for life! Thank you all for the unending love and support you have shown me, and for your valiant fight to save Birthright Hutt Valley.
Kate - I know how hard this closure has been for you, having grown up in the arms of BRHV, then dedicating 9 years to your mahi in ways people won't ever know about. You took the Whānau room from a shelf to a shop, and were as much of a social worker as the rest of us. You can create kai parcels from nothing, and in a quarter of the time it takes me! You even know everyone's food prefernces and allergies. I know our whānau will miss your kindness, empathy and smile. I will miss our laughs, our hugs and your never ending support and loyalty.
Alice - your passion and fire have been something to behold! Our whānau have had such a fierce advocate in their corner, and they don't know how you have cried and raged about the systems that hold them back. You show the whānau you support such powerful love and care, and engender the kind of trust that is not easily given. I look forward to seeing where that fight and drive take you in the future!
Lithia - what a privilege it has been to watch your growth! You have gone from being terrified to answer the phone, to interacting confidently with anyone who calls or walks in. You have given gentle, spiritual love and kindness to our whānau that heals in such a special way. Your beautiful soul is miraculous from what life has thrown you, and I know you will continue to flourish and grow.
Zuko - you have been a breath of fresh air to the team, except when you're windy! Thank you for the love you have shown our whānau, your natural instinct to sense when people need some fluffy love is a pleasure to see.
Keturah - the dark horse.Your quiet, calm exterior belies the firey soul within. Your peaceful, soothing mana has helped calm some of the most emotional whānau, whilst your passionate dedication has made you such a powerful advocate. It has been wonderful to watch your confidence grow and see you develop into a truly great social worker. Never doubt your skills or the impact they make.
Thank you if you have read this far as I mean every word, and my hearts hurts so much today.
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata ❤️
