Free Mobile Laundry Service Launches In Whakatāne

A free mobile laundry facility launches today at Rewatu Marae, south of Whakatāne.

Local organisation, Waiariki Whanau Mentoring have partnered with Orange Sky Aotearoa to provide the service for people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

The community-led initiative has also received support from Whakatāne District Council and BayTrust.

This marks Orange Sky Aotearoa's eighth service across the country. The not-for-profit provide vans fitted with a washing machine and dryer, with some also offering showers.

Waiariki Whanau Mentoring will operate and deliver the service in Whakatāne as an eight-month trial.

Waiariki Whanau Mentoring founder and rangatira Waata Heathcote says the partnership with Orange Sky has the potential to reach thousands.

“This kaupapa is about more than clean clothes — it’s about restoring dignity and creating a space where people feel seen, heard and cared for. Our partnership with Orange Sky is grounded in shared values of manaaki and equity. We want to help remove the whakamā that can come with seeking support, and ensure everyone in our community has access to the basics they rightfully deserve. When an initiative is led by the community, for the community, it becomes something incredibly powerful.” Heathcote says.

The collaboration was brought together by Whakatāne District Council, after Karen Summerhays, Senior Community Development Advisor, approached Orange Sky to explore how the service might benefit the region.

“The demand for support is growing. We’re seeing more whānau under pressure, and more people doing it tough. We knew there was a real need for a service like this, and we’re proud to have helped bring the right people together to make it happen.” Summerhays says.

Kat Doughty, Senior Impact Manager at Orange Sky, says the partnership is an example of how organisations partnering can achieve greater outcomes that meet the local need in a way that is led by the local community.

“Our partnership with Waiariki Whanau Mentoring embodies the heart of our Community-Led Delivery model. It supports trusted local organisations to deliver in a way that’s grounded in relationships, manaakitanga, and local knowledge. We’re grateful to Whakatāne District Council for their support in bringing everyone around the table and to Waiariki Whanau Mentoring Trust for welcoming us into the community.”

“We know there is a growing need for support services across the Whakatāne region, and Aotearoa as a whole. This year, compared to last year, we have already seen a 44% increase in the demand for our services, so we are really proud to bring this service to Whakatāne to support the growing number of whānau in need.” Doughty says.