The Mission held a dawn blessing on August 8 at the apartment building it has leased in Day Street. Kaumātua Otene Reweti of Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei (pictured) gifted the name Te Ao Mārama for the building, which means the world of light. The name connects to the concept of bringing people out of darkness and despair into the light.  

Te Ao Mārama will be managed in a similar way to the apartments at HomeGround, following an internationally proven supportive housing model, where we have an even mix of Housing First tenants (those who have previously lived on the street and have other physical or mental health needs) with people who are on the social housing register and do not need extra support. The tenants will have the security of a 24/7 safety officer and a day-time support officer. The necessary building works to convert the site from its previous use as a hotel are well under way and we will soon be able to start welcoming the first tenants.