In 2006, the wider Tairāwhiti community was
deeply affected by three traumatic instances of
family violence that resulted in the deaths of two
women and three men. These events created a
renewed sense of urgency around tackling family
violence within the community.
A group of concerned men came together to form
Tairāwhiti Men Against Violence (TMAV). Their vision was
to create a community of caring men, who could live non-
violent lives and support others to do the same. In August
2007, the idea of a Men’s Centre was first proposed at a
TMAV hui. The aim of a Men’s Centre would be to reduce
family violence by addressing the issues that lead men to
use violence again women and children.
The Men’s Centre concept found supportive partners in
Te Whare Tu Wāhine (Gisborne Women’s Refuge) and
Family Works (a social service provided in this region by
Presbyterian Support East Coast). It was acknowledged that
although the Men’s Centre and Women’s Refuge would
be complementary services, it was important that they
operate out of different premises.
In 2010 a suitable space became available above the Family
Works Store in Gisborne. Family Works and Te Whare Tu
Wāhine formed a collaborative partnership, pooling their
resources to get the Men’s Centre off the ground.
The Tauawhi Men’s Centre was officially opened on 2 July
2010. The name Tauawhi, “to embrace”, was provided by
renowned Ngāti Porou linguist and kuia Turuhira Tatare.
The centre was dedicated to the memory of Dr Pat Ngata,
an outspoken advocate against violence and a leader in
intervention with men. (From the booklet). Record #8748