about us
About Te Whare Herenga
Te Herenga Tāngata Charitable Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to supporting wāhine, tamariki and whānau affected by family violence, homelessness and crisis.
about us
About Te Whare Herenga
Te Herenga Tāngata Charitable Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to supporting wāhine, tamariki and whānau affected by family violence, homelessness and crisis.
Guided by the values of Mana-aki, Aroha, Ngātahi and Āhuru, we provide safe, culturally grounded and trauma-informed services that empower whānau to reclaim their mana, strengthen their wellbeing and create positive futures.
Guided by the values of Mana-aki, Aroha, Ngātahi and Āhuru, we provide safe, culturally grounded and trauma-informed services that empower whānau to reclaim their mana, strengthen their wellbeing and create positive futures.
We exist for mana wāhinetanga, tino rangatiratanga, connection and personal growth to enhance the wellbeing of whānau Māori
Through refuge services, transitional housing, community support, advocacy and prevention, we walk alongside whānau on their journey towards safety, healing and independence.
We believe every whānau deserves the opportunity to live free from violence, with the support and strength to thrive.
We exist for mana wāhinetanga, tino rangatiratanga, connection and personal growth to enhance the wellbeing of whānau Māori
Through refuge services, transitional housing, community support, advocacy and prevention, we walk alongside whānau on their journey towards safety, healing and independence.
We believe every whānau deserves the opportunity to live free from violence, with the support and strength to thrive.
Our kaupapa — ko wai mātou
Our team.
A team of social workers and advocates who primarily work across West and South Auckland however we will work with any wahine that feels they will best be supported by our kaimahi in the greater Tamaki Makaurau area.
Our Refuge team is under the guidance of our Manahautū Service Delivery Manager, Practice Lead of Refuge Services, and Team Leader of Transitional Housing.
Frances Fergusson
General Manager
Frances Fergusson, (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri) Manahautū [General Manager], has continued to demonstrate commitment and dedication in leading our Māori Women’s Refuges kaupapa.
She has been a great leader for her team. Frances has been committed and dedicated to leading the organisation through groundbreaking changes within the movement of refuge.
This new initiative rolled out in July 2024. Frances continues with her vision of ‘He waka eke noa tātou’ - ‘we are on this waka together’. Frances has been with the organization for four (4) years.
Pikihora Brown-Cooper
Chairman
Pikihora Brown-Cooper, (Ngatihine, Ngā Puhi, Waikato) Chair of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board]. Background is in Early Childhood Education, and facilitation around te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Pikihora comes with 30 years’ experience in Adult Teaching, Māori advisory and governance.
Pikihora facilitates kaupapa Māori wānanga in support of working alongside Wāhine Māori, to both Tāngata Pasifika and Tāngata Tiriti who are under the collective of NCIWR.
Pikihora is a founding member of Te Herenga Tāngata and commenced a second (2nd) term on the board, November 2024.
Theresa Roigard
Deputy Chair
Theresa Roigard, (Ngatihine, Te Arawa) Deputy Chair of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board], brings extensive expertise in strategic planning and analysis to her role as a board member.
Theresa led the review of the organisation’s strategic plan during 2023–2024, ensuring a clear and future-focused direction.
Theresa; contributes her knowledge and leadership to Te Herenga Tāngata and the organisation. Theresa was re-elected and confirmed as an Officer November 2024.
Bill Takerei
Treasurer
Bill Takerei, (Waikato-Tainui, Ngati Whawhakia, Ngati Mahuta, Hauraki, Ngati Hako Tauranga Moana, Ngai Te Rangi, Ngai Tamarawaho, Ngāti Hāmoa - Tauese, Apia) Treasurer of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board], comes with a wealth of knowledge around governance on boards.
Bill held the role of Chair back in late 2020, however ceased this role to support ‘Mana Wāhine’ aspects of the refuge movement. Bill lends his support to the kaupapa of Māori Women’s refuge and support of Māori Wāhine.
Bill’s portfolio includes Kaumatua leadership, financial accountability, Māori advisory and whakapapa connections to Te Kingitanga. Bill is a founding and valued member of Te Herenga Tāngata. Bill commenced a second (2nd) term on the board, November 2024.
Irene Farnham
Board Member
Irene Farnham, (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe) brings to her role as a Board Member critical kaupapa Māori research and social work perspectives. With a background working in the social services sector, and community-based kaupapa Māori research, she offers both practical experience and research expertise.
Her research interests centre on Māori women’s leadership and the spaces where our wāhine lead, serve, and advocate for whānau. Irene was confirmed as an Officer, November 2024.
Our kaupapa — ko wai mātou
Our team.
A team of social workers and advocates who primarily work across West and South Auckland however we will work with any wahine that feels they will best be supported by our kaimahi in the greater Tamaki Makaurau area.
Our Refuge team is under the guidance of our Manahautū Service Delivery Manager, Practice Lead of Refuge Services, and Team Leader of Transitional Housing.
Frances Fergusson
General Manager
Frances Fergusson, (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri) Manahautū [General Manager], has continued to demonstrate commitment and dedication in leading our Māori Women’s Refuges kaupapa.
She has been a great leader for her team. Frances has been committed and dedicated to leading the organisation through groundbreaking changes within the movement of refuge.
This new initiative rolled out in July 2024. Frances continues with her vision of ‘He waka eke noa tātou’ - ‘we are on this waka together’. Frances has been with the organization for four (4) years.
Pikihora Brown-Cooper
Chairman
Pikihora Brown-Cooper, (Ngatihine, Ngā Puhi, Waikato) Chair of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board]. Background is in Early Childhood Education, and facilitation around te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Pikihora comes with 30 years’ experience in Adult Teaching, Māori advisory and governance.
Pikihora facilitates kaupapa Māori wānanga in support of working alongside Wāhine Māori, to both Tāngata Pasifika and Tāngata Tiriti who are under the collective of NCIWR.
Pikihora is a founding member of Te Herenga Tāngata and commenced a second (2nd) term on the board, November 2024.
Theresa Roigard
Deputy Chair
Theresa Roigard, (Ngatihine, Te Arawa) Deputy Chair of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board], brings extensive expertise in strategic planning and analysis to her role as a board member.
Theresa led the review of the organisation’s strategic plan during 2023–2024, ensuring a clear and future-focused direction.
Theresa; contributes her knowledge and leadership to Te Herenga Tāngata and the organisation. Theresa was re-elected and confirmed as an Officer November 2024.
Bill Takerei
Treasurer
Bill Takerei, (Waikato-Tainui, Ngati Whawhakia, Ngati Mahuta, Hauraki, Ngati Hako Tauranga Moana, Ngai Te Rangi, Ngai Tamarawaho, Ngāti Hāmoa - Tauese, Apia) Treasurer of Te Herenga Tāngata [The Board], comes with a wealth of knowledge around governance on boards.
Bill held the role of Chair back in late 2020, however ceased this role to support ‘Mana Wāhine’ aspects of the refuge movement. Bill lends his support to the kaupapa of Māori Women’s refuge and support of Māori Wāhine.
Bill’s portfolio includes Kaumatua leadership, financial accountability, Māori advisory and whakapapa connections to Te Kingitanga. Bill is a founding and valued member of Te Herenga Tāngata. Bill commenced a second (2nd) term on the board, November 2024.
Irene Farnham
Board Member
Irene Farnham, (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe) brings to her role as a Board Member critical kaupapa Māori research and social work perspectives. With a background working in the social services sector, and community-based kaupapa Māori research, she offers both practical experience and research expertise.
Her research interests centre on Māori women’s leadership and the spaces where our wāhine lead, serve, and advocate for whānau. Irene was confirmed as an Officer, November 2024.
IN AN EMERGENCY
Seeking refuge?
Call our free crisis line.
Kōrero with a kaimahi any time, day or night — whether you need somewhere safe tonight or just want to talk through your options.
We know reaching out can be hard.
You’re tired, and you’re already carrying a lot. For many wāhine it isn’t about ending the relationship — you just want the violence to stop.
We can meet wherever feels safest to you — your place, your māmā’s, a friend’s, a café. Bring anyone you trust. If getting there is hard, we’ll come to you.
IN AN EMERGENCY
Seeking refuge?
Call our free crisis line.
Kōrero with a kaimahi any time, day or night — whether you need somewhere safe tonight or just want to talk through your options.
We know reaching out can be hard.
You’re tired, and you’re already carrying a lot. For many wāhine it isn’t about ending the relationship — you just want the violence to stop.
We can meet wherever feels safest to you — your place, your māmā’s, a friend’s, a café. Bring anyone you trust. If getting there is hard, we’ll come to you.
Tautoko mai — support us
Your koha keeps the door open.
Donations fund food packages, clothing and essentials, mobile phones, support for tamariki, practical assistance, advocacy, wellbeing initiatives, and safe housing and refuge itself.
24/7 CRISIS LINE
REFUGE SERVICES
Email Enquiries Only
refuge@teherengatangata.org.nz
Monitored 8:30 AM - 4:30PM
Transitional Housing Service
Monitored 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
threferral@teherengatangata.org.nz
For safety, we never publish our addresses.
© 2026 Te Whare Herenga o Ngā Tāngata
© 2026 Te Whare Herenga o Ngā Tāngata
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