Te Whare Tāwharau: Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Centre

The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill is currently open for public consultation. It proposes amending the Legislation Act 2019 to define:
• "Woman" as an adult human biological female
• "Man" as an adult human biological male

We recognise that this topic may affect members of our community in different ways, including the fact that this language erases our intersex and trans whānau.

At Te Whare Tāwharau, we are committed to supporting people of all genders, as defined by them. We strive to create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and
included.

If you would like your voice heard, you can make a public submission on the bill here: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/54SCSSC_SCF_9E8E8A14-A51C-4567-AB33-08DE9053A7D1/CreateSubmission
Closing date for submissions: Thu 2 July 2026, 11.59pm

Please always remember to engage with care and respect for one another.

You are more than your grades. If exam stress is affecting your relationships, boundaries, mental health, or sense of safety, reaching out for support is a strength, not a failure 💛 You deserve care, respect, rest, and support exactly as you are.

We are open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm all through exams.

Today, new stalking laws officially come into effect in Aotearoa. Stalking is repeated unwanted behaviour that causes fear, distress, or intimidation, which can include...
• Constant message or calls
• Following or monitoring
• Showing up uninvited
• Online harassment or doxing
• Using social media, friends, workplaces or study spaces to keep tabs on someone

The new law creates a specific stalking offence with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and strengthens protections for people experiencing stalking.

This reform matters because stalking is not “romantic” or “harmless”, it’s about control, fear, and intimidation. For more information: https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/key-initiatives/addressing-stalking/

Due to staff shortages, please see amended walk-in hours for the week:
✧ Mon 25 May: Open 10am-12:30pm
✧ Tue 26 May: Open 10am-3pm
✧ Wed 27 May: Open 12:30pm-3pm
✧ Thu 28 May: Open 10am-3pm
✧ Fri 29 May: CLOSED
✧ Mon 1 June: CLOSED
 
If you were planning to visit, please email us and we’ll arrange an appointment: [email protected]
Some other support options:
Safe To Talk is a 24/7 sexual harm helpline.
✧ Text: 4334 or call: 0800 044 334

1737 is a 24/7 helpline for mental health support.
✧ Call or text 1737

ŌCASA (Ōtepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse) are located at 21 Dunbar St.
✧ Call (03) 474 1592 to check their availability.

The centre will be closed Thu 21 & Fri 22 May. If you were planning to visit, please email us and we’ll arrange an appointment: [email protected]

Some other support options:
Safe To Talk is a 24/7 sexual harm helpline.
✧ Text: 4334 or call: 0800 044 334

1737 is a 24/7 helpline for mental health support.
✧ Call or text 1737

ŌCASA (Ōtepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse) are located at 21 Dunbar St.
✧ Call (03) 474 1592 to check their availability.

“Love bombing” is when someone gives a new partner loads of attention, affection, and grand gestures early on, making things feel intense very quickly. It may seem romantic, but can actually be a way to manufacture closeness or dependency before trust is built.

🚩 Why this is a concern: Healthy relationships take time. Love bombing can skip that process, which might lead to...
• blurred boundaries
• pressure to move fast
• controlling behaviours like jealousy, isolation, or gaslighting

🧠 What to keep in mind: Not all big gestures are harmful and context matters. But if something feels off...
• slow things down
• check in with your boundaries
• reflect on how the relationship is affecting you

💚 Look out for yourself:
• Talk to someone you trust for perspective
• Focus on how you feel, not just how they’re trying to make you feel
• Remember, you’re allowed to step back or walk away and should be able to do that safely and without harassment or harm

⚠️ Bottom line: Real connection builds over time. If it feels rushed, overwhelming, or too good to be true, it’s worth paying attention to that feeling.

Photo: Veronika Trushkevich

Your body belongs to you.

If you would like to speak with someone about an experience of sexual harm, you can visit Te Whare Tāwharau during walk-in hours at 63 Clyde Street: 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri.

Or contact us to make an appointment:
✧ Txt/call: 021 278 3795
✧ Free call: 0800 479 379
✧ E-mail: [email protected]

Photo: Rylan Krupp

The centre is closed today, Tuesday 12 May. If you were planning to visit, please email us and we’ll arrange an appointment: [email protected]

Some other support options:
Safe To Talk is a 24/7 sexual harm helpline.
✧ Text: 4334 or call: 0800 044 334

1737 is a 24/7 helpline for mental health support.
✧ Call or text 1737

ŌCASA (Ōtepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse) are located at 21 Dunbar St.
✧ Call (03) 474 1592 to check their availability.

What is "R**e Culture"? Think of it like a pyramid. The most visible harm sits at the top but it’s held up by the “smaller” things we often ignore, like jokes, stereotypes and victim-blaming. If the base stays strong, the harm at the top continues.

What we laugh off, excuse or ignore supports and enables more serious harm to take place. This is how culture shapes violence... But it is also the key to how we can stop it.