“Nobody has been made poor by giving,” says Tommy Wilson on the eve of his retirement from his role as leader of a Tauranga community non-profit trust, Te Tuinga Whānau.

“I own nothing. I don’t own houses, cars, nothing. I guess that’s the Buddhist in me balanced with a bit of my bro Jesus.”

A neighbour to Sun Media on The Strand, Tommy is reflecting on the generosity of Tauranga people to help power up the dream of weaving families in need together, and providing emergency housing, youth mentoring and wrap-around social services.

“We’re all capable of giving.”

He’s calling on people to gather with him for world peace at the beach at Sulphur Point on Armistice Day, Saturday November 11.

“Everyone bring a flower, we’ll make a big heart peace sign. Bring children.”

With Happy Puku dishing up kai, Tommy, the visionary Chief Imagination Officer of Te Tuinga Whānau, will bid farewell to his transformative role at 11am on November 11, marking exactly 11 years of unwavering dedication and innovation.

“I started with five staff back then in November 2012, and one homeless house donated by Tauranga Moana Māori Trust. Maureen Ririnui who passed away this year was the CEO. She gave us our first house.”

Te Tuinga Whānau was established in 1987 and initially managed by both Te Awanui Māori Women’s Welfare League and Whaioranga Trust. In 1993 it became independent, governed by trustees appointed from the community and contracting directly to government agencies. Under Tommy’s leadership and a board of believers, the service has grown to meet the changing needs across the community, focusing primarily on homelessness. Tommy’s commitment to help the homeless comes from a deeply personal resolve.

“My father was brought up homeless in Auckland.”

From five staff, Te Tuinga now has more than 80 staff, with 200 families across multiple buildings and motels across Tauranga.

“We’re about to go into Pāpāmoa in a really big way, where the need is.”

For Te Tuinga Whānau’s future, he’s keen to see the agency help homeless people into longer term accommodation. 

“More houses, working with council and Kainga Ora, working with accommodation services, helping people get out of emergency housing and into long-term housing.

“Compared to other areas, we’re way ahead of the game. There is no-one hungry in Tauranga Moana to my knowledge. We look after our homeless and our at-risk youth. We do pretty well here, that’s because everyone is talking to each other.”

He acknowledges what he calls Tauranga’s ‘community king pins’ who help undergird the organisation’s work. Trust life member patron Sir Paul Adams has been a key supporter.

“Tauranga Golf Club members have provided up to 600 meals a month.”

Constantly seeking funds can be exhausting, but Tommy has persisted, spending his first three years in the role creating his own salary through writing books and making speeches to help bring funds into the organisation.

“I’m tired of hustling.”

Reflecting back, he wishes there had been more involvement by local Māori trusts and tribal authorities in the organisation’s work.

“That’s been a little bit of a disappointment. Our Caucasian cousins have really stepped up.”

He’s keen to start a Kai Co-op, networking with others to set up and run a food distribution centre through the 25 marae of Tauranga Moana.

“We have to get good food to our families without them having to go through the duopoly of the supermarket chains. I believe our marae network is brilliant for distributing kai. Good food producers and creating a kai co-op, that’s what I really want to do.”

He also has plans to play more golf, and make a documentary about his whānau’s history with ancestors from France bringing the Catholic faith to NZ. And launch his 33rd book ‘Paperboy Writer’ which is nearly ready to go to print. Tommy was brought up at Mount Maunganui, and recalls selling newspapers at the Oceanside Hotel, which prompted the book’s title.

“And I want to be a good koru [grandfather]”.

Tommy’s departure from the helm of this significant organisation is sparking a wave of reflection and anticipation for the future, as his community comes to terms with the transition of leadership, with Wendy Gillespie stepping into a CEO role.

Tommy’s remarkable tenure, characterised by boundless imagination and a relentless commitment to social betterment, leaves an indelible mark on the legacy of Te Tuinga Whānau.

Tommy’s Armistice Day celebration will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 11, at Sulphur Point beach.

All are welcome to gather with Tommy for world peace.