“These are multidimensional people.”

That was the life lesson Lifezone trustee and Tūmanako volunteer Phil Radford learnt after years of serving those at the fringes of Tauranga.

Tūmanako is a laundry, showers, breakfast, and doctor service run out of the Lifezone Church in Judea every Thursday from 7.30am to 9.30am.

“The basics we all take for granted,” Radford said.

When SunLive visited the church, 35 people, primarily men, talked around a few wooden tables with cups of coffee, porridge and curried sausages.

“If we had everyone here, it would be over 40 people.”

A cup of coffee

Tūmanako is spearheaded by retired business owner Wayne Shadbolt, who came on board shortly after Covid-19, after seeing the work done by retired outreach coordinator Carlene Murray.

“She just started with giving coffee to people,” Shadbolt said.

“Then Carlene suggested a morning support team with food, which expanded to include showers and clothes from our op shop. Three and a half years later, this is where we are today.”

The meals will change, sometimes, with a full English breakfast, but Shadbolt explains one thing is a constant.

“We can give them that humanity and support we are trying to achieve. We’re not social workers, but we’ll do what we can.”

Those unable to transport themselves to the church can getthe shuttle operated by Tūmanako, or food parcels can be delivered if need be, Shadbolt said.

Tūmanako, meaning “to hope for”, was chosen after much discussion to reflect the project’s mission.

“It generally means ‘to hope for’ but also for us and approved with the logo is ‘Nurture the seed and it will flourish’ — Poipoia te kakano kia puawai.”

A sole organisation cannot solve the social problem encountered at Tūmanako, [it] will take a village to come close to fixing things, Shadbolt believes.

“It’s not just about us. It’s about the community. It’s about a really large village and what we should look at doing.”

The odd scuffle has broken out at Tūmanako, but for the most part the morning breakfasts have been peaceful affairs, Shadbolt said.

Private donations and church funds cover the project’s daily costs. Two anonymous families donate food for the breakfasts.

Laundry and medical care

Tauranga City Council has supported the programme through community funds, allowing Lifezone to replace a stolen van and purchase a semi-commercial washer and dryer unit.

Wayne Shadbolt and Jasmine Pearson at the Tūmanako shuttle bus that picks up folks who cannot make their own way to Life Zone Church, Judea.

Shadbolt works closely with Tūmanako “camp mother”, and coordinator Jasmine Pearson, who helps to oversee the morning.

“And the laundry,” Pearson said.

The washing is brought in by Tūmanako patrons who will be able to collect it the following week, Pearson said.

Doctor Emma Stanley of Epic Health runs a free clinic during the morning where she can examine and help those in need.

She said that many doctors who could help often travel back to their home countries. “They can’t hack the system’s chaos in New Zealand,” Stanley said. “It is very hard.”

Stanley believes that bringing medical care can significantly impact the community.

“It’s about being open, offering the time, and, of course, the lack of cost also plays a role.”

Overcoming adversity

She was connected to Tūmanako via community member Aaron, who, at the beginning of Covid-19, faced homelessness when his lease wasn’t renewed.

He and his partner lived in a van and later moved into transitional emergency housing. Following the break-up of his relationship, he began to struggle with addiction and sought help from Stanley.

“One healthy choice led to another,” he said. He went on to find part-time work and started a business course in August, but he still visits Lifezone every Thursday. “Hearing our community members’ stories keeps me humble and accountable,” he said.