Orange Sky Laundry, Tauranga

DONATION: $30,000
50% cost of a new laundry pod located in Tauranga

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Orange Sky Aotearoa, the not-for-profit organisation providing free mobile laundry and shower services to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship, has partnered with Tauranga-based charity Under the Stars to launch a new permanent laundry pod at its premises in the Cliff Road Community Hall.

Under the Stars provides healthy, home-cooked meals to more than 100 guests in need each week, with sit-down services on Thursdays at 12pm and Saturdays at 5pm. The new laundry pod will be operational during these times, providing guests with the opportunity to wash and dry their clothes while accessing the meals, hot showers and other essential resources, including clean towels, toiletries, free clothing, and haircuts.

This is Orange Sky’s third permanent laundry pod and its sixth service nationwide. Supported by generous contributions from Hugo Charitable Trust and Awhero Nui Charitable Trust, it builds on the impact of Orange Sky’s distinctive orange vans, which deliver mobile laundry and shower services across the motu.

The Tauranga installation responds to the growing demand for accessible hygiene services in the region, where, according to Tauranga City Council, 2.8% of residents – approximately 4,000 people – are recorded as experiencing homelessness in some form.

The launch of the new laundry pod in Tauranga

Ani Stace, Strategic Partnership and Funding Manager at Under the Stars, played a pivotal role in bringing Orange Sky to Tauranga. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Ani lived in a remote community, where many residents relied on tank water. Due to delivery restrictions, families faced difficulty meeting basic needs, including showering and doing laundry. Orange Sky’s mobile service became a lifeline for those without access to these essentials.

“I used the service myself,” Ani recalls. “It was such a relief when everyone was stretched thin and the experience really stuck with me. We’ve talked about the possibility of a permanent laundry facility at Under The Stars for years, so having Orange Sky offer this on-site now is truly magical!”

Kat Doughty, Senior Impact Manager at Orange Sky Aotearoa, added: “At Orange Sky, we believe in the power of connection, and this new permanent laundry pod in Tauranga allows us to offer not just clean clothes, but a moment of warmth, and kōrero. Partnering with Under the Stars means we can meet people where they are – in a space they already trust and feel safe in. Their work aligns closely with our kaupapa, and we’re proud to stand alongside such a dedicated local team to support the wellbeing of this community.”

Orange Sky’s commitment to supporting communities extends beyond Tauranga, with free mobile laundry and shower services also operating in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hawke’s Bay. With the help of more than 350 volunteers, Orange Sky has completed over 31,531 loads of laundry, provided 14,891 hot showers, and spent more than 46,518 hours engaged in meaningful, non-judgmental kōrero with communities across New Zealand.