Te Whare Hauora

Website design & build for Ōtautahi Womens Refuge.

(Client)
Te Whare Hauora
(Services)
Website Design & Build
(Industry)
Community, Social Services

WEB DESIGN

& BUILD

A safe and gentle online space created to support women and whānau during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Te Whare Hauora has been a source of strength for women and families across Ōtautahi for decades. Their work is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and community care — guiding people through moments where safety, privacy, and clarity matter most. When they approached me, they didn’t yet have a website. What they needed wasn’t just a place online, but a digital home that reflected the mana and warmth of their kaupapa. The vision was clear: a website that felt calm and grounded, where women and whānau could find information, learn about Te Whare Hauora’s story, and access support without fear or overwhelm. A place where professionals could send referrals with ease, and where those reaching out for help could do so safely and discreetly.

Outcome

The final website brings their mahi into the digital world with care and intention. Every part of the experience was designed with the user’s safety and emotional state in mind. The layout is simple and calming, guiding people through clear pathways to support, services, and urgent help, while also honouring the history and values of Te Whare Hauora.

Key features include:

  • A quick-exit button for those who may need to leave the site instantly
  • The Shielded Site tool, allowing people to seek support without leaving a digital trace
  • A secure referral form for professionals, whānau, and self-referrals
  • Dedicated pages to share their story and explain available services
  • Carefully sourced imagery that reflects their audience while protecting privacy
  • A navigation structure that reduces overwhelm and supports trauma-informed decision-making
  • Responsive design on all devices
  • Basic SEO setup to support visibility

The finished site gives Te Whare Hauora a secure, welcoming digital foundation for the first time. It acts as a bridge, connecting their essential services with the people who need them most. I’m deeply proud to have supported this kaupapa and to help create a space that holds people with dignity, safety, and care during moments that truly matter.