📚 Our Legacy - Five decades of community impact

Our story began in the early 1970s as Women in Nelson (WIN)—a grassroots group that pioneered essential services including Nelson Rape Crisis, Young Women’s Support, and the Cervical Screening Pilot Project.

In 1995 WIN embarked on its most ambitious project yet: securing a permanent home.  Starting with just $160, the group rallied the community and raised $160,000 in 18 months, to purchase our current location at 44 Trafalgar Street. Te Whare Āwhina Mō Ngā Wāhine Puawai – The Women’s House opened in December 1996.

The Centre evolved with our communities needs, becoming Nelson Women’s Centre in 2002.  For over twenty years, we've serve as more than just a service provider - we're a sanctuary, an advocate, and a catalyst for positive change in countless women's lives and their whānau.

While the post pandemic years brought unprecedented challenges, they also revealed our communities extraordinary resilience and commitment to our mission. 

🔆Today - Expanding our vision

We proudly serve women and non-binary people from every background, offering both practical support and a judgement-free space for connection and growth.  All ethnicities, incomes, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, and abilities are welcome.

Our practical support and services include:

• Professional social work support
• Affordable counselling
• Group workshops and events
• Weekly Activities and special interest groups
• Food security assistance.
• Community meeting spaces - available for hire to individuals and groups. 

Current Hours: We are open to the public from Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00am-3:00pm or by appointment outside of these times. 

 Titiro whakamuri. Whakarite ināianei, hei hāngai whakamua

Embrace the past, prepare now to shape the future