Our history
The Wellington City Mission was formed in 1904 from St. Peter's Anglican Church on Willis Street, Te Aro.
Over more than a century, the Wellington City Mission has gone from a local church-based initiative to a region-wide operation, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our community.
The Mission’s evolution over this time has been greatly influenced by the needs of those in the Wellington region who are struggling.
Our Timeline
1904
The Wellington City Mission began when William Walton was recruited from England to begin a social service mission working with a range of people in need, from children to adults.
The Mission was part of St Peter’s Anglican Church on Willis Street.
1907
The Mission found a new home at The Mission Hall on Taranaki Street
1930
The Mission Soup Kitchen opened, serving 3,900 bowls of soup in its first six months
1931
In response to the overwhelming need for a Men’s Shelter & Dining Room, The Mission purchased a warehouse in Martin Square.
Within 12 days, 130 men were sleeping there
1940
The Fielden Taylor Memorial Hostel for boys on Taranaki Street was developed, in line with Missioner Fielden Taylor’s vision to create a homely environment that would develop the whole person.
1955
The Harry Squires Memorial Hospital opens, adjoining the Mission’s operations on Taranaki Street.
It housed 100 men and women pensioners who were unable to manage life alone
1963
Russell Kemp Home was opened in Tītahi Bay. The 60-room home largely satisfied Wellington’s demand for pensioner housing.
In the coming years, it expanded to include a hospice, a chapel and hospital – bringing the number of potential residents and patients up to 120
1970
The Mission opened a 20-bed night shelter on Taranaki Street – this would eventually become Te Pā Maru, in modern times
1984
A group of women formed the Wellington City Mission Auxiliary, to raise funds for special City Mission projects – they still do so today!
1989
The Mission moved to Riddiford Street in Newtown, opening a new drop-in centre. Newtown would remain the City Mission’s HQ until 2024
2015
The Mission’s vision was re-cast: “People and communities empowered, transformed, experiencing fullness of life” – this remains our vision today
2021
The Wellington City Mission opened Wellington’s first Social Supermarket.
The service re-framed food support from the provision of food parcels to a more mana-enhancing and educational experience for people and families
2023
Te Pā Maru was opened as a residential alcohol harm reduction fascility in the place of the old Taranaki Street men’s shelter.
The first facility of its kind in New Zealand, Te Pā Maru offers housing and on-site support for 18 whānau who would generally be excluded from other housing options
2024
In partnership with Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Te Ō was opened.
Operated by The Mission, this 80-unit apartment complex in Mount Cook provides round-the-clock, wraparound support for its permanent residents
2024
In October of 2024, in the Wellington City Mission’s 120th year, Whakamaru was opened.
A transformational community hub for everyone in Wellington, Whakamaru is home to the Wellington City Mission’s network of support services, a ‘contribute what you can’ cafe and a range of facilities open to everyone in the Wellington region.
From soup kitchens and shelters to today's integrated support network, each new chapter builds on the last.
The Wellington City Mission is a charitable trust affiliated to the Anglican Church. We were formed in 1904 from St. Peter’s Church. In 1929, an Act of Parliament established The Mission as a separate entity.
Our work has grown from a local church-based initiative to a regional organisation that empowers thousands of Wellingtonians each year. We’ve pioneered new approaches to social support – from New Zealand’s first Social Supermarket to the innovative residential model of Te Pā Maru – all grounded in the belief that everyone deserves dignity, connection, and opportunity.
Each milestone has strengthened our foundation. Through partnership, community trust, and a shared vision of transformation, the Mission has become a part of Wellington’s social fabric.
We strive towards a day when we are no longer needed in the community, but until that day comes, we will continue to work tirelessly for everyone in the region.
Today, the Wellington City Mission is as deeply rooted in the community as ever.
Whakamaru – our new home and hub for the community – brings together people, services, and purpose under one roof. It reflects everything we’ve learned over the last 120 years: that true wellbeing comes from community, empowerment, and connection.
Our approach continues to grow in partnership with iwi, government, businesses, and the wider Wellington community. We work side by side with people to navigate hardship, build resilience, and create pathways toward fullness of life. Every meal, every home, every connection is a step toward a stronger, more compassionate Wellington.
Our story is still being written
– and you can play a key part in it.
With your support, we can continue to adapt and grow, building a city where everyone has what they need to thrive. Whether through a donation, partnership, or by sharing our story, you help shape the next chapter of The Wellington City Mission’s legacy.