Gallery and Events

Past Events

Community Connect Day at UCOL Masterton (Re O-Week): Wed 24 July, 2024

UCOL Masterton held a Community Connect Day at The Hub on their campus as part of Semester 2's Re-Orientation Week. Wairarapa Rape & Sexual Abuse were thrilled to be part of this day, along with a number of other community organisations. We had a blast speaking to students and members of the community about our service: sharing resources, engaging in meaningful conversations, and connecting as a community. Congratulations to the winner of our prize draw who claimed their $30 McDonald's voucher!

We really look forward to more events like these.

Rape Awareness Week: Mon 6 - Sun 12 May, 2024

This year, we were very excited to run events throughout Rape Awareness Week (Monday 6th - Sunday 12th May). Our aim was to raise awareness on topics of rape and sexual abuse, let people know of the services available to them if they have been directly or indirectly affected by rape and/or sexual abuse, and to engage in conversations with the people in our community. The chats we had with those who came to say hi were meaningful, and we truly appreciate the support of our community.

We thank the following sponsors for supporting Rape Awareness Week:
PAK'nSAVE Masterton, Premiere Beehive NZ Ltd., Select Signs Masterton and Walter Findlay Ltd.

Youth Expo at Mākoura College - Thur 29 Feb 2024

Mākoura College hosted a Youth Expo, organised by Rangitāne o Wairarapa. This event included a number of local organisations in the Wairarapa community. This was a great opportunity for young people to discover more about the resources available to them, as well as the chance to ask questions and find out more info. There were plenty of giveaways and competitions included, making for an enjoyable day.

Wairarapa Rape & Sexual Abuse Collective Inc. had a stall at this expo, which included information on some of the issues and concerns we encounter in the sexual violence industry, as well as fact-checking some common myths. Some aspects were similar to topics covered in our Prevention Education programme, which we deliver to local colleges.

Booklet Launch: Tue 21 Nov 2023

On this day, we released our Let's Talk About Rape and Sexual Abuse booklet. This is a resource we share with clients, communities and other organisations throughout Aotearoa to break the silence on rape and sexual abuse.

If you would like copies of this resource, please contact us, or download here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:ac937c6f-9ae6-4420-851e-1a547111142d

Police Pay Parade: Fri 1 Dec 2023

The Police Pay Parade was held in Masterton to recognise and celebrate the work our Police and members of the public do in our community. Our Coordinator, Michelle Ihaka, was awarded the Area Commander's Commendation for her incredible 20 years of work in the sexual violence sector. They write:

"In appreciation for your exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment over the past 20 years in working with victims of sexual assault. Your tireless efforts have played an integral role in assisting Police in investigating these crimes and bringing justice to the survivors.

Your willingness to be consistently on call day and night demonstrates your selflessness and compassion towards those who have suffered trauma and hurt, often without other intervention than yourself. Your expertise and guidance have undoubtedly made a significant impact on countless lives, providing comfort, support and hope in the darkest of times. Your service is truly commendable and Wairarapa Police and the Wairarapa community cannot thank you enough for your invaluable contribution to our community.
Your unwavering dedication is an inspiration to us all."

2023 Social Work Awards: Wed 20 Sep 2023

Our Coordinator, Michelle Ihaka, was nominated for the Social Work Leadership Award in 2023 at the annual Social Work Awards ceremony. This recognition highlights the hard work Michelle puts into her mahi, and reflects on her dedication to breaking the silence on rape and sexual abuse. Her advocacy for client rights and for change in the sexual abuse industry is inspirational.

For more information on this event and nomination, please click here.