Our story
At Woven Earth, we understand how overwhelming it is to rebuild lives after fleeing family violence.
When survivors finally secure a permanent place to live, they face the confronting reality of starting over in a new home with few possessions, no resources, and little support to furnish it.
That’s why we’re here – we bridge this gap by providing the practical and emotional support when it’s needed most.
We furnish empty houses into loving homes
Working directly with over 55 frontline agencies including NZ Police Family Harm teams, Victim Support, Shine and refuges across Tāmaki Makaurau, we lovingly furnish homes tailored to each person’s unique needs – especially children’s – to create healing spaces filled with abundance and care.
By repurposing pre-loved donations of excellent-quality furniture, homewares, household goods, toys, books, and even sports equipment – alongside brand new items like linen, towels and appliances, we provide everything needed to create a home that restores dignity and nurtures stability.
Our approach centres around children
Children experience profound upheaval when fleeing violence and while we can never fully replace what they have lost, we make it our mission to ease their journey and support their healing.
Through our Children’s Fund, we provide essential support – whether it’s replacing a cherished toy, buying school uniforms and supplies, or enabling activities like dance, swimming, or sports – positively impacting their mental and physical wellbeing and giving them a sense of safety and belonging that they haven't had before.
We empower lives
Since our first home in 2019, we now furnish an average of four homes every week, empowering thousands of survivors to take the next steps to living a life free from violence. These aren't just numbers – they are real people starting over with dignity and hope to rebuild safe, healthy futures in their new communities.
We are deeply committed to this life-changing mahi, inspired by the incredible stories of transformation that happen when we unite as a community and take action to break the cycle of family violence for good.
"I’ve had such a rough, violent road in the past and seeing my place set up was such a blessing. This is our new journey to look forward to the future and never look back. This is a place we can finally call home."
Mum of five
Woven Earth family
Our people
Kerryn Thrupp
FOUNDER & CEO
Our dynamic 'pocket rocket', Kerryn is the driving force behind Woven Earth. Her relentless dedication to improving the lives of women and children fleeing violence is what makes it so extraordinary. With a Master’s in Communications and over 18 years of experience in Corporate Sponsorship & Communications Management, Kerryn combines her professional expertise with a passionate commitment to social change.
Jan McNamara
CHAIR
Owner of Mac & Co, a property and commercial law practice, Jan brings extensive legal and business experience, giving her personal time as a Trustee. In a company capacity, Mac & Co is a valued partner. As Jan explains, "our synergy is property; we help people into homes just as Woven Earth does, providing the practical help that changes people's lives.” She loves being involved in a grassroots charity, righting injustices within the system and helping people in a very practical and valuable way where the difference is immediate.
Judi Wilson
TRUSTEE
A PR consultant for over 20 years, Judi has served the needs of vulnerable women and children throughout her career and believes society can only thrive when they receive sufficient support to live fulfilled lives. In Judi's words, "it's the low-cost overheads, no egos and an absolute desire to the change lives of those wounded by violence that makes Woven Earth so impactful."
Heather Rankin
FINANCE & GRANTS MANAGER
Organised and detailed-orientated, Heather is our bean counter and grants manager. Her not-for-profit experience includes over 10 years’ in roles for small and medium-sized charities.
Our transport team & volunteers
Our core team work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for our services.
“People have the misconception that we are a big charity with lots of employees. The truth is, we are tiny. We work hard and efficiently but charity fatigue is a real thing and this is where the right support, both in-kind and financial, can make or break a sustainable charity.”
Kerryn Thrupp
Founder CEO | Woven Earth
Help us furnish homes
We’re always in need of pre-loved, excellent-quality furniture and household items – everything needed to furnish homes with abundance and care. Restoring dignity is our priority, so we ask for items you’d be proud to give to someone you love.
Some essentials, like linen, electrical appliances, and items for children, must be purchased new which is only possible through financial contributions.
We’re deeply grateful for any support you, your loved ones, or colleagues can offer. Whether through donating items or giving financially, your generosity helps furnish homes for families when they need it most.
