Who are we?

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Our team provides culturally appropriate, multilingual, faith-based support for individuals and families in the Muslim community of Ōtautahi (Christchurch). We offer a range of services to all ages and continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community. 

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We provide a confidential and non-judgmental service focused on the individual needs of each person seeking support. Our team empowers individuals and families in their daily lives, helps advocate for their needs, and are able to connect them with other services where needed. 

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Who do we support?

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We provide support to the Muslim community in the Canterbury area, in their home and/or out in the community. We understand that each situation is unique, so we tailor our support to suit you. 

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As a faith-based service, we recognise that people are in different places on their spiritual journey. We want to emphasise that there are no religious or spiritual expectations to be able to receive support from us or participate in any of our events or activities.

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Our History 

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Purapura Whetu Trust
 

Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi is provided by Purapura Whetu Trust.

Established in 2002, Purapura Whetu Trust is a kaupapa Māori health, wellbeing, and social service provider in Waitaha, Aotearoa (Canterbury, New Zealand). Purapura Whetu supports whānau to get well, stay well, live well, and reach for the stars and beyond. 

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Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi was initially formed as part of the response to the terrorist attacks on Christchurch mosques that took place on March 15th 2019. The attacks took the lives of 51 individuals and left many with significant physical and mental injuries.

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Kāhui Tū Kaha, Ngati Whatua

Recognising the need for culturally and spiritually appropriate support for the diverse Muslim community, a team of Muslim Wellbeing practitioners from Auckland travelled to Christchurch on a regular basis for the first few months following the attacks. This established Muslim Wellbeing Service was part of Kāhui Tū Kaha, a Ngati Whatua (confederation of four Māori tribes) organisation that provides not-for-profit housing and mental health support in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).  

 

Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi
 

In 2019, Purapura Whetu Trust was approached and agreed to set up a Muslim Wellbeing team to support those affected by the terror attacks. Social and community support workers were handpicked from, and by, the local Muslim community.

Initially, the scope of the service was to provide support for those directly impacted by the attacks, but then widened to support the entire Muslim Community in Ōtautahi. This was in recognition of the widespread impact of the attacks, and to ensure that those who may not be directly impacted by the events of March 15th were not missing out on receiving support.  

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To find out more, visit Services and Events, or view information by Life Stage - A'ilat (Family), Aruur (Children), Shabab (Youth), Hazarat (Men), Wanita (Women), and Matua (Elders).