More Than Just Clean Clothes

More Than Just Clean Clothes

Washing our clothes is an everyday chore most of us barely think about, but some peoplehave to choose between clean laundry and food on the table, while others havenowhere to wash their clothes at all.

For a growing number of families and individuals experiencing hardship, clean clothesand bedding are far from guaranteed. And the consequences can extend well beyond personal hygiene, affecting people’s health, dignity and confidence.

That’s where Orange Sky is making a difference.

Founded in Australia in 2014, Orange Sky has been providing free laundry services in New Zealand since 2018, helping people experiencing homelessness and financialhardship. Alongside clean clothes and bedding, the charity offers a welcoming place to connect with others and access support.

Since launching its mobile laundry service in Whakatāne in August 2025, Orange Sky  has completed 3,325 loads of washing for local whānau. Yet demand is so greatthat the service is already having to turn people away.

More Than Just Homelessness

Orange Sky Senior Impact Manager Kat Doughty says the need for free laundry services extends well beyond people sleeping rough.

Some families simply don’t have access to a washing machine, while others struggle to afford the electricity to use one. Older residents can be particularly vulnerable to power poverty, especially during winter.

“Whānau will put their washing in front of a heater, which chews up the power, but all that moisture goes into the home, and then we’re creating damp homes. Those conditions lead to all sorts of other issues,” Kat explains.

According to 2023 Census data, approximately 23 in every 1,000 New Zealanders experiences evere housing deprivation. Orange Sky estimates over 1000 Whakatāne District residents lack access to basic amenities including working showers, electricity or clean water.

“When budgets are stretched, commercial laundromats – which can cost $20 to $30 perfamily load – become an unaffordable luxury.”

CleanClothes, Human Connections

Orange Sky’s Whakatāne van operates five days a week, with two washing machines and two dryers on board. It provides free laundry services at Awatapu Reserve and The Heads on Muriwai Drive.

The service is delivered in partnership with Waiariki Whānau Mentoring Trust (WWMT),whose local kaimahi, Ed Clay, has operated the van since it launched. Kat says Ed’s own lived experience helps remove barriers and whakamā (embarrassment orshame), while building trust and restoring people’s mana.

While their clothes and bedding are being washed, people can sit in Orange Sky’s chairs, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and share some kōrero with Ed without judgement or expectation.

“It’s about making sure that person feels seen and valued. Especially for those experiencing homelessness. Some share with us that they feel so invisible. Forsome, it’s the first time they’ve spoken to someone all day, or even all week.

“We often hear that people don’t want to engage with social services because they’re afraid of how they present themselves or their personal hygiene. If we’re able to provide something as simple as clean clothes, that opens up so much more forthem. It gives them the confidence to go and talk to people.”

Where additional help is needed, Ed can connect people with WWMT’s wider wrap around support services. But sometimes, simply having someone to listen to is enough.

Backinga Vital Service

BayTrusthas granted Orange Sky $7,500 towards the Whakatāne service’s operational costs, helping cover vehicle fuel, maintenance and servicing, laundry detergent and refreshments.

“It just really helps keep the machines spinning, the laundry loads going and thevan on the road,” Kat says. “Every dollar helps keep that service going for whānau who really need us.”

Kat also acknowledges the support of Whakatāne District Council which helps secure suitable shift locations and access to power and water, alongside the charity’spartnership with WWMT and the generous supporters who donate to this kaupapa.

Orange Sky hopes to expand its Whakatāne service soon and also operates a free laundry pod in Tauranga. Kat says the response from the Whakatāne community has beenover whelmingly positive. “It’s just been such an incredible service. I’m so proud of it.”

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