The mayor of Whangārei is asking the city's business community to pitch in and support the city's new centre for the homeless.
Whangārei Photo: 123RF
Work's underway on converting part of the old Whangārei army barracks into a day centre for homeless people.
Mayor Sheryl Mai said an astonishing amount had been done in just a week by community groups and private donations, and she would like to see local businesses backing the venture as well.
The council would support the day-centre with rates relief but it needs fridges, washing machines, furniture and ongoing financial support, she said.
Ms Mai said Whangārei also needed a night-shelter for the dozens of people sleeping rough in the city but that was complicated by a host of safety regulations.
Smaller communities around the country were now having to grapple with that problem, she said.