The story behind this Nationwide Rotary Project to assist the homeless started with the identification of Shelterbags by an Adelaide Rotary Club as a possible means of support for rough sleepers there and have now been picked up by other clubs across Australia. The story spotted by Waitara Rotary is in the June 2024 RDU: https://rotarydownunder.org/shelterbags-for-the-homeless-in-south-australia/ . Through the work by the Adelaide Rotarians the project has gone nationwide through Australian clubs
So far 2,900 Shelterbags have been distributed in Australia. The aim is to replicate the project in New Zealand, and deliver Shelterbags free of charge to people living on the streets through existing social agencies who already work with the homeless in New Zealand. This project will;
“Provide Comfort and Dignity for the Homeless Rough Sleepers in New Zealand”
Shelterbags are manufactured in South Africa by Sheltersuit SA Foundation. Sheltersuit SA Foundation is a South African non-profit organization that provides immediate shelter to people experiencing homelessness while also creating jobs and skills development opportunities. It is an offshoot of the global Sheltersuit Foundation, which was founded in the Netherlands in 2014 by Bas Timmer after a friend's father died of hypothermia while sleeping on the street.
Sheltersuit SA Foundation manufactures a product called the "Shelterbag," which is a lightweight, portable, waterproof, and windproof sleeping bag. The Shelterbag is manufactured to accommodate an additional blanket for extra warmth. The Shelterbags are produced from quality, locally sourced materials. These partnerships have been nurtured to ensure Sheltersuit SA Foundation are able to negotiate fair prices every three months.
Through a skills development and training programme Sheltersuit SA Foundation
Waitara Rotary (https://www.facebook.com/BryanVickeryMedia/videos/the-rotary-club-of-waitara-bell-block-districts-are-importing-50-shelter-bags-fr/933763454877500/ ) contacted Australian Rotarians and arranged for the importation of 50 Shelterbags. Teaming up with social agencies in Taranaki these have been distributed to and greatly appreciated by rough sleepers in New Plymouth. Partnering with local social service providers who distribute and register these bags means that Shelterbags help create the first important step to get people off the street through the additional wrap around support offered by social agencies. A further community benefit is that CBDs and retailers who suffer from unsightly bedding clutter in their doorways can expect these to reduce as Shelterbags roll up and are easily carried over the shoulder during the day. Because Shelterbags offer wind and weather protection, it also allows rough sleepers more options for shelter spots outside of CBD shop awnings.
A 20ft container that will hold 1,200 Shelterbags can be in Auckland by next May for the Winter of 2026.
Estimated number of rough sleepers; 800 Auckland, 141 Wellington, 270 Christchurch – approx. 1200 without other cities.
The SA team have advised 1,200 bags will take 3-4 months to make. Costing based on the Waitara exercise and confirmed manufacturing costs and current exchange rates indicates full costs per bag in the order of $150 - $160. We are aiming to deliver bags to clubs at $NZ150 ea
In Auckland there is already support from Auckland Council and other agencies including
LinkPeople - https://linkpeople.co.nz/
Visionwest - https://visionwest.org.nz/
Auckland City Mission - https://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/
Kahui Tu Kaha - https://kahuitukaha.co.nz/
Salvation Army - https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/
Lifewise - https://www.lifewise.org.nz/
In other centres we anticipate links with local agencies such as The People’s Project https://www.thepeoplesproject.org.nz/ and Project Orange https://orangesky.org.nz/, and others (eg YMCA, Salvation Army, PARS) that clubs elect to work with.
Detailed planning is underway to confirm delivery and devanning in Auckland and the subsequent distribution but there is keen interest from Auckland Council and
The bags provide warm dry durable shelter that could be a desirable Rotary branded item that will meet an immediate need.
Rotarians will need to fund, fundraise, organise storage and distribution between clubs and link with existing social providers. This could be a high-profile nationwide project that puts clubs in touch with other organisations and attracts the attention of potential new members with a great project on home turf – Kiwis helping Kiwis doing it tough. To make this happen a commitment to funding is required with $45,000 committed and delivered by 30th October and a further $45,000 by 20th November.
Milestone Dates
- $45,000 raised and available by 30th October 2025
- A second tranche of $45,000 by 20th November 2025
- 3rd tranche of
- 4th tranche of $30,000 by end February 2026
- Balance to fund through to end March 2026
- Ship from Cape Town – Target 1st March
- Arrival NZ port – 1st
- Distribution complete – 31 May 2026
With the overall project cost estimated to hit ~ $180k, committed finance is needed early. Whanganui RC has already committed to finance 40 bags they see are needed in Wanganui! Get in quick with your pledge.
We seek your consideration and support for this project with a commitment that enables the milestones to be met.
Charitable Donations should be made to: ROZOPS Ltd – Special Projects 06-0193-0905286-007 using “Shelterbag” in the particulars field and your club (or individual name) in the reference field. Donations by individuals will receive a donations receipt to allow for a 33% IRD rebate.
Contact for further details and confirmation of support.
Len Houwers – Waitara Rotary len.houwers@aretelimited.com – 0274-445-861