A Tauranga marae is following the example set by Auckland's Te Puea marae and has opened its doors to the homeless.
Huria Marae is one of the busiest marae in the city but has set aside two days a week to cater to those in need.
He Rourou Aroha had been running for a week providing a soup kitchen, bathing and laundry facilities. The marae's social services arm Huria Trust is funding the initiative and says it's well supported by the Ngāi Tamarāwaho hapū who provide food and labour.
"There's a strong sense of goodwill and aroha, that's the motivation that keeps us going and I guess if we can see a difference then it's all worthwhile," said trust manager Sylvia Willison.
Ngāi Tamarāwaho Kaumātua Tamati Tata says the marae holds regular poukai and He Rourou Aroha followed a similar purpose.
"Tawhiao set up the poukai to support, the bereaved, the poor and the widowed. Our kaupapa for the homeless is providing similar help and follows the example set by Te Puea marae," he said.
It's thought more than 500 people are homeless in Tauranga but there's no official count.
Ms Willison said many parked up in their cars at night at places like Waikareao Estuary car park which was in view of the marae.
She believed He Rourou Aroha would continue indefinitely.
"We'll go as long as it's needed." she said.