Uawa Community Laundromat officially opens

15 Apr 2026

After years of planning, coordination, and strong community collaboration, the Uawa Community Laundromat officially opened with a karakia on Wednesday 8 April.

This project stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collective effort within the Te Aitanga a Hauiti iwi and wider Uawa community. Delivered by a wide network of local contractors, suppliers, and organisations, the laundromat reflects the depth of skill, commitment, and resilience within the region. Local involvement has been significant at every stage, bringing this much-needed facility to life.

The initiative was made possible through the support and investment of Trust Tairāwhiti, Department of Internal Affairs, Eastern & Central Community Trust, Manaaki Tairāwhiti, and Ministry of Social Development. This collaboration was instrumental in turning a community vision into a practical, working solution.

A defining feature of the development is its purpose-built wetland treatment system, designed specifically for Uawa conditions. In the absence of reticulated infrastructure, wastewater is processed through natural filtration across planted wetland areas. This approach not only meets functional needs but also reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, kaitiakitanga, and the protection of te taiao.

The laundromat will provide a reliable and accessible service for households, marae, sports teams, and local industries, significantly reducing the need to travel to Gisborne for basic laundry services.