On a chilly, rain-soaked evening in July, over 60 leaders from Auckland’s business and community sectors came together at AUT’s Hikuwai Plaza for a night of sleeping rough to raise awareness and vital funds for Auckland’s homeless whānau. This was the Lifewise Big Sleepout 2025, a compelling annual event that challenges participants to experience a glimpse of life without shelter, while helping to drive real change for those doing it tough.
A Growing Crisis
Homelessness in Aotearoa is reaching critical levels. More than 112,000 Kiwis* are severely housing-deprived, with the most vulnerable including disabled individuals, women, Māori, Pacific peoples, children, rangatahi, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. In Auckland, the number of people known to be sleeping in cars, on the streets, and in local parks has surged by 53% in just four months—from 426 in September 2024 to 653 in January 2025**. These figures don’t even account for the many who are transient and mobile, living in temporary or unstable conditions.
Sleeping Out to Make a Difference
The Big Sleepout (BSO) is more than symbolic. It’s a call to action. Participants swapped their warm beds for cardboard boxes, braving the winter chill to gain a first-hand understanding of what it means to be without shelter. The event also served as a unique networking opportunity, bringing together influential figures outside of traditional boardrooms to spark conversations and ideas on how to address homelessness.
A Night of Reflection and Connection
The evening featured a range of activities designed to educate and inspire:
- Guest Speakers: Six, Tammie Parker, Saskia Hawke, Shogun, and Joe Daymond shared powerful stories and insights on the pathways to homelessness.
- Film Screening: A Wall Between by Shadz Dienz and Mama Katz offered a poignant look into life on the streets.
- Art Exhibit and Sale: Street whānau showcased their creativity, with artworks available for purchase.
- AV Displays: K-road Chronicles played throughout the night, alongside a video diary booth open to all.
- Lifewise Service Displays: Attendees engaged with Lifewise staff to learn about the support available.
- Orange Sky Van: While their laundry and shower services weren’t operating on the night, Orange Sky was invited to showcase the vital support they offer. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the practical, everyday assistance our street whānau rely on—support that is often overlooked and taken for granted.
- Musical performances added warmth to the night, with the Auckland Street Choir serenading the guests. Hools also performed his song “Walk With You,” a song commissioned by Sarah Trotman, ONZM, for the Big Sleepout 2017.
Where the Funds Go
Funds raised from the event—over $170,000 so far—will go directly to Merge Café and Community, a vital hub for Auckland’s street whānau. Merge Café offers more than hot meals; it’s a place of connection, support, and hope. Staff, peer support workers, and volunteers provide a welcoming space and help link individuals to Lifewise’s broader social services.
Additional fundraising efforts included:
- PwC’s Silent Auction, led by Jai Nario and Tess Riwai, raised over $8,000.
- Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, pledged to match donations from their three senior leaders and BSO rough sleepers—Mike Purchase, Michael Wells, and Ezekiel Raui—up to $10,000.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the rough sleepers who generously lent their time and energy to help fundraise for this event. Your leadership is both remarkable and deeply inspiring.
A massive thank you also goes out to all the performers and artists who shared their talents in support of the cause, as well as to the volunteers, supporters, and donors—your contributions made this night truly special.
A special shoutout to the AUT Auckland University of Technology for once again being our gracious hosts. Your unwavering commitment to supporting our city’s most vulnerable is nothing short of extraordinary.
Join the Movement
The Big Sleepout is a powerful reminder that homelessness is not just a statistic—it’s a daily reality for thousands of New Zealanders. Events like this shine a light on the issue, inspiring communities to take meaningful action, extend hope, and show compassion to fellow Kiwis doing it tough.
Donations are still being accepted. To contribute, visit bigsleepout.org.nz Every little bit counts.
Source: *NZ Census 2023, **Auckland Council
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