Become a Whānau Friendly Space
By joining this kaupapa, your business or community space commits to supporting whānau however they feed their pēpi. You’re choosing to empower your kaimahi/staff to create safe, inclusive environments where all whānau feel welcome — including our rainbow families. You’re saying yes to standing up against harassment and providing comfortable, accessible spaces for feeding and care.
But here’s what we love most — you’re not doing this alone. This isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting impossible standards. It’s about genuine aroha for whānau in your community.
Your Journey With Us
Once you register your interest, here’s what happens:
- A local Kaimanaaki | Champion (that’s a mentor who knows their stuff) will reach out for a kōrero. They’re not there to judge or inspect — they’re your guide and support person, helping you create the best possible environment for whānau. Think of them as your feeding-friendly fairy godparent!
- You’ll chat about simple ways to make whānau feel welcome. Maybe it’s making sure your team knows the law around breastfeeding rights, or finding the perfect spot for a comfy chair.
- Once you’re ready, you’ll receive our He Wāhi Haumaru tohu to proudly display.
But that’s not the end — it’s just the beginning! Your space joins our national directory where whānau can find you. We’ll celebrate you on the Breastfeeding NZ social media (with over 100,000 followers who are always looking for great venues). And whenever you need support, resources, or just want to share a win, we’re here.
Real Talk From Real Venues
“We thought we were already pretty family-friendly, but working with our Champion opened our eyes to small changes that made a huge difference. Now we have regular customers who tell us we’re their favourite spot because they know they can relax here.”
“The best part? Our staff feel more confident. They know exactly how to support feeding parents, and honestly, it’s created such a lovely atmosphere in our library.”
Resources for Venues
Our fact sheet for kaimahi helps your team understand why this matters and how to help. It’s not complicated — mostly it’s about treating feeding parents like valued customers (because they are!)
The response guide gives your team confidence to handle any situation, from supporting a nervous first-time parent to dealing with complaints from other customers.
Essential Downloads:
- Infant Feeding Policy Template
- Fact Sheet for Kaimahi (Staff)
- Response Guide for Common Situations
Questions? Kōrero with us at kiaora@hewahihaumaru.org.nz