“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
Tears welling up, Ranjna Patel’s voice was wobbly as she quoted Mahatma Gandhi. Her emotions got the better of her as the Governor-General of New Zealand hosted a special function on Monday to commemorate her passion project.
Gandhi Nivas. The charitable organisation has completed a decade providing early intervention in family violence. The team provides accommodation, counselling and ancillary support to men accused of family violence and hence turned away from their home.
The police issue Police Safety Orders (PSO) to such men so victims and their families can be safe, offering them time to make decisions about their ongoing safety, and access support.
During the length of the PSO, the person served with the order cannot assault, harass, threaten, stalk or intimidate the protected person, or go near any land or building that they occupy, even if they have a legal or equitable interest in the land or building.
Over the last decade, Gandhi Nivas has helped at least 5,000 men by way of temporary housing and twice that number through counselling and rehabilitation. In some cases, up to 19 members of a family have sought the organisation’s help.
Founded in December 2014, Gandhi Nivas has in the last few weeks celebrated its 10th anniversary. Last month, ministers Mark Mitchell, Louise Upston and Karen Chhour hosted a function in Parliament to acknowledge the organisation’s work.
This week, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro hosted a reception at Government House. “Family violence seriously harms the mental and physical health of families and our communities,” she said.
“We must welcome and support every intervention to break the silence and the cycle of violence.”
Serenity Foundation manages Gandhi Nivas and its three centres in Otahuhu, Te Atatu and Papakura. In 2024, the Ministry of Social Development provided nearly 85 per cent of the earnings of the foundation that Ranjna Patel chairs.
In 2024, 761 people referred by the police availed of Gandhi Nivas’ services. The organisation’s workers attended 121 events and conferences that year.
“As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from the success of Gandhi Nivas and strive to replicate its model in other spheres of community service. Together, we can build a society where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered,” Patel said.