Published on 25th of August, 2026
On August 13, Christchurch Methodist Mission hosted the first Big Sleepout in Christchurch and Blenheim, joining the national movement that challenges business and community leaders to sleep out overnight to raise funds for homelessness services.
Hosted at One New Zealand Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch and under the stars in Seymour Square in Blenheim, the events brought 180 leaders, advocates, and citizens together on 13 August to shine a light on the hidden realities of homelessness and to raise urgently needed funds for frontline services. Participants helped raise over $127,000.
CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey opened the Christchurch event with a message that set the tone for the night. “Tonight’s event is not about replicating homelessness. That would be insulting to those who have no choice but to sleep on the streets,” she said, reminding participants of the stark difference between symbolic discomfort and daily survival.
Jill spoke of the bitter cold that had gripped the city, noting, “As the snow and sleet fell… I lay in my warm bed thinking of those who would have found shelter under bushes, bridges, little tents, sheltered doorways and prayed that they would make it through to the morning.”
Her words underscored the urgency of the work ahead. Housing First teams are housing one person every working day, yet twice as many people are becoming homeless. Older people, renters, and those released from prison into no fixed abode are increasingly represented among the 270 people waiting for permanent housing in Christchurch.
Christchurch City Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine, who participated in the event, reflected on the responsibility of civic leaders: “Who else is going to do it? We have a serious problem with homelessness in Christchurch and if Council doesn’t fix it, no one will… If you’re disturbed by homelessness in Christchurch, you’re not alone.”
We'd like to express our gratitude to all the participants, donors, and supporting businesses that took part in this year's event!
