Sanctuary in Whangārei
Sanctuary Café is celebrating its first birthday this month!
Based at The Salvation Army Whangārei Corps and Community Ministries Centre, the friendly staff and volunteers who serve at the café have already made their way into the hearts of Whangārei locals. Jules Badger spoke with manager Anna Harkness to find
out what makes Sanctuary Café so special.
‘It’s so much more than just a place to grab a coffee,’ explains Anna. ‘Our vision is to cultivate a space that fosters relationships and reflects the love of Christ through hospitality.’
Sanctuary Café is open five days a week, from 8am to 2pm, and it’s a beautiful space, with the creativity of local artists adorning the walls. Anna’s vision is to promote local artists by exhibiting their art in the café. It’s a collaboration that benefits both parties—a win for the café’s aesthetics and also for the artists. The mixed media work of Northland artist Jacob Davey is currently on display (pictured) and reflects his deep connection to nature and culture. Jacob studied Māori visual arts at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Massey University.
‘Jacob’s beautiful pieces have truly enhanced our space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that our customers love,’ says Anna. ‘It’s also a way to encourage our local artists.’
Passion for the people
Anna knows her trade well, having been the kitchen manager at the highly frequented Quail Café—a Whangārei favourite. And while serving quality food and drink is a high priority for Anna, it’s the personal connection she is most passionate about.
‘It’s about making time to talk to our customers, to listen, learn their names and hear their stories. Our patrons are from all walks of life and include Salvation Army staff and volunteers, local workers, parents and kids, church members and others looking for companionship and rest from the fast-paced world we live in. Many people experience isolation or stress and so the café is a place of refuge where people can come, pause, connect, be encouraged and sometimes just experience a little bit of kindness
in their day.’
Centre leader, Captain Emma Howan, adds, ‘Sanctuary Café not only fuels us physically to carry out our mission in Whangārei, but it’s also a vital mission space that brings all of us together! As we continue to create space for these more relaxed social interactions, we are becoming better connected with each other and our community.’
Safe and supportive space
The Salvation Army Bridge programme is situated on the same site, meaning Sanctuary Café also provides a safe and supportive space where participants can take a break and reflect. A Recovery Church attendee herself, Anna says, ‘I am just so grateful to God and want to give him all the honour and glory for the way he is working through all of us at Sanctuary Café’.
Working alongside Anna is a barista and a team of committed volunteers. ‘They are so aligned with the vision of hospitality and sharing the love of Jesus with the people who come in—they are very passionate volunteers!’ says Anna.
Sanctuary Café is multifaceted in its mission and ministry, with a Kids’ Play Café on a Friday for parents and their children. There are toys set out for the kids and there’s plenty of space to play.
Hospitality training is also offered to young people. Anna explains that, ‘part of our mission is training young people. We have volunteers from YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and other young people who want to learn good hospitality skills to help them get into the workforce.’
When it comes to coffee, Anna’s keeping it local. ‘We have a relationship with local company Altura who supply us with organic beans. They also sponsored the purchase of our coffee machine—it’s been a wonderful collaboration.’ But when it comes to anything chocolate, it’s The Salvation Army’s own Hamodava Coffee Company that wins out. ‘All our chocolate is Hamodava—our hot chocolate and mocha beverages. We also have Hamodava chocolate products for sale,’ explains Anna.
A divine appointment
Anna’s journey with Sanctuary Café began after a change in personal circumstances. ‘I was praying about what to do next, waiting on God, when the position came up. The Salvation Army was looking for a café manager and I just knew this was the answer to my prayers. I felt it in my heart and I knew this was the moment for faithful action, so I dropped my CV off in person. I had my interview the following week and it felt like a divine appointment. That was the beginning of a wonderful journey.’
Plans for the first birthday celebrations include customer stories and testimonies, live music, a Salvation Army-themed photo booth, prayer and blessing for the café by Captains Jacob and Emma Howan—and free donuts for everyone!
