A Rotorua homeless shelter hopes to expand its services in Auckland.
After the success of new night shelters in Rotorua and Taupo, organiser Tiny Deane was asked to provide one in Auckland.
He says Auckland Council is aware of the plan, but a timeframe needs to be finalised.
"I'm still working on our strategic plan of what I'm going to have in the building, but I'm aiming to cater for 180 people and the wraparound services - without the wraparound services, it's not worth doing it," he told Newshub.
The night shelter in Rotorua was the subject of a war of words between himself and Rotorua Lakes District Council over consent issues in mid-2018. They've since been smoothed over.
He says this time, everything will be done by the book.
"In the past I have just opened up and got on with it and chucked people in there, but rules are rules now and I've learned my lesson to do it properly - and that's certainly what I'm going to do in Auckland."
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Mr Deane has secured a building and is in discussions with Auckland Council. He hopes it will open by the end of the month.
"Hopefully about January 21 to February, hopefully we could be open. But that's with a lot of other people pitching in to help."
Lawyers are working with him pro bono to make sure the paperwork is up to scratch.
Newshub.
