Tēnā koutou katoa
We’re approaching the end of April already, with both Easter and ANZAC Day behind us. I hope you had the chance to relax and spend meaningful time with your whānau and friends over the long weekends.
I’m pleased to share some important news. Haumaru will soon be able to rent out a number of our currently vacant units to older people in need who are not on the social housing register. This follows Haumaru having received a government subsidy (IRRS) funding cap in July 2024. Any units that had been left empty in your villages as a result of the funding cap can now be filled. Please be assured that there will be no changes to your current tenancy arrangements or rent plan, which will remain the same – the available units will only be for new applicants who meet our tenancy criteria.
Our annual tenant satisfaction survey got underway this month, and you should by now have received a questionnaire from Gravitas, the independent research company which runs the survey for us each year. Your participation in this is very important, as your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve. The survey is completely anonymous, so please do have your say. To return your completed questionnaire, simply drop the sealed envelope into your village letterbox by 16 May or post it directly to Gravitas. If you'd prefer to complete it by phone, you can contact Gravitas on Freephone 0508 RESEARCH (0508 7373 2724) or email viennah@gravitasopg.co.nz.
Lastly, I’d like to say a big thank you to those tenants who have taken part in recent photoshoots to help promote services for older people through The Selwyn Foundation and Haumaru. Your assistance is truly appreciated.
Thank you, everyone, for being part of our Haumaru community and for helping us continue to improve our services to you.
Ngā mihi nui
Gillian Schweizer,
Chief Executive Officer
Thanks to Auckland Council Libraries, 25 of our villages now have access to regular library services right on their doorstep – either in ‘pop-up’ form in their community house or ‘on wheels’ courtesy of the mobile library bus.
Led by the wonderful Alola (pictured below with Community Manager Michelle at Massey’s Flagstaff Court), and supported by her colleague Gabriel, the ‘pop-up’/mobile libraries visit every month. Each visit brings library books to borrow, free Wi-Fi, digital support and resources in different languages – making it a fantastic way for tenants to stay connected and keep learning. Haumaru provides tea, coffee and biscuits to enjoy while neighbours can browse or have a friendly chat.
We’re looking forward to the service being available to all Haumaru villages by the end of the year. If you haven’t popped in yet, come along next time – it’s a great way to connect, relax and discover something new!
The Haumaru team is delighted to support the inaugural Dementia Friendly Film Festival which launched on 31 March. This is an initiative of Auckland Council’s Age Friendly Auckland Implementation Rōpū, of which Haumaru’s Tenancy Quality Manager Maxine Stiling is co-chair. Funding had been secured from the Office for Seniors to trial three dementia friendly film screenings, and this has been used to ensure the theatre venues are welcoming, accessible and inclusive for people who are living with dementia and their whānau/carers. Cinema has been found to be a fun way to invoke nostalgia and help reduce isolation and loneliness, which disproportionately impacts older people and those living with dementia.
Future showings as part of the festival are ‘Strictly Ballroom’ (to be screened at The Rialto in Newmarket on 30 April at 10.30am) and ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ (at the Reading Cinema in New Lynn on 28 May at 10.30am). A morning tea/movie snacks are also available to attendees as part of the experience. For further details and to register for your free ticket, speak to your Community Manager or email agefriendlyauckland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Tenants of Beach Haven’s Shepherds Park attended Auckland’s first dementia friendly film screening at Devonport’s Vic cinema.
Tucked away in the peaceful suburb of Windsor Park, at 480a East Coast Road on Auckland’s North Shore, Windsor Court is a charming village of 18 units which has been part of the local landscape since its construction in 1975. Built during a time of significant urban expansion in Auckland, when the North Shore experienced substantial growth, Windsor Court reflects the practical design, character and architectural trends of the 1970s, emphasizing functionality and community living. Its convenient location and proximity to key amenities make it an ideal spot for those seeking both independence and connection.
Windsor Court tenants are known for their vibrant community spirit. Whether doing some gardening, enjoying social outings, or coming together for communal events such as the annual Christmas party in the village garden, there's a strong sense of neighbourliness. Even without a dedicated community house, tenants often gather for morning teas and to welcome guest speakers such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand or their local MP.
Windsor Court may be small in size, but it’s big on heart – an enduring example of community living at its best.
Celebrating together at the village Christmas party.
Our newly appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Denis Haggitt, tells us a bit about himself below.
“Kia ora koutou katoa. I’m excited to be joining Haumaru and to be working for an organisation with such strong values and a community-focused mission. I began my accountancy career at KPMG and have since worked in Europe and the USA, and also had a secondment in Rarotonga. In more recent years, I’ve worked as a CFO across a number of different industries, from wealth management, property and infrastructure to eCommerce, which has all been extremely interesting.
“I’ve had a lifetime interest in sport and the outdoors, mainly orientated around surfing, skiing and, once upon a time, distance running - which these days is more limited to chasing my two teenage sons around the North Shore where I was born and have returned to live.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with Gillian, the Board and all the Haumaru team on some exciting new initiatives in support of providing sustainable, affordable housing to older communities.”
Welcome to our Haumaru family, Denis!
If you’re concerned about an immediate threat to life or property, call the emergency services on 111.