Kia ora koutou
By the time you receive this newsletter, Aotearoa New Zealand will have commemorated ANZAC Day. It is a time that calls us to pause and reflect – not only on the service and sacrifice of those who came before us, but also on the enduring values of resilience, partnership and community. These are qualities that continue to shape our nation and are reflected in the care and connection we see across our own communities every day. As I have settled into my role, it has been a particular highlight to visit more of our communities and see the different ways our team and members of those communities connect with and care for each other.
As we move through autumn, it’s a good time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. I encourage everyone to take steps to protect your health. Seasonal illnesses such as the flu, and also COVID-19, can be particularly serious for older people. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of becoming unwell or needing hospital care. If you haven’t already done so, please consider getting your flu and COVID immunisations. It’s a small action that can make a big difference to your wellbeing over the colder months.
This edition of our newsletter includes details of a survey from the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing (which Haumaru is a member of). This is an important initiative that seeks to better understand the experiences and priorities of older people across the country. Do take a few minutes to share your views – your input matters and will help shape the services and support available for seniors now and into the future.
Finally, I’m proud to share that the Haumaru Facilities Management team has been named as a finalist in the “Facilities Management Team of the Year” category of this year’s FMANZ (Facilities Management Association of New Zealand) Awards. This category recognises a team whose expertise, collaboration and commitment to excellence deliver outstanding results for their organisation or clients. It’s very well-deserved recognition of the vital work this team does every day to improve your homes and to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our tenants. The awards event will be held on 28 May, so we wish them every success.
Thank you, as always, for being part of our community. Wishing you all a safe, warm and healthy lead-in to winter.
Noho ora mai
Olivia Poulsen
Chief Executive
Spotlight on Gordon Court
Tenants of Milford’s Gordon Court have had a very eventful year so far, with lots of upgrading and renovation work to strengthen their water infrastructure and enhance their outdoor areas.
Following two major water leaks in close succession, it was decided that replacing all the water pipes around the village would be the best course of action. That meant six weeks of contractors on site, digging up the concrete and (regrettably) the gardens in order to lay new water pipes for each of the 21 units. It was a very worthwhile undertaking, however, as the village now has a fit-for-purpose water system that can be controlled for each unit individually, and one that’s robust enough to last for many years to come.
A further bonus was that we took the opportunity to redesign and renovate the back of some units where the decking and steps had degraded. Despite the inconvenience of not being able to use the rear of their units for a few weeks, tenants all agree that the result is wonderful. As one tenant comments: “The end result has been so positive, as I have a larger and safer outdoor deck and space which I can make a beautiful garden on, and a very attractive retaining wall which means we can have colourful planting. It’s a pleasure to see my neighbours strolling along the new path.” Another tenant is very happy to be able to use their deck for their “early evening soirées”. Good job, Haumaru!
Tips for avoiding online scams
Tenants from our Karaka Street villages in New Lynn (pictured) and Glen Eden’s Westview Village learned how to spot various online scams and fraudulent activity at fascinating information sessions held recently in their respective village community houses. ASB’s community banker provided a wealth of advice on how to stay safe on the internet, with tenants also continuing the Q&A discussion over a cuppa. For further advice on protecting your personal information online, visit netsafe.org.nz.
Flu and Covid injections close to home
With winter just around the corner, it’s important to be able to ward off the various coughs and colds that can keep us under the weather. Staying well will be that bit easier for our tenants in the north and west, thanks to a practical community partnership with Henderson’s McLaren Park Pharmacy.
Last year, Dispensary Manager Derek Lau worked with Community Manager Michelle to bring COVID-19, flu and other vaccinations directly to tenants in our West Auckland villages. This year, Derek has extended the service to the North Shore and will be providing more than 50 vaccinations across our North Shore villages, along with a similar number in West Auckland. Our thanks to Derek for continuing to offer this valuable service and helping to keep our tenants fit and well through winter.
Greenslade Court tenants receiving their winter shots from Derek
Easter eggs-travaganza at Topping Court
Topping Court tenants in Mangere East celebrated Easter this year with an egg decorating competition. Everyone got into the spirit of the Easter festivities, producing some egg-cellent works of art. Community Manager Nicky (aka the Easter Bunny) had the difficult task of choosing the winners and also organised a fun Easter egg hunt in tenants’ gardens – all of which was very egg-citing!
New village coming along nicely
It’s full speed ahead on construction of our new two-storey apartment complex at 81A Godley Road in Green Bay. The development, next door to our existing Godley Court village, will offer 42 one-bedroom units, all of which will qualify for the Income-Related Rent Subsidy. With construction due to complete towards the end of 2026, applications for the new homes will be opening soon. If someone you know is on the social housing register and is looking for an affordable home to age in place, they can call us today on 0800 430 101.
Your voice matters: ageing well in Aotearoa
New Zealanders are living longer than ever before. With the right age-friendly conditions in place, many seniors can continue to contribute, stay connected, support whānau and communities, and live well for longer in the places they call home.
In response to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing which is currently underway, the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing is inviting older New Zealanders to take part in a short survey. It asks how confident you feel about your future, what helps you stay active and involved, and what would make the biggest difference to ageing well where you live. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is totally confidential. You can fill it out here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/healthyageingaotearoa.
Your input will help inform practical solutions across housing, health, work and community support, so seniors are better supported to live healthy and connected lives.