August 2025

Tēnā koutou katoa

On behalf of everyone at Haumaru Housing, I wish to extend a warm welcome to the 55 tenants of our brand new Greenslade Court village which formally opened on 8 August in Northcote. The village is a real collaboration between Auckland Council who own the land, Kāinga Ora who constructed the building, and Haumaru who will carry out the tenancy management role, with the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development funding the Income Related Rent Subsidy for all the units.

With a growing population of older people in Tāmaki Makaurau, we’re grateful for our ongoing collaboration with our partners, as we work to provide more affordable rental housing for our kaumātua and kuia. Reflecting on the successful partnership that delivered Greenslade Court, this whakataukī of traditional wisdom comes to mind: Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti te mahi / With red and black, the work will be complete. This refers to different people, or groups of people, cooperating and combining efforts to achieve a common goal, (the colours refer to the traditional kowhaiwhai patterns inside the wharenui / meeting houses).

Congratulations to our Head of Facilities, Sean Mahon, who was recently shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious FMANZ ‘Facilities Manager of the Year’ award. FMANZ is the peak trade body representing the thousands of people employed in the facilities management industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sean and his team play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing and safety of all our tenants, and we’re delighted that he was recognised in this way.

I’d like to remind everyone about our regular outings in the Selwyn community minivans. Over the next two months, these will be going to places such as Gulf Harbour Marina, the West Lynn Garden and Butterfly house, Hamilton Zoo, Riverhead Tavern, Auckland Botanical Gardens and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. Ask your Community Manager when the next trip is scheduled for your village and book your free spot by calling the Helpdesk on 0800 430 101.

Stay warm – spring is just around the corner.

Ngā mihi nui

Gillian Schweizer,

Chief Executive Officer

 Greenslade Court opened by the Minister for Seniors

New tenants, Haumaru Board members and staff, and invited guests gathered together on 8 August to celebrate the opening of the purpose-built, 52-unit Greenslade Court in the heart of the revitalised Northcote community. Speaking at the opening, the Hon Casey Costello, Minister for Seniors, said: “Projects like Greenslade Court are great examples of the kind of housing choices we need for older New Zealanders. By working in partnership with community providers, we can deliver practical solutions that support people to stay in the communities and areas they love, stay independent, and live well.” 

Pictured at the opening event (from left): Greenslade tenant Ken Russell speaking to the Minister and Haumaru Placements Manager Linda McKenzie; the Minister cutting the celebratory cake with tenant John Kite; having a chat with tenant Roberta Harris.

Welcome to our new Board member 

A pōwhiri to welcome our new Board Member, Kirsten Andrews, was held on 22 July at the Tatai Hono Marae of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Grafton (close to the Haumaru offices). Representing Auckland Council on the Board, Kirsten is a qualified Chartered Accountant and an experienced governance professional, with a 30-year career in property management, development and strategic asset management and a commitment to community-focused outcomes. Kirsten started with us on 1 July and will be visiting some of our villages in the near future, as she learns more about us. She’s pictured (2^nd right) at the pōwhiri with Board Member Jason Rogers (left), CEO Gillian Schweizer and Board Member Stephen Titter.

Standing together against elder abuse

Our Tenancy Quality Manager Maxine Stiling recently represented Haumaru at the ‘Treasuring Our Seniors’ event held at The Trusts Arena in Henderson to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of elder abuse and to promote dignity, safety and respect for older adults. Maxine spoke to visitors to the Haumaru stall about applying for Haumaru homes, the new subsidised rental model, and the importance of safe, supportive living environments for older people.

Co-led by Jeet Suchdev QSM JP, Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, and Sister Jessica Phuang of NZ Police, the event was attended by the Minister for Seniors and local MPs, as well as over 40 ethnic organisations, highlighting the power of multicultural unity and shared responsibility in advocating for seniors’ wellbeing. Maxine’s pictured with Haumaru tenants who also attended on the day.

Renewing your driving licence: an important message from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

We're aware of false information on some websites claiming changes are coming for drivers over 65, including that they will have to renew every two years. This is incorrect. Always check the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) website for the most up-to-date information. Some key points are:

• Your licence will expire on your 75th birthday, on your 80th birthday, and every second birthday after that. You must renew your driver licence on or before its expiry date if you want to keep driving.
• You can renew your licence up to six months before it expires. NZTA will send you reminders and an application form before your licence is due to expire. You'll need to make an appointment with your doctor (and possibly a specialist) to get a medical certificate, so allow plenty of time.
• Once you've got your medical certificate, you'll need to visit a driver licensing agent in person. The certificate is only valid for 60 days, so make sure you take it to an agent before it runs out.

For more information, visit www.nzta.govt.nz.

Out and about

If you’re concerned about an immediate threat to life or property, call the emergency services on 111.