Kia ora koutou
With the first signs of spring starting to appear, there’s plenty to look forward to. The days are gradually getting longer, and it won’t be long before we can enjoy a little more sunshine and warmth. I hope you’re looking forward to the change of season as much as I am.
September also brings Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week (14-21 September). This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to celebrate te reo Māori and its importance as a taonga of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether it’s learning a new word or phrase, actively using the greetings you already know, or simply taking an interest in the language, every little step helps support and strengthen te reo Māori in our everyday lives.
I’m also delighted to announce that this year we will be running our first ever Haumaru Housing Christmas Card Competition. We’re inviting tenants to put their creativity to work and design this year’s festive card which will be sent to everyone around the villages and to all our Haumaru friends and those we work with. It’s also an ideal way to build on the various artistic activities that have been underway in the villages recently.
Your scanned artwork can be emailed to info@haumaruhousing.co.nz, or physical copies handed to your Community Manager (please don’t forget to include your name and village with your entry). Entries can be in any medium you choose. The competition will close on 16 October 2026 and entries will be judged by a panel of the Haumaru team, including Haumaru Board Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper; they’ll be looking for originality and designs that reflect our Haumaru values and purpose. The winner will receive a $250 Prezzy Card and will work with The Selwyn Foundation marketing team to finalise their artwork for publication, with the Christmas cards then to be available at the end of November.
We’re looking forward to receiving your entries and to seeing a 2026 Christmas card that is unique and authentic to our Haumaru Housing community. If you would like any further information in the meantime, please contact your Community Manager or email the Helpdesk.
In other news, Louise Tuala (who many tenants will have spoken to on the Helpdesk) is starting as a Community Manager on 1 September. We’re also changing the way we do tenancy inspections and will be running these as a central programme across all the villages from now on. Kelly MacDonald (who some of you will have met from our Placements Team) will be stepping into the role of Facilities Coordinator to run this programme. Congratulations to both Kelly and Louise on their new roles.
I look forward to the creativity, connection and community spirit that will shine through in the months ahead.
Noho ora mai
Olivia Poulsen
Chief Executive
Library and lunch event at Flagstaff Court
Massey’s Flagstaff Court enjoyed another wonderful community gathering this month, with good food, great books and plenty of fun.
For the past 15 years, Reverend Robyn from the local Anglican church has provided a monthly cooked lunch for tenants, which is always hearty, homemade and greatly appreciated. The lunch is combined with the pop‑up library visit, where Gabriel from Henderson Library offers a fresh selection of books for everyone to browse and borrow.
This month’s event also included a visit from Lauren of Manutewhau Community Hub, who ran a lively Bingo afternoon, complete with supermarket vouchers and chocolates as prizes. The room was full of laughter, friendly competition and plenty of smiles, with a great day had by all.
Happy 104th birthday, Mr Kim!
Congratulations to Jack Smyth Court tenant In Myung Kim who recently celebrated his 104th birthday! Originally from North Korea, Mr Kim’s secret to living a long life has been to keep himself very busy – and he also credits New Zealand’s fresh air for his longevity! He celebrated at a party organised by his friends at the Korean Presbyterian Church of Auckland he attends in Henderson. Happy birthday greetings, Mr Kim
below: Mr Kim with his various birthday card greetings from over the years
Sign up for Total Mobility
Beach Haven’s Lancaster Court recently had an update on Total Mobility cards and their benefits from Lisa of CMA (which offers companionship and morning activities for seniors). The Total Mobility scheme is a national initiative which supports people who cannot use public transport because of a disability. If you qualify, you can get 65% off taxi fares, up to a maximum of $72 per trip. The Total Mobility card doubles as an AT HOP card that can be used on public transport, providing 40% off travel on buses, trains and ferries. It also allows a companion to accompany you on buses for free. 
To join the Total Mobility scheme, you need to complete an assessment to confirm your eligibility. If you qualify, you will be able to use the Total Mobility Scheme for as long as you need to, with no renewal process required. At Lancaster Court, ten tenants took the opportunity to sign up and were assessed on the spot.
For more information, visit:https://www.cmans.org.nz or https://at.govt.nz.
Artistic skills galore!
The recent art and connection classes at Greenslade and Lancaster Courts have been a big hit with tenants, who’ve been producing the most marvellous works of art.
Save money on power with Billy
Keeping on top of power bills can be challenging, especially when prices change often and every provider offers something different. Billy is a free, independent website created by the Electricity Authority that helps you compare power companies and find the best plan for you – and it only takes a few minutes. It shows which provider best matches how you use electricity and highlights special plans such as pre-pay or regular weekly payments. Many people discover they can cut their bills considerably simply by switching. Billy also makes changing providers easy: there’s no interruption to your power and you don’t need to contact your old provider – the new company handles the switch for you.
Visit billy.co.nz to check your options. It’s quick, free and could make a real difference to your weekly budget.
If you’re concerned about an immediate threat to life or property, call the emergency services on 111.
We always appreciate your feedback. You can talk to your Community Manager,
call us on 0800 430 101, or email info@haumaruhousing.co.nz