Tēnā koutou katoa
As Haumaru Housing Interim CEO for the next few months, I am enjoying working alongside the Haumaru team and supporting the organisation through this transition period. Haumaru is a respected and trusted provider of safe, secure and affordable rental homes for older people, and I am pleased to play my part in ensuring the important work already underway continues smoothly and without disruption.
I am sure many of you will be looking forward to spending the festive season with family and friends and enjoying the chance to get out and about in what will hopefully be fine summer weather. Despite the end of the year approaching, we continue to be busy around the villages with many initiatives and activities – not to mention all the Christmas parties taking place! It is wonderful to see such positive engagement and participation in these by our Haumaru community of tenants and staff alike.
Our team will be working throughout the festive period and the Helpdesk will also be answered 24/7 including on public holidays, so please do not hesitate to call us if you need assistance. You will also continue to see Community Managers on site.
Looking forward, the New Year will see us continuing to make progress on our new 42-unit development in Green Bay, and we will also be finalising our 10-year growth strategy which will chart our plans for delivering even more affordable rental homes for Auckland’s seniors.
On behalf of everyone at Haumaru Housing, I would like to wish you and your whānau Meri Kirihimete me ngā mihi o te Tau Hou. May you have a safe, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year and a most enjoyable summer.
Ngā mihi nui
David Kennedy
Interim Chief Executive
Jingle all the way!
It’s party season and everyone has been enjoying lots of festive fun in the sun, hosted by Haumaru’s ‘Christmas elves’ (aka the Community Managers). With wonderful company, good conversation, tasty treats and lots of fun and laughter, the holiday period has definitely gotten off to a great start! Our pictures below show just some of the celebrations that have been taking place around the villages (more to come next month).
A heart-warming visit from Holy Cross School
Acacia Village tenants in Papatoetoe were treated to a delightful surprise on 3 December when students from Holy Cross School stopped by to spread some festive cheer. The children filled the village with the sound of Christmas carols, then spent time handing out small gifts to tenants – a gesture that brought smiles all round. The visit was arranged by the village’s Social Committee as part of their efforts to build new connections within the local community, and it was warmly appreciated by all.
Health advice over warmer months
Summer brings longer days and warmer weather, but it can also bring health challenges. Here are some simple tips from the Office for Seniors to help you stay safe and comfortable during the hot months:
- Hot weather means it is important to stay cool and hydrated, so drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Stay in the shade when outdoors and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Open windows if there’s a breeze, but keep curtains or blinds closed to block direct sunlight.
- Take a cool shower or bath, and wear loose, lightweight clothing.
- Warm weather increases the risk of foodborne illness, therefore keep perishable foods chilled and avoid leaving food out in the sun.
- Sunburn can happen quickly, even on cloudy days – use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply regularly.