Auckland’s shortage of quality, affordable rental housing for older people has received a significant boost today with the opening of Haumaru Housing’s new Greenslade Court apartment complex in Northcote – a purpose-built development offering warm, dry homes for seniors in the heart of a revitalised community.
The five-storey building provides 52 one-bedroom rental apartments, designed specifically for older tenants. Demand has been high, with all 55 new residents (including three couples) due to move in by the end of August.
Developed in collaboration with Kāinga Ora, Auckland Council and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the construction of the Greenslade Court building was completed in just 12 months. All tenants qualify for the Income Related Rent Subsidy, thus easing their financial burden.
Sue Watson, Board Director of community housing provider Haumaru Housing, said:
“The demand we’ve seen for Greenslade Court underlines just how urgent the need is for high-quality, affordable rental housing for older people in Auckland. These purpose-built apartments are more than just homes – they offer dignity, connection and security for our senior residents, many of whom have faced major challenges in accessing safe, long-term tenancies in the difficult housing market. With today’s opening – and together with our partners – we’re proud to be able to deliver real solutions and invest in the wellbeing of our kaumātua and kuia.”
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities Deputy Chief Executive – Auckland and Northern – Caroline Butterworth said:
“Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities is proud to celebrate the opening of this new, purpose-built 52-unit community housing development in Northcote, designed specifically for older tenants. This collaborative project will provide warm and dry homes located close to public transport, the local town centre, and a range of community amenities – ensuring residents can live independently while staying connected to their community.”
Located at 27–31 Greenslade Crescent – and adjacent to Haumaru’s Piringa Court village – the new building is ideally situated for older people. Each unit incorporates a range of accessibility features, and the development includes a secure mobility scooter storage area and charging facilities as well as 17 car parks to support active living. A community lounge with outdoor patio area also provides tenants with a dedicated space for socialising and shared activities. Northcote Town Centre, bus services and community amenities are all just a short distance away, as are the newly created greenway network Te Ara Awataha and the redeveloped Greenslade Reserve.
Haumaru’s Sue Watson says: “With a growing population of older people in Tāmaki Makaurau, we’re grateful for our ongoing collaboration with Kāinga Ora, Auckland Council’s Auckland Urban Development Office and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as we work to deliver a better future for older people in need.”
The Hon Casey Costello, Minister for Seniors, officially opened the development. Minister Costello 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.”
Greenslade Court brings the total number of villages in Auckland managed by Haumaru Housing to 63, providing affordable rental housing for over 1,500 older people within positive, inclusive and age-friendly communities.