Tēnā koutou katoa
Happy New Year, all! I hope you had a wonderful holiday period and were able to catch up with family and friends to enjoy some great food and good company. The weather recently has not been favourable to getting out and about, unfortunately; our thoughts are with those around the country who have experienced the significant impact of the devastating flooding and landslips that have occurred.
We still have another month of summertime to look forward to, however, so hopefully things will improve on the weather front.
In this edition, we take a look at a few more of the many village Christmas parties and get-togethers that took place last month. The lead-up to the festive season is always a lovely time for connecting with neighbours, Haumaru staff and members of the local community, and I know our Community Managers particularly enjoy the opportunity to celebrate this special time of year with tenants. Thank you for all your contribution to the Christmas events and for your help in making them fun and memorable for all.
With the start of the new year, work has commenced on our 42-unit Godley Road development in Green Bay. Also we anticipate many more new service initiatives and tenant-focussed activities as we go forward in our mission to be the leading provider of affordable rental housing for older people in New Zealand.
Until next time, enjoy the rest of the summer.
Ngā mihi nui
David Kennedy
Interim Chief Executive
Learning together at Greenslade Court
Something special is happening at Northcote’s Greenslade Court, thanks to tenant Patricia Taunga who’s generously offering free English lessons to fellow villagers. Around eight tenants currently attend the classes which are relaxed and joyful – and sometimes even include singing together! The sessions are already making a real difference, with participants speaking much more confidently, having a better understanding of English, and being more involved in activities within the village.
Patricia brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. She holds a Trinity College Certificate in Teaching English (ESL) and has taught English for 20 years in Hungary, Ireland and China. Prior to that, she completed a Diploma in Counselling and is also a Justice of the Peace and is always happy to assist tenants when needed.
This is an amazing service that Patricia offers simply out of kindness and a desire to help others. She’s happy to open it up to any other Haumaru tenants on the North Shore who would like to join. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Greenslade Court Community Manager Trudi who will put them in touch with Patricia (or you can phone the Helpdesk).
Thank you, Patricia, for gifting your time, skills and energies to support your fellow tenants and contribute to the wonderful sense of community at our newest village.
Remember your SuperGold card this summer
The Office for Seniors brings us the following reminder about the benefits of using your SuperGold card whenever you’re out and about.
As many of you travel to see loved ones over summer, remember to keep an eye out for SuperGold offers wherever your journey takes you. Whether you’re visiting new places or returning to familiar spots, your SuperGold Card opens doors to discounts and savings designed just for you.
To make the most of your SuperGold benefits, download the SuperGold app. Recently upgraded, the app now makes it even easier to find the latest offers nearby, search quickly and shop with confidence. With the enhanced app, you’ll know exactly where to access your SuperGold discounts no matter where you are.
Don't miss out on the latest offers – download the SuperGold app for free from Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (for Android phones and tablets). If you need help downloading or using the app, you can call SuperGold on 0800 25 45 65 (Mon to Fri, 8am-5pm). For more information, visit https://supergold.govt.nz/.
Christmas parties revisited
If you’re concerned about an immediate threat to life or property,
call the emergency services on 111.