Kia ora koutou
No sooner does the Football World Cup end, when the 2026 Commonwealth Games begin! Whether you're a fan of lawn bowls, swimming, netball or another sport, many of us will be cheering on our Kiwi athletes as they compete on the international stage in Glasgow. Their determination, teamwork and resilience are qualities we can all admire, and we wish every member of Team New Zealand the very best.
New Zealand’s recent celebrations and reflections over Matariki were an opportunity for us to bring to mind those we have lost, to enjoy the present and look to the future. For the Haumaru team, this year's Matariki held special significance as we remembered our dear colleague Roland Phillips, Haumaru's Community Services Operations Manager, who passed away last June. Roland continues to be greatly missed by his colleagues and by the many tenants and others whose lives he touched.
Matariki also encourages us to think about the year ahead, and there is much to look forward to. Construction of our new Godley Road development in Green Bay is progressing well and is on track for completion at the end of October, with tenants expected to move into their new homes in November – wonderful timing ahead of Christmas! Looking beyond this important milestone, we're also excited about our ambitious plan for growth, with a goal of delivering more than 500 new homes over the next ten years to help even more older Aucklanders enjoy safe, warm and affordable housing.
Another important event on the horizon is this year’s General Election on 7 November 2026. If you would like to vote, you will need to have enrolled online or updated your details by 25 October 2026. Should you wish to change between the Māori electoral roll and general roll, you need to do this before 6 August 2026. Most people will be sent a digital Easyvote card to vote, so if you need a paper version, we recommend contacting the Electoral Commission now. You can find out more by visiting the Electoral Commission website at https://vote.nz/ or call them on 0800 36 76 56, email: enquiries@elections.govt.nz.
As always, thank you for being part of our Haumaru community. Until next time, do keep warm as the winter chill continues to bite.
Olivia Poulsen
Chief Executive
Creativity brings people together
Greenslade Court recently hosted a wonderful morning of art and connection, thanks to Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts Honours student Jay, who’s volunteering fortnightly as part of her art therapy studies. In the first session, tenants enjoyed two relaxing hours of creativity, conversation and connection over some painting, drawing and magazine collage activities. The event brought together tenants from several North Shore villages, giving many the chance to meet for the first time and make new friendships. A similar programme is being held at Beach Haven’s Lancaster Court, with Shepherds Park tenants also taking part, and there are plans to extend the sessions across all our Haumaru villages in due course.
Crafting with compassion
Staying on the Greenslade arts and crafts theme, tenant Lisa Johnson is always hard at work creating beautiful felt creations to bring joy to children in refugee camps around the world. Her latest collection is intended for Calcutta. From handmade bookmarks to colourful banners that can be hung inside family tents, Lisa lovingly creates every piece by hand. Her creativity doesn't stop there, and she’s promised to soon share her artistic talents by running classes for fellow Greenslade villagers – a new activity that everyone will look forward to.
Fresh food, friendly support
For the past three years, Jess from Te Atatū Foodbank has been making deliveries every Thursday afternoon to Kaumātua Court, bringing tenants fresh bread, fruit and vegetables to help with the cost of living. Tenants are welcome to choose items from the weekly delivery, while those needing some extra support can order a monthly food parcel through the Foodbank, which includes meat, fruit, vegetables, bread and milk. This long-standing partnership began when Jess contacted Community Manager Trudi to offer the service, and it has become a much-valued part of village life ever since.
Enjoying mid-winter
Lancaster Court tenants recently enjoyed a fantastic mid-winter celebration, with a lavish buffet and entertainment provided by their resident music maestro John McGowan on the guitar.
A cool trip to Muriwai
Tenants from Preston Court and Belmont Court enjoyed a memorable day trip in the Selwyn minivan to Muriwai Beach and the Gannet Colony on 16 July. With a full day to explore, there was plenty of time to take in the spectacular coastal views, visit the colony, have coffee at the golf club and continue the adventure at a relaxed pace. Pictured on the day-out are Colin from Preston Court and Katarina from Belmont Court.
Is your vehicle secure?
Prevention is always better than a cure, so – to prevent your car from being broken into – consider the following tips from the New Zealand Police:
- Always lock your car, motorbike, bicycle or other vehicles. A car alarm, steering wheel lock or good quality chains are extra deterrents, too.
- Keep valuables out of sight. If it can be seen, it can be a target. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle but keep them out of sight and locked away.
- Install anti-theft devices. Use anti-theft screws for number plates and fit locking anti-tamper wheel nuts for alloy wheels.
- Park smart. Park in well-lit areas. Avoid leaving your car in isolated or dimly lit spaces.
- When out and about, keep your belongings secure and close to you. Separate your home and car keys, especially if you have an address on the key ring.
- Report any suspicious activity to Police immediately. Call Police on 111 if it’s happening
now or on 105 (or 105.police.govt.nz) if it has already happened. Reports can also be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The NZ Police app can be downloaded to your mobile phone, making it easier for you to access services, information and stay up-to-date with what’s happening nationally and in your area. Search ‘NZ Police’ in your app store or download the app from www.police.govt.nz.
By taking a few additional steps, you can help in stopping your vehicle becoming an easy target and avoid unnecessary frustrations.