I hope that everyone’s still been able to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, despite the various COVID-19 lockdowns. With the ongoing situation, it’s vital that we all continue to practise the recommended infection prevention and hygiene precautions when outside. Everyone needs to continue to play it safe which, in turn, will allow us to maintain safe communities for all.
Please be mindful of the need to keep a safe distance from people you don’t know, and wear a face covering in situations where physical distancing isn’t possible (legally, you must wear a face covering on public transport). Also, wash your hands regularly, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and keep track of where you’ve been (preferably via the NZ COVID Tracer App on your mobile phone and with Bluetooth turned on).
If you feel unwell at all, please stay home; if you develop cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to get advice about being tested. If you’re waiting for COVID-19 test results, and have been told you need to self-isolate, you legally must do so immediately.
If you’d like to keep updated with the latest situation nationally, Government websites are the only reliable sources of information. Beware of misinformation on social media and elsewhere, as it works against us at a time when we need to work together to beat the virus. Only share information from official Government sources - you can find accurate information on: covid19.govt.nz and health.govt.nz.
Stay safe.
Gabby Clezy,
Chief Executive Officer
Tenants from Dale, Mariott, Mattson and Minerva Courts in Pakuranga and Howick were hosted to a lovely morning of cultural performances at Pakuranga’s Te Tuhi Art Centre on 27 January, which was followed by a superb lunch. The social event was organised by Independent Living Charitable Trust and funded by Howick Local Board, with Haumaru Housing providing the transport. It was a perfect opportunity for tenants to meet other Haumaru villagers in their local area and to make new contacts, and everyone very much enjoyed the entertainment and the company of their fellow seniors alike. Tucking into the lavish lunch after the performances.
The Devonport Peninsular Trust coffee morning at Belmont Court on 5 February was also attended by Lance Cabik of Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (which is supported by the Trust), who talked to tenants about the great work it’s doing to make the Devonport Peninsula a pest-free area. Lance also spoke about other projects underway to enhance the biodiversity of the unique ecological area, such as at Shoal Bay and Ngataringa Bay. He’s pictured here with village tenants who greatly enjoyed hearing all about it.
Piringa Court tenants were treated to a wonderful BBQ on the village green on 9 February, thanks to Miriama (Midi) Rapana of Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust. More than half the village attended the event to catch up and have a chat over the tasty food and background music. Sausage sizzles were also hand-delivered by the Community Manager Tracey John to other tenants who were unable to join the group at the heart of the village. The village BBQs are being held on the first Tuesday of each month, with Midi also hosting similar BBQs for Hillcrest Court tenants every first Wednesday of the month – weather permitting and dependent on the COVID Alert Level at the time, of course. So, fingers-crossed there are many more to come!
Haumaru Housing continues to be a key contributor to Auckland Council’s Age-Friendly Auckland Project. Community Manager Tracey John has been attending regular meetings with other participating organisations to progress one of the concepts that will ensure Auckland becomes an official Age-Friendly City and is recognised as such by the World Health Organisation. This important work will ultimately have a positive impact on all our tenants and other seniors across New Zealand’s largest city. Tracey’s pictured (centre) with the Age Friendly Auckland Concept 1 Working Group: from left to right, Melanie Hutton (Community Resilience Manager, Auckland Emergency Management), Jo Cocker (Te Manawa - Senior Community Outreach Specialist), Kevin Lamb (CEO, Age Concern) and Rebekah Preston (Social Connections Manager, Age Concern).
We know Christmas now seems like a distant memory, but we’d like to share some photos of the various village get-togethers that tenants enjoyed over the festive season. The focus was definitely on enjoying great food, fantastic company, good conversation and lots of fun and laughter.