Kia ora koutou
I trust you’ve been able to enjoy the late autumn sunshine we’ve been having recently and taken advantage of some of this month’s minivan trips to Auckland Zoo, Monte Cecilia Park and the mini golf attraction on Tāmaki Drive.
You may have seen the Government’s announcement last week about the comprehensive multi-year review of the social housing system which is being planned, and perhaps wondered what it will mean for you as a tenant. Community housing providers such as Haumaru are waiting to receive more information on what’s proposed and how and when it will be implemented. The only confirmed change that we’re aware of which will affect community housing tenants is an adjustment to the rental you pay. This will take effect from 1 April 2027 and will be implemented as part of your annual review. No changes are happening to your tenancy today or in the near-term.
The rent change next year means that the minimum Income-Related Rent (IRR) payment will increase from 25% to 30% of a person’s income. For tenants eligible for IRR, the Government has indicated that this will mean a rent increase of around $31 per week on average. Of course, the exact impact will depend on your own circumstances.
The wider reforms are long-term and still being worked out. The Government has also signalled broader changes to the social housing system – such as how tenancies are assessed and reviewed –but these are long-term proposals, expected to take at least five years to implement. The Government has indicated they will consult with community housing providers before any further decisions are made, and Haumaru intends to actively participate in that process. We will keep you informed as further relevant information becomes available.
We know that the prospect of change can be unsettling, especially when it comes to your home. Please be assured that our ongoing commitment to providing safe, secure and affordable tenancies for older people remains the same, and we will continue to create positive and inclusive communities that support seniors to live well and thrive in the places they know and love.
We also know that these changes are coming at a time when cost of living pressures are already high and being keenly felt by our communities. Our Community Management team are constantly looking for ways we can connect our tenants with services to help reduce this burden – from access to subsidised transport using your AT Hop card, to connecting with food providers, to garden beds to help you produce your own kai. If you would like more information about any of these, or have any ideas about other such initiatives we could connect with, please talk to your Community Manager.
If you have any immediate queries on the above – or if we can help with any other matter – please call the Helpdesk on 0800 430 101 at any time.
Noho ora mai
Olivia Poulsen
Chief Executive
Recycling champions
Auckland Council’s WasteWise advisors visited our Wilsher and Kaumātua villages in West Auckland to give presentations on reducing waste, the do’s and don’ts of recycling, and which items should go in your recycling bin. The sessions provided tenants with fun, simple, informative solutions to minimising waste at home and in everyday life. A key fact everyone learned was that you can no longer recycle bottle tops and lids – they must go to a separate recycling centre. Tenants are now busy saving their tops, caps and lids to give to Community Manager Michelle each week, who then takes them to the authorised drop-off point.
Pictured with their collection of bottle tops and lids are (left) Ani the Buddhist nun from Wilsher Village and Sharon from Kaumātua Court. Also pictured is Ken from Greenslade Court in Northcote, who’s similarly doing his part to save the planet by collecting aluminium cans to be recycled and made into wheelchairs!
For more information on the Council’s ‘Waste Nothing’ programme, visit: https://wastenothing.co.nz/zero-waste-programmes/.
Living stronger for longer
Tenants from Birkdale and Greenslade villages enjoyed a special visit to the University of Auckland on 6 May to take part in a “Keeping Active, Ageing Well” workshop. The session supported students from the School of Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences who are working on the Strength and Balance programme in collaboration with the Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research. The programme, which is being rolled out across Auckland, helps reduce the risk of falls in older people, making it an important initiative for supporting healthy ageing and independence.
The workshop gave tenants the opportunity to actively participate in a range of exercises and activities, while students were able to see their ideas come to life and gain valuable insight into supporting people with differing abilities. Participants were invited to provide feedback to help shape future programmes and received an exercise sheet with activities they could continue doing at home to help maintain strength and balance. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the workshop such a success.
For more information about a Strength and Balance programme near you, visit: www.livestronger.org.nz.
Tenancy Quality Manager Maxine took this pic of the Haumaru participants enjoying some well-earned refreshments after the workshop.
Morning tea and good company at Marne Road village
Tenants at Marne Road Village recently came together for a friendly morning tea with delicious sandwiches, laughter and lively conversation. The gathering gave tenants a wonderful opportunity to catch up with neighbours, enjoy each other’s company and, as some joked, “solve the world’s problems” over a cup of tea. These simple social occasions are a valued part of village life and help create the strong sense of community that makes Marne Road such a welcoming place to live.
Located close to the heart of Papakura, Marne Road offers easy access to local shops, cafés and community facilities. Many tenants enjoy walking into town or travelling by mobility scooter, making the most of the area’s vibrant atmosphere and the many things to see and do. The local library has also become a popular place for tenants to learn new skills and stay connected. Several residents are currently attending a technology workshop there and learning how to use their new mobile phones with greater confidence. The sessions are helping participants build digital skills, stay in touch with family and friends, and make the most of the technology available to them.
It’s inspiring to see tenants embracing new opportunities, supporting one another and enjoying the many social connections that make village life so special.
Solving the world’s problems at the Marne Road Village morning tea.
Driving down the cost of fuel
With the current high cost of fuel affecting everyone’s wallets, the following tips on smarter driving, vehicle maintenance and strategic fuel purchasing can generate some much-needed cost-savings:
- Drive smoothly: Avoid rapid acceleration and harsh braking; maintain a steady speed and anticipate traffic flow to reduce fuel use.
- Plan trips wisely: Combine errands, avoid peak traffic and reduce unnecessary trips to minimise idling and cold starts, which can increase fuel use by up to 20%.
- Regular servicing: This ensures the engine runs efficiently, reducing internal friction and improving combustion.
- Check tyres: Properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.
- Replace worn components: Spark plugs, air filters and lubricants should be changed regularly.
- Compare prices: Use apps like Gaspy to find the cheapest fuel nearby; price differences can be 15–25 cents per litre.
- Choose independent retailers: NPD, Gull or Waitomo often offer lower prices than major brands.
- Reduce vehicle weight: Remove unnecessary items to lower drag and fuel consumption.
- Stay informed: Monitor fuel supply and Government advice to make informed decisions about fuel use.
By combining these strategies, you can meaningfully reduce your fuel costs while also lowering your environmental impact in New Zealand. Or why not use public transport: SuperGold Cardholders can get free off-peak travel on public transport – 9.00am to 3.00pm and from 6.30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays.
Happy travels!
Elder abuse: help is available
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed each year on 15 June, reminds us all that older people have the right to feel safe, respected and valued in their homes and communities. In New Zealand, it is estimated that as many as one in ten seniors may experience some form of abuse, but many cases go unreported.
The Office for Seniors helps raise national awareness of elder abuse and the availability of the Elder Abuse Response Service. If you have concerns about how you or someone you know is being treated, the Service will provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Its trained coordinators will listen, offer advice and connect you with local services and support. You can contact them on 0800 32 668 65, text: 5032, or email: support@elderabuse.nz.
For more information, visit www.officeforseniors.govt.nz.