Kia ora,
Season's greetings, everyone. It's definitely been an actionpacked year - what with severe weather events, lots of village activities and events, cost of living rises and a change of government. One of the highlights has been the sense of community within the villages and how tenants have been there for one another, offering help and support when needed.
In the office, we've had some staff changes and have expanded our Facilities team, so we're all ready to put next year's plans into action. Now, however, it's time to pause, catch our breath, connect with friends and whanau - and possibly set some resolutions. My goal in 2024 is to cultivate both vegetables and flowers and to ensure I take time to enjoy the small things in my day-to-day interactions.
It's been special to connect with many tenants at the Christmas/end-of-year gatherings and to hear about individual successes and challenges. Please remember, if I or the team can be of assistance with a village matter, the Helpdesk is answered 24/7 including on public holidays, so don't hesitate to call us.
On behalf of everyone at Haumaru Housing, I'd like to wish you a Meri Kirihimete me te tau hou.
Nga mihi,
Gillian Schweizer,
Chief Executive Officer
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Otara Court seniors' expo
We had a full house in Otara Hall for our special seniors' expo and morning tea on 23 November. The event was organised by Community Managers Lei, Malia and Tony together with Auckland Council's Connected Communities Department and was attended by tenants from Otara, Acacia, Whitehaven and Hills Courts. Our thanks to all those who contributed towards the comprehensive information session, including the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board, Auckland Council, Auckland Libraries and Leisure, Ministry of Social Development, ADT {personal safety alarms), Bowel Screening, Te Whatu Ora, Age Concern and Auckland Transport. Each agency spoke about the services they offer to older people, with brochures, leaflets and other advice also available from their information tables.
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Getting all artsy
Tenants from Henderson’s Wilsher Village recently enjoyed a creative arts workshop at Connect the Dots’ studio in Onehunga. Connect the Dots is a charitable trust committed to using creativity as a tool to improve the health and wellbeing of older people and people living with dementia or disability and to empowering and connecting them to their communities through art. We hope to organise further sessions for tenants next year and look forward to seeing all your creations then.
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Spotlight on...new Executive Assistant, Penny Mulvaney
Kia ora koutou, I’m Penny and am so pleased to be part of the Haumaru Housing team. I was born and bred in Tāmaki Makaurau and currently live in Puketapapa/Mt Roskill. I am the proud mum of two big boys and married to my husband for twenty-something years! I’ve a passion for working with people from all walks of life and helping to make a difference in their lives, whether big or small. Haumaru’s values really resonated with me and are what drew me to the role – kindness, respect, responsiveness and accountability. I really look forward to working with you all and having lots of fun along the way!
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Christmas events around the villages
The Christmas festivities have been well and truly underway across our Haumaru villages, with wonderful parties, fantastic food, lots of fun and laughter and members of the community also dropping in to add to the festive cheer.
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Christmas greetings from all at Haumaru Housing
Wishing you and your loved ones much joy and happiness over Christmas and the New Year. Our staff will be on duty over the holidays and you can call us 24/7 on our usual number: 0800 430 101. You can contact us at any time - we're always here to help. Calls made out of office hours (and during the public holidays) will be answered by our after-hours service as normal.
