Kia ora,
At the start of November, I attended a sustainable housing conference where our Tenancy Quality Manager, Maxine, gave a presentation on our tenants’ experiences of living in multi storey apartment buildings. We developed two wonderful videos for the event, featuring tenants of our Wilson, Wilsher and Gallaher villages speaking about life in their inclusive, socially connected and supportive Haumaru community. I’d like to thank all our tenants who participated in the filming for these, which you can watch on our website at haumaruhousing.co.nz/sharingtenants-stories.
It’s clear from the videos that having a communal space for social gatherings is greatly valued and we’re looking to increase the number of such areas in our villages over the next year. We’ve just completed a quarterly review of our annual plan, and four new communal spaces are scheduled to be completed before July 2024. I’m pleased to say that we’re progressing through our list of other projects planned for the 2023/24 year: going paper-free is going well, with most correspondence now undertaken by email; our village surveys on the above-ground condition of all the properties is complete; and our tenant advisory group has had its initial meeting. In addition, our plan for a new information technology package is on track; our cultural upskilling is very enriching; and all our staff have individual, professional development growth plans in place.
The summer will soon be upon us and, before you know it, the schools will be finished for the year and we’ll be seeing many more tamariki in the villages. Enjoy the warmer weather and the forthcoming Christmas party season.
Ngā mihi,
Gillian Schweizer,
Chief Executive Officer
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Village veggie plots provide a rich harvest
Tenants of Topping Court in Māngere East and Green Bay’s Godley Court are reaping the benefits of their green-fingered efforts, with their veggie gardens now producing plentiful produce for everyone to share. In each village, tenants work cohesively throughout the year in the upkeep of their communal vegetable patches, with everyone helping out with the various gardening, planting and weeding chores and doing their bit to nurture the developing harvest. They all agree that working toward this common goal encourages connection, friendship and neighbourliness in the spirit of ‘whanaungatanga’. When the fresh crop of vegetables is ready to be picked, they’re distributed amongst the village community, with tenants then enjoying a shared meal together. What a fantastic, inclusive initiative for the benefit of all!
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Good to know
- Haumaru Housing has contracted the services of a company to service the heat pumps in each village every six months. Please note this will be undertaken at no cost to you as a tenant. If you’re contacted by anyone claiming to be from a heat pump company and offering to service your heat pump, please advise our Helpdesk on 0800 430 101.
- For health and safety purposes, it’s extremely important that tenants do not enter any vacant units that are currently being renovated. These are active worksites for authorised personnel only and may be hazardous for those not wearing the required personal protective clothing/equipment.
- Another safety precaution is to always make sure you lock all your doors and windows before going to bed at night. In fact, it’s a good idea to keep your doors locked all the time (even if you’re just working in the garden). Also, don’t open your door to strangers and don’t be afraid to say ‘No’, if they ask to come in for any reason. All Haumaru contractors will show you photo ID if they need to gain access to your unit for repairs.
- Tenants are reminded not to smoke indoors at any time – whether in their units, communal hallways or the community houses (where available) – as this will set off the smoke alarms. Please use the designated outdoor smoking areas and be mindful of any effect it may have on tenants in neighbouring units who don’t smoke.
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Artists in residence at Jack Smyth Court
Meet Bryan and Claire Swainson of Massey’s Jack Smyth Court, each an accomplished artist and very much enjoying living life to the full in their Haumaru village.
Originally from Gisborne, Bryan was a well-known pop singer and musician in the pub rock scene there from 1961. After a performance on the TV programme ‘Happen Inn’, he became a nationwide success until 1978 when he decided on a career change, running his own highly successful painting company for many years.
Bryan and Claire got married in 1978 and have three sons who are all musicians. Talented artist Claire is inspired by the beauty in nature and draws on memories of her childhood in the Mackenzie country to express the energy, light and contrasts of the natural world through acrylics on canvas.
The couple still enjoy their passion for music and art, in addition to their other interests. Bryan continues to write his own blues music, playing guitar in the village’s community house as well as indulging in a spot of pool. Claire equally loves gardening, which produces a wonderful array of flowers as well as abundant vegetables to help with the budget and in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With lots of family and friends living close by, they’re both relishing retirement and, as Bryan says, “are living a full and exciting life, within the wonderful provisions provided by Haumaru Housing.”
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Bryan and Claire.
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Roll-up for your next minivan trip
Tenants enjoyed a lovely sunny day out on 21 November to Swanson’s popular Crystal Mountain museum and theme park. Our picture shows Milica of Glen Eden’s Wilson Road Village getting on board the Selwyn Community minivan, with Selwyn driver Walter. If you’d like to join the next trip leaving from your village – especially now that summer’s on its way – get in touch with our Helpdesk or speak to your Community Manager.
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Spotlight on…. new placements Coordinator, Simiama Paongo
Malo e lelei, I'm Simaima and it fills my heart with pride to embrace my Tongan heritage. My journey has been woven within the warmth of a family of seven, including four siblings who have been my unwavering pillars, shaping the person I am today. My passion is deeply rooted in helping others and I strongly believe in the transformative power of positive connections. As I embark on this new chapter, I’m determined to contribute in meaningful ways to create a positive impact in our community. Together, let's write a story of compassion, collaboration and lasting connections that will last a lifetime. ‘Ofa atu.
