Well, winter’s here, but it’s not too cold yet – it’s been unseasonably warm, in fact. On the COVID front, it’s a case of ‘so far, so good’, but we can’t afford to let our guard down, so keep up the good work to protect yourself and others from the dreaded virus (see a few key reminders overleaf).
On 1 July, Haumaru Housing will celebrate its fourth anniversary. I believe we’re continuing to go from strength to strength in our mission to provide affordable rental homes for older people, to create safe and welcoming village environments for all, and to raise awareness on a wider level of the urgent need for more social housing generally - for seniors and families alike. I’d like to thank all our tenants for working with us over the last four years, and for your support and participation in all our village and neighbourhood initiatives. In going further to improve our offering, we’re looking forward to the results of our annual tenant satisfaction survey which will provide us with valuable insight as to how we can do even more to enhance our services to you.
Until next time, take care and stay safe.
Gabby Clezy,
Chief Executive Officer
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Midwinter Feast celebrates harmony through diversity
Tenants of Henderson’s Wilsher Village came together on 11 June to hold an international day to celebrate the annual Midwinter Feast tradition which is observed in countries across the world. All those attending brought a cultural dish from their country of origin, and so there was wonderful fare on offer from the Philippines, South Africa, China, Korea, Malaysia and India as well as from New Zealand, Scotland and England. Before tenants tucked in to enjoy the world ‘on a plate’, there were blessings of the food in five languages. This lovely get-together celebrating both diversity and harmony in village life was organised by tenants George, Marlene, Marama, Cheryl, Sharon and Eddie and is intended to become an annual fixture in Wilsher’s events calendar.
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Pergola pleasure
The communal lawn areas of Devonport’s Belmont Court and Pahurehure Village in Papakura have been enhanced by the addition of an elegant, wooden pergola. Designed to provide shading in sunny weather, the attractive community feature, bench seating and surrounding landscaping have been made possible by a donation from the Charles Rupert Stead Trust, with contributory funding provided by Haumaru Housing.
To formally ‘unveil’ the new structure at Belmont Court, tenants and Haumaru staff met for a village meeting on 16 June which was also attended by members of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. Tenants are now looking forward to meeting together in their new pergola for social gatherings, come the warmer days of summer.
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Hey, Mr Music Man
William (Bill) Rollo’s neighbours in Titirangi’s Kaurilands Court will be used to the sound of his dulcet tones and melodic tunes as he accompanies himself on his prized keyboard. However, older Aucklanders from farther afield might also remember this talented singer and musician who used to grace the stage of clubs around the city in the sixties and right up to the late eighties.
For many years, Bill was a vocalist at the famous Orange Hall on Newton Road, singing alongside the universally admired Bill Sevesi and Daphne Walker. He was invited to become a member of the acclaimed Bill Sevesi Team and has very fond memories of this special time. When Bill Sevesi semi-retired, Bill enjoyed a solo career and regularly performed at gigs primarily around West Auckland.
An accomplished musician, he is a devotee of Latin American and Rock n Roll music and played the guitar and ukulele for many years. Now, he prefers his electric keyboard which can also replicate a wide range of instrumental music.
Whilst no longer appearing in clubs, Bill, who was also part of the security team at Motat in earlier days, has been known to take his keyboard outside on the lawn area in summertime and perform for his neighbours. To quote a well-known line by Swedish songsters ABBA, ‘Thank you for the music’ Bill!
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Fish & Chip baby jumpers for a good cause
Next door neighbours Sheila Merrilees (right) and Barbara Swift (left) of Glenfield’s Bentley Court are appealing for any spare wool that Haumaru villagers might have, to help them in their knitting quest for a range of good causes.
Sheila started knitting baby jumpers for North Shore Hospital just over a year ago and also knits for De Paul House, a charity which provides housing and support services especially for local families with dependent children. Barbara has just recently taken up knitting and also knits squares for blankets for North Shore Hospital.
The ladies knit what’s known as ‘Fish and Chip’ jumpers. Babies born in some of the poorest areas of Africa are sent home wrapped in newspaper to keep them warm when mothers have no clothes for them, hence the fish and chip concept. The jumpers can be knitted in one piece and are good for using up small oddments of wool. In New Zealand, a number of District Health Boards also now accept these garments for new-borns.
If anyone has any surplus wool and would like to donate it to Sheila and Barbara, please do contact your Community Manager who will be happy to pass on your details.
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SuperGold Card special offers
SuperGold helps you stretch your money further, offering instant discounts and special offers on everyday essentials and more. There are many ways you can save, both locally and nationwide. Check out the latest special offers at supergold.govt.nz or get the SuperGold app. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and start saving today.
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Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
It’s important that everyone continues to follow all the Ministry of Health advice regarding COVID-19. Whether we’re in an Alert Level or not, you should still:
• wash your hands regularly (especially after being out and about in the community)
• keep physically distant from those you don’t know
• track your movements using the Covid Tracer App
• if you’re sick, stay home and don’t travel
• call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice on getting tested
• make sure you get the vaccine.
Remember, the vaccine is safe, effective and free. Having the right information about the vaccine is important - be aware of incorrect or second-hand information about the vaccine on social media and other places. You can get accurate and trusted information at Covid19.govt.nz and health.govt.nz, or talk to your doctor. The more of us who are vaccinated, the more freedom we’ll have in our daily lives.
