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Otago woman crafts a life of kindness and caring

From premature babies to people in their final days of life, hundreds of Otago people have benefited from Eleanor’s huge heart – and her passion for knitting and crochet. And that’s just the start of the incredible impact this Mosgiel woman has on those around her. She also opened her home – and heart – by becoming a foster parent when her children started leaving home. “I became a foster child myself when I was just two

National Volunteer Week – shining a light on our volunteer superstars

It’s National Volunteer Week in Aotearoa and we’re putting the spotlight on some of our incredible customers who share their skills, expertise and time with others to help make their communities great places to live.
Check out just some of these great stories below can give them a new lease on life.    Find out more here: Waste not want not approach at heart of Neil’s good deeds Leana from Palmerston North

Community comes together for Waiata Wednesdays

Every Wednesday evening, Tamihana and friends gather to sing waiata, learn about Te Ao Māori and nurture their growing community. laughter, and a half time kapu tī (cuppa), there’s discussion about the meaning and origin of the songs themselves. “Waiata is important. It’s all part of te reo

People collector Anna brings her community together

Anna lives in a Kāinga Ora home in Palmerston North and loves her neighbourhood for its national heritage significance, accessibility and the large reserve nearby that offers many opportunities for the community to connect. and interactions with neighbours,” says Anna. “I remember one woman decided to build a community centre, and the benefits of getting locals to come along, get

Cadetship paving way for young women in construction

It’s not often you find high school students willing to give up their school holidays to do work experience, but for Sisilia, a young woman from Mangere, the decision was easy. taste of the trades and we hope that seeing the success of Sisila and the other students will encourage even more young woman to take part next time,” said

Peggy's top tips to getting to 100

Mt Roskill resident Peggy joined an exclusive club of Kāinga Ora residents when she celebrated turning 100 on 16 June 2023. Repair Shop on Friday night and of course, I get my daily fix of the The Chase – will you beat the chaser!”  Peggy quips”. Peggy’s son Ken concurs. “I agree with

Family foundation remains strong in Mangere after 50 years

When Karameri greets you at her front door, you automatically feel a part of her whānau as she welcomes you into her lounge adorned with photographs of her children and mokopuna. community centre. I work at the centre running a driver’s license programme and an elderly programme - we sing songs, we dance and we do exercise." Turning 80 in

Home is where the heart is

A place to call home is something Ruwayda and her seven children have longed for since arriving in New Zealand two years ago. Originally sharing three rooms in a motel to now living in their very own Kāinga Ora home, they are feeling happy and content. family because we have our own home. My oldest daughter loves to cook and often prepares a meal for everyone to enjoy.” “We are enjoying getting to know the local

Edith reaches 100th birthday milestone

For 100-year old Edith, the secret to a long life is simple; drink lots of water, eat your vegetables, and try to be kind. . “That’s me and Rock Hudson a long, long time ago,” says Edith, pointing to the black and white image and launching into a lovely rendition of the 1960s classic song

Creating a sense of whānau for the whole neighbourhood

Tāmaki Makaurau customer Jacqui is legendary in her West Auckland community. As well as caring for her six – soon to be seven children – she spends much of her time volunteering at the Glenavon Community Hub near her Kāinga Ora home. ? As the beating heart of the community, the hub is a base for all sorts of wonderful services and activities including Kai Connect, a local food parcel service

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