Golden years and vibrant spaces

Since August, nearly 50 residents have been coming together in their community room, made possible by a pilot programme setup by Kāinga Ora, Vaka Tautua(external link) and Auckland Council.

The collaboration means these regular meetups not only encourage connection but also enable customers to access healthcare, social support and resources that improve their quality of life.

The pilot has demonstrated the value of our communal spaces in bringing residents together and connecting them to the wider community and the range of services available to them.

Annie’s kindness shines, making sure no one is left out.

Annie has lived in her Kāinga Ora home for nine years and the gatherings have brought a refreshing sense of community into her life, allowing her to build new friendships with neighbours she once barely knew. Now, her days often include a spontaneous lunch or tea date.

“Because I’m one of the locals here, I decided I would come. It’s been great meeting other ones from around here but also the services that have been on offer.”

“What I like is that they (the organisers) ask us what things we’d like to do and then they incorporate it,” Annie explained.

Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a regular, Annie says there’s always a core group that are ready to step in and help.

“Everyone always makes sure to introduce themselves, so no one is left out—I hate people being left out!”

Vaka Tautua National Manager Operations Pania Schwenke says the pilot has been a great success. “Our health and wellbeing day brought together a wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and community services, all dedicated to empowering Kāinga Ora residents with the knowledge and tools to live healthier, happier lives.”

“From informative talks on the importance of a balanced diet and practical services like blood pressure checks and medic alarms, it was a day that highlighted the importance of proactive health care and community support,” Pania says.

Kāinga Ora provides community rooms for residents living in an apartment complex or in housing designated for older people. These rooms are used for various activities that residents lead, or in this case are facilitated by local groups, services and agencies.

Claire Baldwin, Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager says collaborations like these provide great connection for customers.

“It’s important for us to partner with those in the community that are working with our customers. We partner with local community groups who can bring out the best in our customers, enabling them to thrive.”

“What we see in our customers is they meet each other, they connect and that can be enduring for a longer time outside of a one-time event,” Claire adds.

Left: Pania from Vaka Tautua connecting with residents Right: Residents engaging with the services.