On Friday 24 August, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff marked the beginning of construction for a new village for older residents in Henderson. The project will comprise 40 apartments and will be managed by community housing provider Haumaru Housing, a partnership between Auckland Council and the Selwyn Foundation.

Mayor Goff says, “Housing delivered through our partnership with the Selwyn Foundation not only provides warm and dry homes to older people but creates safe and supportive communities. 

“The number of older Aucklanders is expected to double in the next 15 years. Through Haumaru Housing, we can help play a part in providing housing of a high standard in our city to help cater for our ageing population.”

The village, located at 33 Henderson Valley Road, will include 40 one-bedroom apartments that are wheelchair accessible along with plenty of green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Haumaru Housing CEO, Gabby Clezy, says this project will raise the standard for future housing developments for the senior community. “We look forward to receiving the completed building next year and to providing more affordable rental homes that will help people to live well and will enhance their wellbeing in this wonderful new setting,” she says.

The development is the first project by the city’s redevelopment agency Panuku Development Auckland, which aims to redevelop the network of villages for older people, to improve design standards and to better cater for areas of higher need.

Panuku Chief Operating Officer David Rankin says, “In developing the design standards, Panuku worked closely with The Selwyn Foundation, Age Concern NZ, mana whenua, tenant reference groups and the local board to gain insights into the challenges faced by those living in the homes.

“Through this process we identified opportunities to design quality units that go beyond minimum design requirements. It’s pleasing for all involved to see construction underway on the 33 Henderson Valley Road site.”