Haumaru Housing: opening doors to brighter futures

The Foundation’s housing for older people joint venture with Auckland Council – Haumaru Housing – provides holistic tenancy and asset management services for the council’s portfolio of 1,527 rental units across 63 villages. Established in 2016, Haumaru Housing is the largest community housing provider that uniquely specialises in affordable rental housing for people aged over 65.

Haumaru’s focus is on providing safe, secure and affordable long-term tenancies for seniors and creating positive and inclusive communities that support people to live well in the comfort and security of their home. As an independent limited partnership, it invests in communities, in terms of people and properties, retaining all surpluses to benefit older adults in local neighbourhoods.

For the sixth year in succession, Haumaru tenants returned an overall satisfaction rating of more than 90% in its 2025 annual tenant satisfaction survey, with a total score of 97%. Particularly strong results were again achieved across key measures, reflecting the organisation’s focus on high standards, responsiveness and a quality service provided by its staff and contractors. Tenants were also very satisfied with their level of connection and involvement, thanks, in part, to the regular free minivan trips out and about which are funded by Haumaru and delivered by Selwyn (the Foundation provides the minivans and drivers). These outings offer valuable opportunities for connection, shared experiences and improved wellbeing, adding further vibrancy to village life.

Tenant wellbeing is at the heart of Haumaru Housing’s mission, and the Selwyn Support Connector Service delivered in partnership with Age Concern Auckland continues to make a positive difference. Launched in 2024, and jointly funded by Haumaru and The Selwyn Foundation, the service provides tenants with practical help, guidance and support with a wide range of challenges – from isolation, health conditions and recovery from surgery to help with cleaning, transport and navigating services.

In 2025, construction of Haumaru’s 52-unit Greenslade Court development in the heart of Northcote was completed. Officially opened in August 2025, this purpose-built, five-storey apartment building – delivered through collaboration between Auckland Council, Kāinga Ora and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development – now provides warm, dry and well-located homes for 55 older people from the social housing register. All tenancies are supported through the Income-Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS), and the development represents an important step forward in meeting the housing needs of older Aucklanders in the area.

Haumaru also offers a subsidised, affordable rent option for eligible tenants at 50% of market rent, which enables seniors access secure housing who may otherwise have struggled in the private rental market.

Looking ahead, the organisation is developing an ambitious growth strategy in partnership with Government to meet the increasing need for seniors’ housing. The goal is to increase the supply of fit-for-purpose housing that attracts essential IRRS support, thereby ensuring more older Aucklanders can benefit from safe, secure and affordable homes.