Councils and Community Organisations
Community Renewal
Community Renewal is a partnership between Housing New Zealand, people living and working in renewal areas, local councils and other agencies.
Our role involves improving the physical environment, such as housing, roads, parks, fencing and in community development.
Community Renewal began in December 2000 and focuses on revitalising neighbourhoods through change such as:
- improvements to the physical environment and amenities
- supporting growth in employment and training opportunities
- improving access to affordable community services
- supporting initiatives that increase neighbourhood safety and reduce crime
- helping residents establish networks and build community spirit.
Who it's for
Community Renewal operates in communities with high needs and potential for improvement. Rates of unemployment, educational achievement, overcrowding, crime and home ownership are all taken into account.
Community Renewal locations
There are eight Community Renewal programmes underway, in:
- Otangarei (Whangarei)
- Aranui (Christchurch)
- Fordlands (Rotorua)
- Eastern Porirua (Wellington)
- Clendon (Auckland)
- Talbot Park (Auckland)
- Northcote (Auckland)
- Wiri (Auckland).
Community Renewal encourages communities and agencies to work together to identify and prioritise projects that will lead to strong, sustainable communities. Projects vary and may include:
- improving housing, parks and other recreation facilities
- providing opportunities for education and training
- managing traffic and improving streets
- addressing the need for community facilities and cultural opportunities.
Wiri
The Wiri Community Renewal project involves working with local people to make Wiri a better place to live.
It includes working with the RaWiri Residents' Association and community partners to plan and deliver projects that the community wants. This includes community activities, developing and maintaining a community garden, and neighbourhood safety initiatives.
Partners include the RaWiri Residents' Association and Manukau City Council. Contact the office on 09 261 5240.
Otangarei
The Otangarei Community Renewal project involves working with the local people to build a strong, confident and sustainable community.
The project uses community development to support and implement initiatives identified by the community. These include improving employment opportunities, providing activities for young people, improving neighbourhood safety and the physical environment and supporting local events.
Partners include the Otangarei Trust, Whakahaere Residents' Group, Manaia Health PHO, Otangarei Primary School, Police and Whangarei District Council. Contact the office on 09 261 5240.
Aranui
The Aranui Community Renewal Project was the first project of its kind in New Zealand when it commenced in 2000. The project supports and encourages people in Aranui to contribute and have a say about what happens in their community.
Housing improvements were completed in 2006 and the project transitioned with the community continuing to be supported by Housing New Zealand, Christchurch City Council and the Aranui Community Trust Incorporated. Contact the Aranui office on 03 375 0180.
Fordlands
The Fordlands Community Renewal Project involves working with people in the area to promote safe, healthy and confident communities.
The project also includes physical changes such as modernising and improving the energy efficiency of Housing New Zealand homes and landscaping.
The Fordlands project is a partnership with local schools, Fordlands Community Association and the Rotorua District Council. Contact the Fordlands office on 07 343 7685.
Clendon
The Clendon Community Renewal Project involves events to build community networks and enhance the area.
It includes community fun days, continuing the tool library, and developing neighbourhood support groups.
The project also includes landscaping and fencing for Housing New Zealand homes, and building an architecturally designed complex for older people.
The Manukau City Council and Clendon Residents Group are project partners. Contact the Clendon office on 09 261 5240.
Talbot Park
The Talbot Park Community Renewal Project involves community development and changes to the physical environment.
Community development includes fostering employment opportunities, supporting local events and encouraging input from residents into the physical redevelopment of the area.
The physical work includes refurbishing existing apartments, building new housing and public streets, and altering public parks. Talbot Park promotes good urban design guided by the Auckland City Council District Plan, and includes environmental rainwater collection and storm-water treatment devices.
The project is a partnership with the Auckland City Council and Talbot Park community. Contact the Talbot Park office on 09 261 5633.
Eastern Porirua
The Eastern Porirua Community Renewal Project aims to encourage the diverse groups and individuals in the community to improve employment, personal safety and security.
Building community pride through awareness and participation is an important part of the project.
Physical work includes upgrading some rental homes and improving some streetscapes.
Partners include the Porirua City Council and a wide range of community groups. Contact the Eastern Porirua office on 04 439 3248.
Northcote
The Northcote Central Community Renewal Project includes working with local people to improve housing and employment opportunities.
It includes cultural events, preparing a community garden, developing neighbourhood support groups and improving security.
The Northcote Central Development Group Trust, the community, and North Shore City Council are working together to achieve these goals. Contact the Northcote office on 09 261 5405
Fordlands residents recently had the chance to look through a state house that has potential to change the way homes are built in the future. Story by Huia Lyons 