Mangere Market The Mangere Development

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Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Your Mangere Development magazine

                                Mangere Market
                                H E A R T O F T H E CO M M U N I T Y

The Mangere
Development                                 School Days
NEW HOMES                                   THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR
AVA I L A B L E TO B U Y N OW               M A N G E R E CO L L E G E

ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2021
mangeredevelopment.co.nz
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Contents
                                                            3       The market with heart and soul
                                                            8       All in the family – Mangere College is gearing up for
                                                                    a big year
Belong here                                                 12      How to buy
Kia ora and welcome to the second edition
                                                            16      The home that’s right for you
of Home Base, a magazine for the people of
Mangere and surrounding areas. Kāinga                       17      Meet Mike Greer from Mike Greer Homes
Ora - Homes and Communities produces
this magazine to help keep you informed                     18      What’s for sale
about what’s happening in Mangere                           20      Mangere development map
Development and to share stories about the
awesome whenua of our neighbourhoods.                       22      Profile – meet Shauna Kulatea
                                                            24      Home | Kai: Food is culture – with Ina Simpson
Supporting our local community and
helping make Mangere an even greater                        26      Local Hero – book warrior David Riley
place to live is what matters most to us.
                                                            28      God has smiled on us – the verdict from a new resident
Over the next 15 to 20 years, our                                   of the new Bader McKenzie complex
development programme is bringing
10,000+ new warm and dry homes to
Mangere. We continue to replace older state
homes with new ones. In exciting news, the
first new homes, including more affordable
homes, are ready to buy off the plans, with                 Contributors
more homes becoming available over time.
                                                                             ALEXIA SANTAMARIA, WRITER
To be kept up to date with the changes,                                      Alexia is a freelance writer who
                                                                             loves the incredible food, people and
be first to know about our homes
                                                                             stories that make up Aotearoa.
for sale, sign up on our website at
mangeredevelopment.co.nz
                                                                             JESSE MARSTERS, PHOTOGRAPHER
call us on 09 952 8585
                                                                             Auckland-born Jesse Marsters has
or pop in to chat with our friendly                                          always been passionate about the
team at the Information Centre at                                            creative arts. “You won’t find me without
12 Waddon Place, Mangere.                                                    my camera as Auckland is so full of
                                                                             creative opportunity,” he says.
Ngā manaakitanga
The Mangere Development team                                                 PENNY LEWIS, WRITER
                                                                             Meeting the amazing students at Mangere
                                                                             College (pictured from page 8) was a
                                                                             highlight for writer Penny Lewis. “It’s
                                                                             always a good day when you’re inspired
                                                                             by the people you encounter,” she says.

                                              Left: Celebrating Tongan Language Week at             On the cover: Tomasi and Gospel Taukeiaaho
                                              Mangere College. Photo by Mangere College             with their ukuleles at Mangere Market.
                                              media student Makeleta Alofaki.
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
The market with
                             Mangere Market, held on Saturday mornings
                    in the town centre, is a hub for the local community.
                   Shar Matafeo at his family’s fruit and vegetable stand

                                                                                 heart and soul
                                                                                 Kathy Hunter meets some of the people from Mangere Market,
                                                                                 a cornerstone of the community in Mangere Development.

                                                                                 Roy Bagshaw’s alarm goes off at 4am on a         Meet some of the Stallholders
                                                                                 Saturday morning. He’s down at Mangere
                                                                                 Market by 4.45am, opening the office and         Shar Matafeo
                                                                                 sitting down to check off who’s in this          Shar Matafeo and several of his siblings
                                                                                 week. Soon he’ll be making his rounds in         have stalls piled high with gleaming fresh
                                                                                 the market, where stallholders are busy          produce. On a Friday night, they’re at
                                                                                 setting up in the early morning light.           Turners and Growers markets at midnight,
                                                                                Roy checks in with each and every one             loading up with boxes of fruit and vegetables
                                                                                                 of them and by 7.30am            and by 3am they’re setting up at the
                                                                                                 he’s back in his office,         market. They started 11 years ago with a
                                                                               “We love it. dealing with whatever                 van they had to push-start, but now this
                                                                            there’s always the day brings in. He’s                Samoan family has a solid business with
                                                                                                 been manager of the              a fleet of trucks. A happy customer says,
                                                                               someone to market for 12 years now.                “This boy is very popular, you know!”
                                                                              have a yarn With 196 stallholders,                  Shar laughs. “Aunty, you’re making me
                                                                                                 it’s a full-time job.
                                                                              with and it’s                                       blush!” The 21-year-old balances his market
                                                                                                     As the sun rises, the        work with study – he’s doing a double degree
                                                                               got a really                                       in commerce and law at the University of
                                                                                                     market bursts into
                                                                                cool vibe.”          life, ready for another      Auckland. It’s a lot of work, but Shar’s huge
                                                                                                     Saturday of its social and   grin says it all. “We love it here – there’s
                                                                                                     shopping whirl. Music,       always someone to have a yarn with and
                                                                                 colour and a cosmopolitan buzz make              it’s got a really cool vibe.” Look out for the
                                                                                 first-time visitors feel like they’ve been       fresh bananas hanging along the front of
                                                                                 transported to the Pacific Islands.              their stall – it’s the family trademark.
                                                                                 Stalls include luscious fresh produce,
                                                                                 clothes, shoes, homewares, seedlings,            Tomasi and Gospel Taukeiaaho
                                                                                 flowers, gifts, toys and Pasifika souvenirs.     A couple of tables along, Tomasi and 10-year
                                                                                 If you’re lucky you’ll find second-hand          old Gospel Taukeiaaho are strumming their
                                                                                 treasures, or beautiful, handmade Cook           ukuleles together and singing beautiful
                                                                                 Islands tivaevae – made by local ladies.         Island harmonies. A Tongan family from

                                                                                                                       Mangere Market
                                                                                               Town Centre, 5 Waddon Place. Open Saturdays, 7am – 2pm

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Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Pukekohe, they bring their fresh vegetables     pork buns, roti, coconut bread, donuts and
    straight from the rich, red soil of the         classic barbecued burgers and sausages.
    market gardens. Gospel and his dad sing on
    Saturdays here and at church on Sundays.
    Roy is passing by, and says, “These guys        Back to the community
    have the best spuds in the market!”             Mangere Market has been going since the late
                                                    1990s. The Market Trust was set up in 2008
                                                    to distribute profits raised from the market
    The Mills Family                                stalls back into the community. Over the past
    Further down the market, another big            12 years, according to treasurer Ken Taylor,
    family group is making a racket on the          more than $1.78 million has been raised.
    loudspeaker. Brothers Sam and Eric Mills,
                                                    Schools in Mangere have received nearly
    Sam’s wife Daphne, mum Dee and son
                                                    $420,000 for laptops and other computer
    Sebastian, plus Tarsh, a family friend, are
                                                    equipment, scholarships, library costs and
    all flat-out selling sportswear, workwear
                                                    sports uniforms. Community groups have            Milika Langi
    and Marks & Spencer men’s underpants,
                                                    benefited from a new St John’s Ambulance,
    $10 for four pairs. “Some of these are still
                                                    a portable pool for swimming lessons and
    warm!” quips Sam, and the whole family
                                                    Christmas parcels for families in need.
    laughs uproariously. They’ve been in the
                                                    There’s a solid payment each Christmas
    market game their entire lives. Their dad was
                                                    for family-based charities such as the
    Ray Mills, the eyepatch-wearing pioneer of
                                                    Salvation Army and City Mission, too.
    surplus goods stores way back in the 1970s.
                                                                      Local sports clubs have had
                                    Tom Webb, Principal               new equipment and the
    Milika Langi                                                      town centre has received
    Down the row is an eye-          of Mangere College,              upgrades totalling more
    catching row of beautiful,         says, “The Market              than $600,000. And with a
    high-end outfits in Pacific                                       nod to the overwhelmingly
    Island fabrics, perfect              Trust helps us to            Pasifika population of
    for church, weddings           fund our scholarships              Mangere, money and
    or special celebrations.                                          goods have been sent
    They’re handmade
                                  programme to support                overseas to provide
    by Milika Langi. “She           our students in their             relief for Pacific islands
                                                                                                     Singers Joseph Tarei and Iona Te Patu
                                                                                                                                             The market has its loyal regulars
    can make about four                   tertiary studies.           affected by cyclones,
    in a day,” says proud                                             floods or other disasters.
    husband, Daniel.                  More recently they
                                                                      Sylvia Taylor, chair of
                                      helped us purchase              the Market Trust (and a
                                                                                                                                                          The Mills family – Daphne, Sam, Eric,
    Time to eat                     Chromebooks, which                number of other boards                                                                  Sebastian, friend Tarsh and Dee
                                                                      in Mangere), is more
    By mid-morning, delicious       have been invaluable              than happy to support
    scents of flame-grilled
    food are making the              this year during the             all applications the
    crowd hungry. There’s a          COVID-19 lockdown                board approves, but for
    mouth-watering array of                                           her, it’s all about local
    food: dumplings, seafood
                                         – we were able to            students. “Education is
    fritters, hot, smoky meat          distribute them to             paramount,” she says
    skewers, ika mata (raw                                            firmly. “I want to give
                                        students learning             school children in this area
    fish or ceviche, Island-
    style), taro, curries,                    from home.”             the same opportunities

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Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Pukapuka donuts
                                  as every other kid across the country, and they can’t                         One of the most popular stalls at Mangere        The New Zealand chapter of this community
     Over the past 12 years,      have that without computers and other devices.”                               Market is Pukapuka Donuts; they’ve               began after World War II when a soldier
    according to treasurer                                                                                      been part of the market scene since              from the island married a New Zealander
                                  Roy changed the face of this market back in 2008, putting
                                                                                                                1998, always ready with a smile for their        and settled here, soon bringing his
          Ken Taylor, more        new computer systems in place, and he’s proud to tell us that
                                                                                                                regulars who come every week for their           immediate family over – followed by
                                  over the COVID-19 lockdown, stall holders were given a two-
     than $1.78 million has       month rent freeze, in some cases saving them up to $600.
                                                                                                                fix of this Cook Island favourite.               others over time. The community grew,
                                                                                                                                                                 and now there are almost 10 times as
      been raised from the        Does he have any plans for retirement? “Everyone asks
                                                                                                                The Pukapuka Trust – who run this long
                                                                                                                                                                 many Pukapukans here than back home.
                                                                                                                time Mangere market stall – was first formed
    market stalls to go back      me that!” he laughs. “But I really enjoy it. It’s loud, it’s
                                                                                                                in 1951 to unite the Pukapukan community         The trust was set up mainly to retain this
       into the community.        busy and the people are just fabulous – you know you’ll
                                                                                                                in New Zealand. Pukapuka Island is a tiny        group’s unique culture in the land they had
                                  always have a laugh. I’ll be here as long as I can.”
                                                                                                                atoll that is part of the Cook Islands group     now decided to call home. And they’ve been
                                                                                                                but located well, well north of Rarotonga.       very successful, holding community nights
                                                                                                                Due to its proximity to other nations like       twice a week since the 1950s so people can
                                                                                                                Samoa and Tokelau, it’s highly influenced        connect. “In 1995 we decided we’d like to
                                                                                                                by Western Polynesia and has its own             be recognised as a legal entity so became
                                                                                                                language and slightly different style of food.   registered as an official migrant group, the
                                                                                                                                                                    Pukapuka Community of New Zealand,”
                                                                                                                                                                    says Nuku Rapana, group leader. “It
                                                                                                                                                                    was a sign we’d made our home here
                                                                                                                                                                    and weren’t going back to the Island.”
                                                                                                                                                                    In 1997 they took it one step further
                                                                                                                                                                    and established their own community
                                                                                                                                                                    centre in an old factory; this came
                                                                                                                                                                    with a large mortgage so they started
                                                                                                                                                                    fundraising the only way they knew
                                                                                                                                                                    how, by cooking their food to sell to
                                                                                                                                                                    members of the community and others.
                                                                                                                                                       And they have made donuts every day
                                                                                                                                                       since, much to the delight of Mangere
                                                                                                                                                       market-goers. “They have always been
                                                                                                                                                       available daily from our centre if people
                                                                                                                                                       wanted to buy them, but in 1998 we
                                                                                                                                                       started selling them at the markets too,
                                                                                                         Yosef Toma at the famous Pukapuka donut stall and we’ve never stopped. We also sell
                                                                                                                                                          our own style of bread plus a couple
                                                                                                                                                          of other dishes. They just fly out
                                                                                                         This is so much more than a donut stand – of        our stall every weekend. People
                                                                                                                                                          love a taste of home and we love
                                                                                                          these donuts (and the other food they sell) being able to raise money for our
                                                                          Market manager Roy Bagshaw   represent a story of migration, preservation community to keep our culture alive.”
                                                                                                              of culture and the self-sufficiency of a                 By Alexia Santamaria
                                                                                                           group far from their Pacific island home.
          The Market Trust Board encourages individuals and organisations in the area
          to apply for a grant that might help them achieve worthwhile projects.
          Go to mangeremarkets.co.nz for more information.

6                  HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                                SUMMER 2021                      7
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Teacher Fisiitotoa Bloomfield and students

            All in the family
                                                                                                                                                                                     Mele Tu’akalau and Alex Angaa’elangi at
                                                                                                                                                                                        Tongan Language Week celebrations

            Tom Webb is principal of Mangere College, the high school
            looking forward to a milestone birthday and future growth.                                       Mangere College principal Tom Webb

            By Penny Lewis.                                                                                  with junior students

            Next year is shaping up to be a big one         houses and some KiwiBuild houses, so
            for Mangere College. The school, in the         it will be a good mixture. We are keen
            heart of Mangere Development on Bader           to build a positive partnership with the
            Drive, celebrates its 50th jubilee in early     developers for the benefit of our students.
            April 2021. There will be a host of events to   We would love to see work experience                                                              Strength in sports and arts
            mark the occasion and the school is asking      opportunities for our students and job                                                            The MC alumni includes two top-level rugby players
            previous students and the wider community       opportunities when they leave school.”                                                            from opposing teams. Wallaby centre Oikoumene
            to register on its website for updates.                                                                                                           “Hunter” Paisami and All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
                                                                                                                                                              Although they weren’t at Mangere College at the same
            In 2021 the school will also get some brand-    Culture at the core                                                                               time (Ofa left Mangere College three years before
            new classrooms in the first stage of a          The principal says that as the area develops,                                                     Hunter began), the two are proud of their Mangere
            complete rebuild. “We’re really excited about   keeping hold of what makes the school                                                             roots and returned recently to speak to the students.
            the future. We now have 700 students, 55        special is a strong focus. “One of the           All Black, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and
            teachers and 20 support staff, but we’re                                                         Wallaby, Hunter Paisami, are old boys            “Rugby is always a big sport in the school,” says Tom.
                                                            things around that is being able to keep                                                          “Unfortunately, this year’s players weren’t able to finish
            planning for significant growth within the      our strong school culture – the strong
            school over the coming years,” says Tom.                                                                                                          the season due to COVID-19, but we have two great
                                                            family, community feel we have within                                                             new coaches this year, Bond Tagaloa and Sam Tuia.”
          “We don’t yet know the full school rebuild        the school as we grow in numbers.”
          timetable but building work will start with                                                                                                         Girls’ volleyball is also a top sport. “We’ve got a
                                                            “We describe ourselves as a community                                                             great coach who’s been really successful through
                        four new classrooms coming          school. The vast majority of our students
                        in and then go on for years                                                                                                           the years, Nancy Palelei, with a number of players
    “Our students to come as we grow with the               are very local to us. We don’t have a wide                                                        getting scholarships to the United States.”
                                                            catchment area, so we think of ourselves as
      have a very development in the local area.”           contributing to that local community, in our                                                      Art is another area where Mangere College students
     strong sense                                           students and what they do, projects they                                                          excel. “Our art department is always very strong.
                                                            take on in the school and in the classroom                                                        We’ve had real success from our students, driven by
    of giving back       More new homes for our
                                                            and outside. Our students have a very strong                                                      some excellent teachers, Mike Christo and Rapuani
       to our local      growing community                  sense of giving back to our local community.                                                      Wade, who have a really good understanding of
                         The school is next door to         Their desire to give back to the community                                                        the students’ needs and how to support them.”
      community.         Cessna Place, where homes          is a really powerful driver for them.”
     Their desire        will be built soon and close
                         to the new Bader McKenzie          “We talk about the MC family,” Tom says.                                                          A diverse and multicultural school
             to give     complex, where tenants             “And that’s not just current students, but                                                        Originally from the UK, Tom has been in New Zealand
        back to the      have moved in recently.            ex-students as well. We’re really keen to hear                                                    since 2000. He started as principal at Mangere College
                                                            from ex-students for the jubilee and have                                                         at the beginning of 2016 after 12 years at Onehunga High
      community          “Compared to what has              them share their knowledge and experience                                                         School, where his last role was associate principal.
         is a really     been there in the past,            to help us support our current students.”
                         [Bader McKenzie] is a big                                                                                                            One of Mangere College’s main focus areas is celebrating
          powerful       improvement on those state                                                                                                           language, culture and identity. The school has a very
         driver for      houses and then we’re going                                                                                                          strong Pasifika culture, with about 80% of the students
                         to get developers coming                                                                                                             coming from Pasifika backgrounds and 15% Māori.
             them.”      in with some market-value                                                                                                            The school also has students who are refugees – a
                                                                                                                                                              number from Afghanistan via Iran and from Burma.
                                                                                                             Media students (left to right) Alec Ah Lam,      “Although they’re small in number they add to the
                                                                                                             Mele Tu’akalau, Liona Vailea and Tavake Kamana
                                                                                                                                                              diverse mix of students we have in the school.”

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Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Students Jeffery Taulanga, Vai Havea and Ramona
                                                                                              Mafileo celebrating Tongan Language Week. Photo
                                                                                                                    by student Makeleta Alofaki

     One of Mangere College’s main
     focus areas is celebrating
     language, culture and identity.
     “There’s a strong language programme       The principal has been impressed
     in the school and we enjoy celebrating     by the resilience of his students,
     various language weeks throughout the      particularly in this difficult year. “Their
     year. Recently, during Niuean language     achievement has been great, one of the
     week, we held events and students and      best years we’ve had and that just tells
     staff shared food so we could learn        me about their resilience in a difficult
     about the language and culture.”           time and they’ve really been very
                                                engaged in school. Although they’ve
     With Samoan students making up the
                                                had a lot of time out of school, when
     largest group at the school, Samoan
                                                they’ve been back in school, they’ve
     language week is a really big event
                                                really appreciated their time here.
     every year.
                                                “Our students are very social learners.
     Mangere College is part of Mangere
                                                They enjoy the relationships they build,
     Kāhui Ako, a community of nine local
                                                not only with teachers but with their
     schools working closely together to
                                                fellow students. That’s what helps
     improve outcomes for students’ digital
                                                them to learn. It’s the engagement and
     competency, wellbeing and growth
                                                support they’ve had when they’ve come
     through school and into the future.
                                                back to school which has been the real
     “Our collaboration with local schools
                                                success story – our ability to adapt
     has been building and is really strong.
                                                and individualise and support each
     We’re all giving our students the skills
                                                individual student and where they’re
     they need through school and beyond
                                                at with their learning rather than one
     and creating smooth pathways. We have
                                                generic programme for everybody.”
     better connections between school staff
     and students. And it’s great for younger   Tom says the school rebuild and
     students to have older students as great   potential for growth make it an
     role models. We have good support          exciting time. “Mangere is a vibrant
     systems for our students around school     community and we’ve got high
     to ensure they’re able to be in the        aspirations for our students.”
     classroom and learning,” Tom says.

     Register to know more about Mangere College’s
     50th jubilee celebrations at mangere.school.nz

     Mangere College
     23 Bader Drive, Mangere
     09 275 4029

10             HOME BASE #2                                                                                  SUMMER 2021                          11
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
Feel at home in Mangere and keen to buy?
     Whatever stage you're at in your home buying
     journey, we can help.

                                        1.
                                  DREAMING
                                                              2.
                                                        INVESTIGATING
                                                                                     3.
                                                                                PREPARING
                                                                                                            4.
                                                                                                        SEARCHING
                                                                                                                                            5.
                                                                                                                                      PURCHASING
                                 Tips and information    Advice on the good   All the small stuff you   How to make your               What to think about
                                  to get you started      things you could    need to know before       house hunt easier.            when making an offer.
                                   on your journey.        be eligible for,      you buy a home.
                                                           like KiwiBuild.

                                                                              TURN THE PAGE AND DIVE INTO THE STAGE YOU’RE AT NOW
                                                                              FOR TIPS AND INFO

12               HOME BASE #2                                                                                                SUMMER 2021                      13
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
2.                                                                                                                  5.
                                                 INVESTIGATING                                        3.                                                               PURCHASING

                                                                                                                                           4.
                                               You’ve thought about buying a                                                                                         You’re coming to the end of
                                               home and realised buying could                  PREPARING                                                          your home buying journey. After
                                                 be easier than you imagined.                                                                                     you’ve found a home that’s right
                                                 Now you want to know what
                                                                                            Now you’ve found what
                                                                                          you’re eligible for, it’s time                                          for you, it’s time to make an offer                  THE HOME
                                                 you can buy, where you can
                                                 buy and for what price. Here
                                                                                         to get to work on those pre-               SEARCHING                       to the builder or their agent.                      STRETCH
                                                                                        applications and applications
                                                are some good places to start.                                                  This is where your journey         • Share the property’s                       You’ve already decided on the
                                                                                       for loans, as well as government
                                                                                                                                starts to get exciting. Once         information with your lender              perfect new couch for your new
                                                                                             grants and schemes.
                                                1. KIWIBUILD                                                                   you know how much you can             and confirm your loan.                     lounge and told friends about
                                                   KiwiBuild offers a great choice                                            spend, you can start looking at                                                   your housewarming party. But
                                                   of affordable homes. You can
                                                                                        1. Get copies of important            homes for sale. Many of these        • Know whether you’re making                  hold on a second. Once your
                                                                                            documents you’ll need
                                                   learn more about how KiwiBuild
                                                                                            such as proof of residency,
                                                                                                                                will be ‘selling off the plan’,      a conditional offer (subject              offer has been accepted, there
                                                   works, check if you’re eligible,                                            meaning they aren’t built yet.        to conditions such as your                are still a few little things to do.

                 1.
                                                                                            wage slips, bank statements
                                                   and see what homes are                                                                                            loan being approved) or an
                                                                                            and application forms.
                                                   available on kiwibuild.govt.nz.                                                                                   unconditional offer (once the
                                                                                                                              • Sign up to receive email alerts      seller signs you’re committed              BEFORE SETTLEMENT DAY:
                                                2. FIRST HOME LOAN                      2. Visit a lender (bank or              about new property releases at       to buying the home).                       Get your home and contents
                                                                                            mortgage broker) and find out       mangeredevelopment.co.nz.                                                       insured – your lender will require
                                                   Guess what? With a First Home
        DREAMING                                   Loan you only need a 5% home
                                                                                            how much you could borrow.
                                                                                            Pre-approval for a home loan
                                                                                                                                                                   • Put your offer in writing on a             your home to be insured.
                                                   deposit. Visit Kāinga Ora’s                                                • Talk to the team at the Mangere      Sale and Purchase Agreement,               • Do a pre-settlement inspection
Sick of paying someone else’s                                                               can come in very handy.             Information Centre about
                                                   website at kaingaora.govt.nz                                                                                      and list any conditions you                  of your new home.
 mortgage? Really, really need                     to find out how it works and                                                 homes available for sale, right      have. The builder or their
your own space? We know how                        if you’re eligible.                  3. If you’re eligible, apply for:       now. They can also show              agent can help you with this.              • See your lawyer to sign
                                                                                                                                you the latest price list.                                                        the papers required for the
  you feel. Here are some tips                                                              • KiwiBuild pre-approval                                                                                              settlement to go ahead.
 that will help you get started                 3. FIRST HOME GRANT                           at kiwibuild.govt.nz                                                 • Show the Sale and Purchase
                                                   Did you know you could be                                                  • Go to our builder partners’          Agreement to your lawyer                   • If you’re using some of your
on your home-buying journey.                                                                • First Home Loan through           show homes or display suites                                                      KiwiSaver, make sure the funds
                                                   eligible for a First Home Grant                                                                                   and get advice before you
                                                   of up to $10,000 per person?               a participating bank. You         and ask lots of questions. The       sign the agreement.                          have been transferred to your
                                                                                              can find the list of banks at                                                                                       lawyer’s trust account.
 1. Check out sorted.co.nz                         You can apply for a First Home
                                                                                              kaingaora.govt.nz/home-
                                                                                                                                Information Centre team can
     for tips and tools to get on                  Grant – and get approval                                                     direct you to the builders.
                                                                                              ownership/first-home-loan.                                           • When negotiations are completed            • If you’re accessing a First Home
     top of your finances.                         or pre-approval – directly                                                                                        and your offer is accepted by the            Grant, make sure these funds
                                                   at kaingaora.govt.nz.                                                      • Visit the KiwiBuild website          seller, pay the purchase deposit.            have been received too.
 2. Ask our team about Sorted                                                           4. Apply for your First Home            at kiwibuild.govt.nz to view
                                                4. KIWISAVER                                Grant at kaingaora.govt.nz.         available homes, subscribe
     home ownership evenings                                                                                                                                                                                    ON SETTLEMENT DAY:
     and workshops coming to                       WITHDRAWAL                                                                   to the newsletter and             YOU'RE NOT ALONE
     Mangere Development soon.                     Yes, if you’re eligible you can      5. Apply for your KiwiSaver             confirm your eligibility so       If you’ve found a KiwiBuild home              • Wait for your lawyer to
                                                   withdraw all of your KiwiSaver           withdrawal through your             that you’re ready to buy.         you like, your lawyer and the                   communicate with the seller’s
                                                   savings (except $1,000) to               KiwiSaver provider.                                                                                                   lawyer, your bank, and other
 3. Take a look at the first home                  put towards buying your first
                                                                                                                                                                  builder or their agent will guide               parties like Kāinga Ora or
     buyers section on settled.co.nz.
                                                   home. Call your KiwiSaver                                                                                      you through the buying process.                 KiwiSaver. He or she will complete
                                                   provider to find out more.                                                      TOP TIP                        Some homes are sold by ballot,                  the paperwork to transfer
 4. Talk to real estate agents,                                                                                               Write a list of your ‘needs’ and    which means you’ll need to                      ownership of the home to you.
     banks and mortgage brokers                                                                                               ‘wants’ for your new home. Needs
                                                                                                                              are your ‘must haves’ and wants
                                                                                                                                                                  enter the draw on the KiwiBuild               • Collect the keys to
     – they can be super helpful.
                                                     TOP TIP                                                                  are the things you would            website. If your name is drawn,                 your new home!
                                                                                          CONTACT US AT THE                                                       you’ll be able to go ahead with
                                                Check out Kāinga Ora’s First Home                                             compromise on if you had to.
 5. Sign up for our emails at                   Decision Tool at kaingaora.govt.       MANGERE DEVELOPMENT                    Remember your first home is a       your purchase.
     mangeredevelopment.co.nz                                                           INFORMATION CENTRE                    stepping stone onto the home
                                                nz/home-ownership/first-home-
     or talk to us at the Mangere                                                                                             ownership ladder. It may not be                                                        TOP TIP
                                                decision-tool to see what finance
     Development Information Centre.
                                                options might be available to you.              09 952 8585                   perfect, but it is yours!                                                         Stay in touch with your lawyer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                and follow his or her exact
                                                                                      info@mangeredevelopment.co.nz                                                                                             instructions, to make sure your
                                                                                         mangeredevelopment.co.nz                                                                                               settlement runs smoothly.
                                                                                              12 Waddon Place
                                                                                          Internet access available

14                              HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                                             SUMMER 2021                                   15
Mangere Market The Mangere Development
The home that’s
       right for you                                                                                                    Who’s building Mangere
       The first brand-new homes are on the way              Now’s a good time
                                                                                                                        Development’s new homes?
       to Mangere, with more coming over time,
       and they’re giving you a better chance of             You don’t have to start as you mean to
       finding the right home in the price bracket           go on. In the past, buying a home meant                    Mike Greer Homes is one of many experienced Kiwi builder
       you can afford. The Mangere Development               considering what you might need 10, 15, 20
       includes a range of housing types and sizes           years down the track. But if you’re working                partners bringing new homes to our community.
       to cater for the variety of families that make        to a budget, think short term. Choose
                                                                                                                        Raised in an old, cold house in Greymouth, Mike Greer
       up the Mangere community. They are well-              something that fits your life stage, lifestyle
                                                                                                                        knows first-hand the value of building high-quality,
       designed, look great and make better use of           and budget now to get your foot in the door.
                                                                                                                        healthy homes in New Zealand.
       the limited land available in Auckland.
                                                                                                                        And for more than 25 years, he has devoted himself
                                                                                                                        to building the kind of houses that Kiwis are proud
       Find a good fit                                                                                                  to call home.
       There’s no need for a one-size-fits-all approach           What’s your type?                                                          Mike Greer Homes, New Zealand’s
       when you’re buying your new home and big
W
ESHOMES
                                                                  Mangere Development’s                                “The existing         largest privately owned construction
       doesn’t always mean better. The homes coming               new homes meet high                                                        company, is bringing its ability to
       to Mangere are “right sized”, meaning they’re
                                                                  sustainability measures                                community           build affordable, quality houses at
       designed with clever floor plans and features
       that make better use of space than a typical               that go beyond what                                    in Mangere          scale to the Mangere Development.

       standalone home. So instead of servicing a                 is required by the                                      love where         The company’s current projects in
       mortgage on redundant square meterage, you                 Building Code. There will                                                  Mangere include delivering 101 homes
                                                                  be a mix of standalone homes,
                                                                                                                        they live and        over the next two years. They’re a
       only pay for what you’ll actually use — without
       compromising on quality, practicality or style.            terraced homes, and apartments,                      we want only          mixture of three-level walk-up
                                                                  ranging from one to five bedrooms.                      to enhance         apartments, two-level terraces and                                                       Mike Greer of
                                                                                                                                             standalone houses.                                                                   Mike Greer Homes
                Apartments           Apartments                                                                                 this.”
                                                                                                                                             Close to half (47%) are affordable
                                                                                                                                             KiwiBuild homes and all will be built to
                                                                                                                        a 6 Homestar standard, which means they will be easier and
                                                                                                                        cheaper to heat and keep warm and more environmentally
                                                          Terraces           Terraces                                   friendly than a typical new house built to the Building Code.
                                                                                                                        Mike says the philosophy of the projects in Mangere was to       Standalone and duplex homes have also just become
                                                                                      Standalone          Standalone                                                                     available to buy off the plan for those that do not
                                                                                                                        create “modern, attractive environments that are
                                                                                                                        functional, sustainable and give new homeowners and              qualify for KiwiBuild or are ready to buy now.
                                                                                                                        the community a sense of pride”.                                 Mike says that building three-level apartments and terraced
                                                                                                                        “We feel that the Mangere area is going from strength            homes widely across the development allows for efficient
                                                                                                                        to strength and we are excited to be partnering with             use of land without compromising on functionality
                                                                                                                        Kāinga Ora,” Mike says.                                          and quality.
         Apartment                                Terrace                             Standalone                        “The existing community in Mangere love where they live          “Significant consideration goes into the design of our houses
         Apartments provide low                   Terraced homes are                  Standalone homes are              and we want only to enhance this.”                               so that they are well-oriented and are made from quality
         maintenance living for                   joined with their                   detached from their                                                                                materials that will not require ongoing maintenance. It’s
         small households. Some                   neighbour on one or                 neighbours. These types           Mike Greer Homes recently began sales of homes off the           a benefit that’s also passed on to future homeowners.”
         of the apartments will be                both sides to form a                of homes don’t use land as        plan in its first project in Mangere, 12 KiwiBuild three-level
         ‘walk-ups’, for example                  row. They are popular               efficiently as apartments or      walk-ups on Bader Drive, which come in one-bedroom,              To find out more about Mike Greer
                                                                                                                        two-bedroom and three-bedroom options, ranging from
         on level two or three of                 because they use land               terraced housing so there
                                                                                                                        $500,000 to $650,000.
                                                                                                                                                                                         Homes, visit mikegreerhomes.co.nz.
         an apartment building,                   more efficiently and so             will be less of them built
         and you walk up some                     are more affordable than            in Mangere Development
         stairs to reach them.                    standalone homes.                   neighbourhoods.

  16                    HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                                                   SUMMER 2021                                    17
New homes for sale                                                                                           TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT                       THREE BEDROOM APARTMENT                  STANDALONE HOUSE

     from Mike Greer Homes.
     The first KiwiBuild homes are now available to buy in Mangere, with more becoming available over
     time. As well as KiwiBuild homes, Mike Greer Homes has also released a range of homes to purchase
     directly off the plans, including standalone, duplex and terraced homes.

     Contact Mike Greer Homes to buy off the plan from 17 November

     Trish Day                          David Wildish                        Gary Kirk                              2 |    1 |      79m2                        3 |    1 |      97m2                     4 |    3 |      1 |   1 |      169m2
      027 5616556                        021 358 300                        021 856 680                         UNIT 11, BADER DRIVE, MANGERE               UNIT 1, BADER DRIVE, MANGERE             TYPE E, LOT 15,
     tday@mikegreerhomes.co.nz           dwildish@mikegreerhomes.co.nz       gkirk@mikegreerhomes.co.nz                                                                                                CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE
                                                                                                                   From $600,000                               From $650,000                            POA
                                                                                                                   Mike Greer Homes                            Mike Greer Homes                         Mike Greer Homes
                                                                                                                   09 930 6270                                 09 930 6270                              09 930 6270

                                                                                                                  STANDALONE HOUSE                            DUPLEX                                   DUPLEX

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT

                                                                                                                      5 |    3 |       1 |      1 |   171m2       4 |    3 |       1 |   1 |   178m2       3 |    3 |      1 |   1 |      142m2
                                                                                                                   TYPE I, LOT 2,                              TYPE J, LOT 21,                          TYPE L, LOT 23,
                                                                                                                   CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE                       CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE                    CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE
                                                                                                                   POA                                         POA                                      POA
                                                                                                                   Mike Greer Homes                            Mike Greer Homes                         Mike Greer Homes
                                                                                                                   09 930 6270                                 09 930 6270                              09 930 6270

                                                                                                                  STANDALONE HOUSE                            STANDALONE HOUSE                         DUPLEX

                                                                                   1 |       1 |         57m2 |
                                                                               UNIT 2, BADER DRIVE, MANGERE           2 |    1 |      1 |       1 |   70m2        3 |    3 |       1 |   1 |   135m2       3 |    3 |      1 |    118m2
                                                                                                                   TYPE M, LOT 4,                              TYPE N, LOT 1,                           TYPE O, LOT 18,
                                                                               From $500,000                       CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE                       CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE                    CESSNA PLACE, MANGERE
                                                                                                                   POA                                         POA                                      POA
                                                                               Mike Greer Homes                    Mike Greer Homes                            Mike Greer Homes                         Mike Greer Homes
                                                                               09 930 6270                         09 930 6270                                 09 930 6270                              09 930 6270

18                          HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                                           SUMMER 2021                                    19
SH1
                                                                                                                                KEY

                                                                          SH20
                                                                                                                                 SH1    Southern Motorway

                                                                                                                                 SH20   South Western Motorway

                                                                                                                                        Town centre

                                                                                                                                        Maunga
                                                 TE PANE O MATAAHO
                                                 MĀNGERE
     There’s a real sense of community in
     Mangere – that’s what makes it a great
     place to live. As part of the Mangere
     Development, many of the old state houses
     are making way for approximately

                                                                                    ROB
     10,000+ new homes over the next 15

                                                                                     ERS
     years. More high-quality homes will be

                                                                                       TON
                                                                     BA
     available for people who live or work

                                                                      DE

                                                                                           ROA
                                                                AD

                                                                          R
     in the area, creating a fresh vibe with

                                                               RO

                                                                           DR

                                                                                            D
                                                                              IV
                                                              IE
     upgraded streets and amenities.

                                                                                E
                                                           NZ
                                                          KE
                                                         MC
                                                                                    SH20                                                                                                                         SH1

                                                                                                                          D
                                                                                                                      A
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                                                                                                                  R
                                                                                                                  Y
                                                                                                              E
                                                                                                              S
                                                                                                              S
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                                                                                                                                                                   INFORMATION CENTRE
                                                                                                                                                                   Have a question about housing
                                                                                                                                                                   construction nearby?
                                                                                                                                                                   Once the houses are under construction you

                                                       N                                                                                                           can approach the building company working
                                                                                                                                                                   on the site directly. They will often have their
                                                                                                                                                                   company names on the fencing around the site,
                                                                                                 PUKAKI
                                                                                                                                                                   or look for the name on the company vehicles.
                                                                                                                                                                   If you need help, please contact Kāinga Ora.

                                                                                                                  CRATER HILL
                                                                                                                                                                   Looking to buy a house?
                                                                                                                                                                   Dropping in to chat to the team at the Information
                                                                                                                                                                   Centre is a good way to learn about most aspects
                                                                                                                                                                   of the development. If they can’t answer your
                                                                                                                                                                   queries, they will know who to direct you to.

                                                                                                                                                                   12 Waddon Place, Mangere.
                                                                                                                                                                   Open Wednesday – Saturday,
                                                                                                                                                            SH20   10am – 4pm.

                                                                                                                                                                   info@mangeredevelopment.co.nz
                                                                                                                                                                   09 952 8585

20                   HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                    SUMMER 2021                                        21
Shauna Kulatea is one of the friendly
                      faces at the Mangere Development
                                      Information Centre

                                                                             PROFILE

                                                                 Meet Shauna Kulatea
                                                                 By Penny Lewis
                                                                 Home and helping others have always
                                                                 been important to Shauna Kulatea.
                                                                                                                  One sticking point in the path to buying a
                                                                 The 21-year-old has lived in Mangere her         home can be the struggle to get a deposit
                                                                 whole life. She spent her first 12 years in a    together. Luckily that’s where Shauna and
                                                                 Housing New Zealand home with her parents,       her colleagues at Mangere Development
                                                                 Martyn Kulatea and Cathleen Morris, and          Information Centre can help, by explaining
                                                                 her older brother, Ethan. Martyn is originally   the buying process and letting people know
                                                                 from Niue and Cathleen was born in Mangere,      what homeownership products can help
                                                                 in a state house “just down the road”.           them reach their goals. “I used to think I
                                                                                                                  was too young for KiwiSaver, but I have
                                                               Nine years ago, Martyn and Cathleen bought
                                                                                                                  started it again so I can buy one day.”
                                                               their first home. “Buying a house was a big
                                                               accomplishment for them,” Shauna recalls.          Shauna is studying towards a Bachelor of
                                                                                  “It was a real success and      Nursing Pacific at Manukau Institute of
                                                                “I used to milestone – mum’s in retail            Technology. She has always wanted to work
                                                              think I was and           dad in manufacturing
                                                                                  and they worked really
                                                                                                                  with people in the community, particularly
                                                                                                                  with Māori and Pasifika people. She says
                                                            too young for hard to save. They were                 Mangere is rich with Māori and Pasifika
                                                              KiwiSaver, working for a long time and              culture and that it’s important her people
                                                                                  [the house they bought]         get the chance to put down roots here.
                                                               but I have wasn’t the best house in the
                                                                                                                  “We’re full of culture in Mangere. Our
                                                                started it street, but they owned it,”            market and our shops and our town
                                                            again so I can says          Shauna, who adds that
                                                                                  it’s the sort of milestone
                                                                                                                  centre are for our people – we’ve got our
                                                                                                                  taro, our green bananas and our fish.”
                                                            buy one day.” that everyone should have
                                                                                  the chance to reach.            Shauna advises people to get their foot in
                                                                                                                  the door by buying an apartment to start
                                                                 Working at the Information Centre allows
                                                                                                                  with. “Then just stay there for a while and
                                                                 Shauna to show people that home ownership
                                                                                                                  build up your assets and then you can find
                                                                 could be for them too. “There’s been a
                                                                                                                  your dream house. Put your mind to it.
                                                                 vast amount of people come in. Their faces
                                                                                                                  Don’t give up. Your dream can come true.”
                                                                 light up when they realise maybe there
                                                                 is a chance that they can buy a home.”

                                                                              You can find Shauna at the Mangere Info Centre
                                                                                         12 Waddon Place, Mangere Town Centre

22   HOME BASE #2                                                                                                               SUMMER 2021                     23
Ina Simpson with her Rukau Kai dish, before the taro leaves are wrapped.

                                                                                                                                Home | Kai
                                                                                                                            Food is culture – with Ina Simpson

                                                                                               Ina Simpson came to New Zealand from the Cook Islands in 1974,
                                                                                               when she was just a baby. For a Pacific Island family, the culture –
                                                                                               and temperature – shock was immense; it’s safe to say there’s
                                                                                               quite a marked difference between Rarotonga and Bluff.
                                                                                               By Alexia Santamaria

                                                                                               “The family still talk about the                                                 Sunday, so all the preparation was
                                                                                               minus-one temperatures when                                                      done by the ladies before sunrise
                                                                                               they arrived. I can’t even imagine                                               or the day before. Us kids would
                                                                                               how much they had to adapt to                                                    run around and have fun and it
                                                                                               their new country,” says Ina.                                                    was all about being together.
                                                                                               But adapt they did, all the while                                                This value of togetherness is
                                                                                               retaining a strong sense of their Cook                                           something Ina still brings to
                                                                                               Island culture – especially when it                                              everything she does to this day.
                                                                                               came to food. Rather than converting                                             While she’s very involved in her own
                                                                                               to roasts, sausage casseroles and                                                community she’s also on a mission
                                                                                               other 1970s Kiwi favourites every                                                to share rukau, her ‘green gold’,
                                                                                               day, they set about finding their                                                with anyone who’s never tasted it.
                                                                                               traditional ingredients and recreating                                           “I feel so strongly about sharing our
                                                                                               meals from their homeland in                                                     beautiful food culture, so it spreads –
                                                                                               Aotearoa. One of the most important                                              and also so it lives on for generations
                                                                                                                                        different story. We had to grow it in
                                                                                               ingredients in this equation was                                                 to come with our own people. We
                                                                                                                                        glasshouses or however we could,
                                                                                               rukau, taro leaves, which are used                                               may not be in Rarotonga any more,
                                                                                                                                        but I love that my parents made such
                               Ina Simpson’s Rukau Kai                                         extensively in Cook Island cuisine.
                                                                                                                                        a huge effort to retain our food from
                                                                                                                                                                                but our traditions keep our culture
                               5 medium sized taro          200g of pork (chopped)                                                                                              alive here, and in Mangere where
                                                                                               “Rukau has always been so special        home — even when the conditions
                               leaves (stems removed)       1 strip of bacon (chopped)
                                                                                                                                                                                there’s a big population of Cook
                                                                                               to me,” says Ina, who in 2017 set up     weren’t really on their side.”
                               1/2 a small onion (sliced)                                                                                                                       Islanders it’s so nice to bring people a
                                                            Coconut cream                      her business Rukau Hut, making pies
                                                                                                                                        Ina has fond memories of post-          taste of home - with a modern twist.”
                               1/4 of a red                 (Kara brand)                       with rukau and meat filling. Maybe
                                                                                                                                        church picnics in Bluff. “Just like
                               capsicum (diced)             Salt and pepper to taste           it’s because her family made such                                                Ina has shared one of her favourite
                                                                                                                                        in the islands, groups of families
                                                                                               huge endeavours to source rukau                                                  ways to cook rukau. This recipe
                                                                                                                                        would agree on a spot and after the
                                                                                               here, instead of finding a substitute,                                           serves one person but can be
                               1.   Remove taro stems         4.   Place the mixture                                                    service on Sunday we would get
                                                                                               a symbol of their commitment to                                                  doubled, quadrupled or multiplied as
                                    and wash leaves                on the taro leaves                                                   together and share food. There was
                                                                   and wrap up like
                                                                                               staying true to their island roots,                                              many times as needed for the size of
                               2.   Place taro                                                                                          always meat, our potato salad, Cook
                                                                   a parcel then               even when far from home. “In the                                                 the crowd. Change the type of meat
                                    leaves on top of                                                                                    Island donuts and always something
                                                                   cover the foil tray         Cooks it grows everywhere, every                                                 to your taste or make it vegetarian
                                    each other in a                                                                                     with rukau, when it was available.
                                    small foil tray                with a foil cover           day and you never run out of it, just                                            by replacing the amount of meat with
                                                                                                                                        Cook Islanders never cook on a
                                                              5.   Place the foil              south of Invercargill it’s a bit of a                                            the same amount of vegetables.
                               3.   Mix all other
                                    ingredients                    tray inside a
                                    together in a bowl             roasting tray
                                                                   filled with water
                                                              6.   Bake at 200C for
                                                                   1 hour 30 minutes
                                                                                                                       Do you have a favourite recipe you’d like to share?
                                                                   until cooked                                 Pop into our info centre or email us at info@mangeredevelopment.co.nz

24   HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                                         SUMMER 2021                                 25
LOCAL HERO

                                                                                                            Reading Warrior
                                                                              When David Riley left Mangere College at the end of seventh form, he had no
                                                                              idea what he wanted to do; all he knew was that he wanted to keep on learning.
                                                                              By Alexia Santamaria
                                                                              Learning is a thread that has spanned     One of the things that David loves        place they live. I loved her perspective.
                                                                              David’s entire life, leading him to       the most about the Mangere area           It’s amazing to live somewhere where
                                                                              today and his company, Reading            is its multicultural nature. “One         you can just be yourself and not
                                                                              Warrior. Its aim is to get young people   time in sixth form I made a really        worry what anyone thinks of you.”
                                                                              reading, inspire them with positive       close Samoan friend. I got invited to
                                                                                                                                                                  While David works with children all
                                                                              and inspirational stories from New        his house and before I knew it – in
                                                                                                                                                                  over New Zealand, he really loves
                                                                              Zealand and the Pacific and ultimately    true Pacific Island style – they had
                                                                                                                                                                  working with kids close to home. “I
                                                                              help them write their own stories,        practically adopted me, feeding me
                                                                                                                                                                  realised growing up I learned all about
                                                                              to be published for others to read.       delicious things I’d never tasted and
                                                                                                                                                                  Queen Elizabeth but never about the
                                                                                                                        calling me their Palagi son. Now I’m
                                                                              David is Mangere born and bred and                                                  history of Mangere. Recently I worked
                                                                                                                        married to a Samoan! I love how
                                                                              has great memories of a childhood                                                   with young people to develop a book on
                                                                                                                        cultures interact here, and how I
                                                                              spent exploring the nooks and crannies                                              that, so young Māori and Pacific Island
                                                                                                                        can take the values and beauty of
                                                                              of the area – mainly on foot. Days                                                  kids here can see their own history
                                                                                                                        other cultures and mix it with the
                                                                              were spent with a bunch of friends, on                                              as told through the eyes of people just
                                                                                                                        values and beauty of my own. While
                                                                              the outskirts of the suburb, messing                                                like them. We discovered so many cool
                                                                                                                        I work with a lot of Pacific Island and
                                                                              around in the creek, walking out to the                                             things – like the fact that Mangere
                                                                                                                        Māori kids, there are also so many
                                                                              airport, hanging out in the tunnels of                                              mountain is actually called Te Pane
     We discovered so many                                                    the old Kiwi canyon. “It was a great
                                                                                                                        other diverse groups here too.
                                                                                                                        He also loves the ‘realness’ of the
                                                                                                                                                                  o Mataaho – and I can’t wait to learn
                                                                                                                                                                  even more about this place I’ve called
                                                                              way to grow up, with so many aspects
     cool things – like the fact                                              of rural life in our urban setting.”      suburb and feels there’s no air of
                                                                                                                        judgement – meaning people feel totally
                                                                                                                                                                  home my whole life. It was a great
                                                                                                                                                                  part of Auckland to grow up in, and
                                                                              He still has many friends from those
     that Mangere mountain                                                    days. “Mangere is a tight community       relaxed being who they are. “I was
                                                                                                                        working with some young students
                                                                                                                                                                  even though the world has changed
                                                                                                                                                                  a bit since then, I wouldn’t want my
                                                                              and my brothers and I grew up
     is actually called Te                                                    playing league for the Manukau            the other day on a book celebrating
                                                                                                                        our homes, and one of them said she
                                                                                                                                                                  own kids growing up anywhere else.”
                                                                              Magpies so spent a lot of time at the
     Pane o Mataaho – and                                                     local clubrooms where you’d see the       loves how you see men walk down
                                                                                                                        the street with no shirt or shoes in
                                                                                                                                                                  readingwarrior.com
                                                                              same families multiple times a week
     I can’t wait to learn                                                    and get to know what was going on         Mangere. While others might see it
                                                                                                                        as rough, she saw it as them feeling
                                                                              in their lives. I love that sense of
     even more about                                                          community you get living here.”           comfortable to be who they are in the

     this place I’ve called
     home my whole life.
                                                                                                                        Do you know a local hero?
                                                                                                 Pop into our info centre or email us at info@mangeredevelopment.co.nz
                                   David Riley loved growing up in Mangere.

26             HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                  SUMMER 2021                                27
TENANT STORY
                                                                                                           Alofa Aiuta in her new home.

               God has smiled on us
               Amy Anderson meets a happy new resident of
               Mangere Development’s Bader McKenzie complex.
               Faataualofa Aiuta’s megawatt smile           we wanted to stand on our own, walk our
               from across the dining table as              own path and really build a life here.”
               we enjoy a coffee inside her new
                                                            After about six months, the family moved
               Bader Drive home says it all.
                                                            into state housing accommodation at
               “We were really excited when we got          several motels over the last year before
               the call to say that one of the new state    getting the call about Bader Drive.
               homes in the Bader McKenzie complex
                                                            “Our friends told us to be patient, but
               was available to look through,” she says.
                                                            it’s very hard when you’re a family
               “And when we actually got here and           of three living in one motel room. We
               we saw this beautiful, brand new             were very thankful to have a roof
               home, we just couldn’t believe it. We        over our heads, but our bed was right
               said ‘Wow! This is us!’ and it really felt   near the small kitchen bench and
               like God was smiling down, making it         there was nowhere to store our food,
                            happen,” she beams.             no freezer and no cooking facility.”
                             Alofa, as she prefers,         Looking around her brand new, 6
      “Our lives have        migrated to Mangere from       Homestar rated home, Alofa says
            changed so       Samoa in early 2018 with       they’re still pinching themselves and
     much. Our home          her husband Malo and           thanking God for such a blessing.
                             then one-year-old son
       is so quiet and                                      “We only moved in about two weeks ago,
                             Logopese. The young family
                                                            but we’ve already met quite a few of our
        warm thanks          were keen for a better life
                                                            neighbours, including being reunited with
                             with more opportunity
        to the double-       in New Zealand, but
                                                            several friends which made us so happy!”
                                                                                                         “That’s probably the thing we love the most    “When we’re a bit more settled we’re
     glazed windows          soon realised that with        Thinking about her favourite part of her     about being in Mangere. Everyone is so         looking forward to having our families
                             the extra opportunity          new home Alofa pauses and then says          friendly and there are so many Samoans here,   over for a celebration barbeque and
      and insulation,        came many challenges.          seriously, “Everything. Everything is        so it really feels like a community. Our son   showing them around our new house.
     and that’s going                                       my favourite. Our lives have changed         was already going to preschool in Mangere,     We keep telling them how amazing it is
                            “In Samoa, our families
         to make such                                       so much. Our home is so quiet and            and now we can keep him with his friends       so they’re all desperate to come and see
                            live as one—we share our
                                                            warm thanks to the double-glazed             when he starts school next year – it feels     it with their own eyes!” she laughs.
           a difference     homes, raising our children,
                                                            windows and insulation, and that’s           like everything has just fallen into place.”
                            our land, everything,” she
        to our health,      explains. “So when we
                                                            going to make such a difference to
                                                            our health, particularly in winter.”
          particularly      arrived in Mangere, we
                            lived with my husband’s         “It’s so fresh and clean, and there’s an
            in winter.”     uncle. But it was his house     awesome playground downstairs for our           The Bader McKenzie complex is a Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities development
                                                            son too. It’s really nice not having to go               delivering more warm, dry state homes in Mangere Development.
                            and he was paying for
                                                            searching for somewhere for him to play                        For more information, visit our website kaingaora.govt.nz
                            everything, so it felt very
                                                            and he’s made lots of friends already.”               or check out the virtual video on our website mangeredevelopment.co.nz.
               different. We were so grateful to him, but

28               HOME BASE #2                                                                                                                                         SUMMER 2021                  29
ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2021
mangeredevelopment.co.nz
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