Lizard News APRIL 2024
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Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach
Abbeyfield close to reality
he development of a new shared housing facility for older people in Katikati is close to becoming a reality, with most of the funding needed for it now secured. The Abbeyfield house will cater for 14 residents aged over 65, providing affordable rental accommodation where they can enjoy the company of others. A site for the house has been purchased in Wills Road, and nearly $3 million was raised towards the house’s development through local fundraising, grants, donations, sponsorship and other contributions. Abbeyfield New Zealand Executive Officer, Susan Jenkins, says this meant only $280,000 more now needed to be raised. “While there are still some funds to raise, we are almost there,’’ she says. “Abbeyfield appreciates funding support for the project from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Rental Pathway. We also commend Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty for its active fundraising campaign, which has been instrumental in progressing this project.’’ Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty chairperson Carole Parker says it was exciting to be nearing the goal of getting an Abbeyfield house built, and the final stage of the fundraising campaign would now be launched. Various events and activities were planned. They included offering people an opportunity to sponsor a garden stake created by local artists, which would form part of the landscaping for the house. People could sponsor a stake for a donation of $5,000 or more. She added that the Abbeyfield house was badly needed, as there was a lack of affordable and suitable rental housing for older people with limited means in Katikati.
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The Abbeyfield WBOP Committee, L-R: Mikayla Tāmati, Bill Rae, Natasja de Graaf, Elizabeth Rae, Pauline van Rijen, Theo van Rijen, Melva Howard, Janet Charlton, Carole Parker, Peter Charlton. Absent: Isabel Ford. PHOTO: Supplied.
“This house will be an ideal solution for our community. It will be a place where residents can maintain their independence but live in a supportive, caring environment. They can build social connections and live healthier, more active lives,” she says. The Abbeyfield housing model is often likened to flatting for older people. Residents live independently, with their own studio room with ensuite, and come together to share meals prepared by a housekeeper/cook. They live like a big whānau or
family, sharing communal living areas. There are 14 Abbeyfield houses already operating in New Zealand and the Katikati house will operate along the same lines. Abbeyfield houses have been in New Zealand since 1992. They are self-funding once established, with the rent covering operating costs. Each house is managed by a local Abbeyfield committee, made up of volunteers. The volunteers’ contribution ensures the rent remains affordable and the residents are well supported.
Rates spend on dog park
By Peter Presland Ōmokoroa Community Board Chairperson
on’t get me wrong—I love dogs and respect the roles they perform for us, both the working and companion versions. But I don’t love your dog. It’s your dog; I get that, but I don’t need to love it or have any of my rates contribution allocated to it, whether that be for compliance or the latest 21st-century thing, a Dog Park. I know I am treading dangerous ground here; I know so many dog owners are passionate about their pooch.
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And before you ask, yes, I have owned many dogs, up to nine at a time actually, but then they were all working dogs, as I was on a mustering run as a young fella, chasing merinos and half-breds (sheep) in the tops in Central Otago. You need plenty of dog power for that gig, as the faithful dogs worked themselves to a standstill, so they needed to have days off, rest their weary and sometimes cut foot pads, cut from the shale in the tops of the mountains. So, I totally get how we can feel so deeply connected to dogs. But in this age of financial restraint, I think Council, as unsexy as it sounds, need to stick to footpaths, drains and local roading/reserves networks. Increasing any
rate we pay for anything outside of those services for the likes of dog parks, I say ‘get in behind’. On this, I stand alongside the Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association [ORRA], which points out that a dog park in Ōmokoroa will be funded by ratepayers, that’s ratepayers, not dog owners. And that the proposed location for the ratepayer-funded dog park is Precious Family Reserve, a place enjoyed by so many ratepayers, whether they be dog owners or not. Before you yell Waylego to me, I urge you to make submissions on the matters your ORRA has raised; that’s all. And please don’t sic your poodle on me, just my opinion.