Community spirit shines at Wharenui Terrace

A sense of hapori and connection was alive and well at a recent community day held in Roslyn, Palmerston North. Organised by Kāinga Ora and local partners, the event aimed to bring neighbours and whānau together in a relaxed, welcoming environment — and that’s exactly what happened.

The event encouraged interaction and play, drawing people out of their homes to engage with one another and enjoy the day. It was all about making connections that may not have happened otherwise, and for many those first conversations could spark long-term friendships. From local mums arranging playdates, to a young girl being invited to meet the neighbourhood dog, Charlie the cavoodle, these small moments captured the heart of what the day was all about.

Our Group Chief Operating Officer Christian Smith says that staying connected and involved with our hapori is a priority for Switched on Housing kaimahi.

“Having recently supported the new North Street complex opening in Palmerston North, it was fantastic to be able to come back to Wharenui and meet the whānau who are living in the nearby community. I know we share the same passion as Kāinga Ora and community partners to continue supporting the hauora of local whānau,” he says.

Switched On Housing was proud to provide kai for the community, with a team of friendly faces including Chief Operating Officer Christian Smith, Responsive and Resolutions Manager Maree Searle, Trade Manager Scott Taylor, Delivery Supervisor Haley La Franco and Delivery Supervisor Caleb Smith on the BBQ, serving up sausages generously sponsored by our friends at Beard Brothers. With support from Sport Manawatū, Palmerston North City Council, Neighbourhood Support, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the atmosphere was easy-going and positive.

One of Kā te Rama Switched On Group’s core values is ‘helping our hapori’ (community). We believe that strong, connected communities don’t just happen; they’re built over time through trust, presence, and shared experiences. That’s why we show up for events like this, offer our time and skills, and support opportunities for people to come together.

Mark Smith, Senior Stakeholder Relationship Manager at Kāinga Ora echoes the positive impact that events like the community have on whānau.

“We know the positive impact a stable home has on our tenants; it is a step in the right direction to whānau hauora. However, to complete that journey requires the commitment of an interconnected, supportive community. At this community day, we caught a glimpse of what this looks like, and it was good! A big thanks to our dedicated partners who made this day happen,” he says.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped bring this event to life and to everyone who came along to be part of it. We’re looking forward to the next one, as we continue to build community, one connection at a time.