Elders at a Dunedin marae have a new place to call home with the completion of eight refurbished historical flats.
The official opening of the Kaumātua Flats — the culmination of a three-year upgrade project — was commemorated with a whakatuwheratanga (opening ceremony) at Araiteuru Marae, in Wakari, yesterday morning.
Fully insulated and double-glazed with new heat pumps, the eight one-bedroom units come equipped with full kitchens and north-facing gardens. One has mobility access and a full wet bathroom.
Located near the marae, they would bring people closer together and strengthen connections — both to the place, and the people who lived there.
"We’ve had a few of the kaumātua who were involved in setting up the marae in the 1970s and ’80s, and setting up the original flats, back and just really thrilled to see them being looked after and freshened up and ready to serve the community again."
Araiteuru Marae Council vice-chairwoman Vicky Totoro said renovating the flats had been a "lengthy journey".
They were originally built in the 1980s to house kaumātua of Araiteuru Marae, in response to the need to gather and sustain them for the generational care they could provide to the community, as whānau of the marae were scattered across the city and the district.
"The flats are also there for our old people prepared to share their company with whānau, lend a hand as they are able, perhaps a few hours a week — be that around the whare, the grounds, the gardens, the kitchen, or a kapu tī (cup of tea) and shared story in their own flat."
Kaumātua would be charged a discounted rent of $276.50 per week, and there was also a regular rental option of $395 per week for those who were able to contribute positively.
Tenancy applications are now being accepted.
