Strong Voices

“Having a good home really matters but so does being part of a strong community. We believe in an ‘and and’ approach,” says Lisa Mackinnon, National Lead of the Inclusive Communities team at Accessible Properties.

The team – Lisa, Hannah and Maree – is passionate about their kaupapa, helping tenants feel supported and connected to where they live.

“A big part of our work is partnering with other organisations and pooling resources to get things done,” says Lisa.

“Good Neighbour in Tauranga is a great example. We’ve worked with them for years and they’ve helped us tidy up lots of our homes and supplied subsidised firewood for tenants. It’s made a real difference.

“Envirohub Bay of Plenty is another one. They’ve installed kiwi bin vege gardens in backyards and were part of the Edge Workshop school holiday event in our Gate Pā community park earlier this year.”

The team’s relationship with Tū Mai Digital, which offers affordable internet connectivity, devices and free technology training to tenants, is completely different but just as valuable. “Digital literacy opens so many doors and this is one way we can help people build skills and confidence in a world that’s changing fast,” says Lisa.

Understanding what tenants need and how Accessible Properties can support them is a key part of the team’s approach.

In 2023 they introduced a new programme of surveys and ‘coffee cart conversations’ in different parts of the country, starting with the mostly older tenants living in Hamilton’s pensioner complexes.

“Every community is different,” Lisa says. “These conversations help us learn what’s working, what’s not and where people might want support to connect with local services or activities.”

At the end of last year, the team partnered with Sport Bay of Plenty to give away themed sports packs – one for young children, one for teenagers and one for intergenerational families. The response was instant and enthusiastic.

“One mum told us her kids got stuck into the pack right away – playing Twister at home and then heading to the park to play cricket with friends. So many people said how great it was to see their kids playing outside and off their devices.”

Through initiatives like Tenant Appreciation Awards, the Inclusive Communities team also works to support the positive association tenants have with their Tenancy Relationship Managers.

“We’ve got some amazing tenants, like Mary who, for more than 10 years, has shown wonderful kindness to her neighbour Donald, cooking meals for him twice a day, helping with everyday tasks and driving him to appointments.”

“Stories like this show how much heart there is in our neighbourhoods. It’s a huge joy to be able to make a difference and a real privilege to work for an organisation that really cares.”

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Image captioin: The Inclusive Communities team from left to right: Lisa MacKinnon, Maree Macdonald and Hannah Ward.