Community collaboration breathes new life into Masterton green space

A once underutilised green space in Masterton has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, thanks to a collaborative effort between local organisations and businesses. Switched On Housing, alongside Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Nuku Ora, Men’s Shed, and RHS Robinson's Handyman Services, has partnered to create an engaging outdoor area on Iorns Street North that benefits both local residents and the wider community. 

The revitalised space now boasts a new playbox, planter boxes, and a community noticeboard, all designed to foster connection and activity among residents. This mahi showcases the power of community-driven projects and the positive impact of partnerships. 

Scott Taylor, Switched On Housing Trade Manager, expresses enthusiasm for the project: "It's been so positive to see so many local people come together behind this kaupapa. We can't wait to see the green space full of people, life and veges. The turnout at the opening showed us that whānau are really excited about embracing this space and celebrating with them was a real highlight for our team." 

“Partnering with local businesses such as Switched On Housing, organisations and our customers is pivotal in building thriving neighbourhoods,” says Kāinga Ora Regional Director, Vicki McLaren. “The ideas for this space came from local Kāinga Ora and Emerge Aotearoa tenants, and this partnership has helped to bring their ideas to life, creating a fun, interactive space the whole neighbourhood can benefit from.”

Kaimahi at Switched On Housing have played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, coordinating donations of seeds from Tui, fertiliser, and sporting equipment, as well as organising donated kai from Beard Brothers for the opening event. Trade partner, RHS Robinson's Handyman Services, has gone above and beyond by sourcing free concrete from Higgins Concrete and installing it for the project. 

The Masterton Men’s Shed has also been instrumental in the transformation, contributing their skills to build the planter boxes and community noticeboard. Nuku Ora has been actively involved in gathering ideas for the area's future use and running activities for tamariki and whānau in the space.  

Switched On Housing has recently extended its housing maintenance work with Kāinga Ora to the Masterton area and is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community bonds and improve living spaces. This project in Masterton serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when local organisations come together with a shared vision for community betterment. 

The revitalised green space opened on 11 December, marking a new chapter for the Iorns Street North community. Trade Manager Scott Taylor, Trade Services Representative Monique Matthews, Health and Safety Officer Dain Harvey and Quality Manager Matt O’Connor fired up the Kāte Rama Switched On Group BBQ and ensured the crowds were fed, with the event reminding them of the positive change our work in housing can bring to our neighbourhoods. 

Kā te Rama Switched On Group is committed to generating positive social and environmental impact that makes a difference to the wellbeing of whānau. Helping our hapori is one of our core values and part of how we do our mahi alongside like-minded partners such as Kāinga Ora.