Hope on the hill: Arnott Heights community event

Switched On Housing kaimahi spent their Saturday serving up sausages alongside Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities and the Grey District Council in Arnott Heights, a community in Māwhera-Greymouth still facing significant disruption from a major slip in August, which cut off the only road connecting the hilltop community to the rest of the town.

The area, home to around 50 households, including 17 Kāinga Ora properties, was left isolated and the Grey District Council worked swiftly to clear debris and establish a temporary one-way access road, providing much-needed relief. On Saturday the Council updated residents about what’s next to address access and organised a community event with Kāinga Ora and Switched On Housing to bring people together.

The event was supported by Beard Brothers, who sponsored the sausages, and a Switched On Housing team travelled to Māwhera to cook up a couple of hundred for the community. The gathering provided a platform for the Council to update residents on future plans, including timeframes for a permanent road solution, offering clarity and reassurance to those who had been affected by the slip.

The event brought the community together, with residents sharing kai and reconnecting. Afterward, leftover sausages were donated to the Arnott Heights community group, who had coincidentally planned a BBQ that same afternoon for a plaque unveiling in the park. The timing was perfect, and the gesture was warmly received.

The event was a great success, not only in terms of the information provided but also in reinforcing community bonds.

Kāinga Ora pointed out that the event had reminded everyone of the power of community in times of challenge. Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson also thanked all involved for their support of the local community.

Contributing to the communities we serve through maintaining homes is part of the way we do business at Kā te Rama Switched On Group and helping our hapori at this event was a real highlight for our staff involved – many whom hail from the West Coast!

Ngā mihi nui to Kāinga Ora for involving us in this kaupapa.