Good homes at Goodwin: blessing our first 10 South Auckland homes
Visionwest has reached an exciting milestone in our housing journey, with the blessing of our first 10 homes in Goodwin Drive in Rosehill. These spacious four-bedroom homes, each with a garage and some with an additional study, will provide safe, secure places where whānau can put down roots and thrive. Larger homes like these can be difficult to find, so we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to add them to our housing portfolio.
Members of our Housing, Counties and Executive teams gathered with gratitude and anticipation for the whānau who will soon call these houses home. The blessing was led through tikanga and karakia, acknowledging the wairua of the whenua and the journey ahead for those who will live there.
Te Keepa, our Housing Operations and Māori Capabilities Lead, opened our time together with prayer, giving thanks for the homes before we entered the first house. As the group moved through each property, people reflected on the significance of creating space for new beginnings. Karakia and words of blessing were shared in individual rooms, and team members placed taonga in the houses as an enduring expression of care.
At times, we had to remind ourselves that we were there for a blessing, not a viewing. Even so, it was impossible not to imagine what these homes could mean for the whānau who will live in them: meals shared around the table, children playing safely in the garden, friendships growing in the neighbourhood, and families feeling proud to welcome others into their home.
A strong sense of hope carried through the ceremony. Wendy Barthow from our Counties office reflected on the quiet neighbourhood and the birdsong that could bring rest and peace to families. Hamish Read, one of our tenancy managers, could already imagine children enjoying games of backyard cricket. Others spoke of the value of having generous outdoor space, something many families long for.
As we approached the final house, our Tumu, Fred Astle invited everyone to gather for a waiata before we entered. He reflected on the history of the whenua beneath us and on housing as a source of wellbeing, belonging and hope. He also spoke of Visionwest becoming part of the rich tapestry of good work already taking place in South Auckland, and of our commitment to supporting whānau from every background.
“It feels like a pou in the ground for this mahi,” Fred shared.
Judy Matai’a, our Director of Housing and Pasefika Development, acknowledged everyone who helped bring the project to life, from frontline teams to the many people working behind the scenes. She reflected on the countless moments these homes will hold for families and encouraged the Housing team to keep dreaming big about what is possible for whānau.
Finally, our Tumu Whakarae Lisa Woolley closed the gathering by recognising the tenacity and perseverance of everyone who helped make the project a reality. Special thanks were offered to Malo and the team at MCERT for getting behind the vision with funding, and to Mal and Lou for their work alongside the developer to bring the homes across the line.
The gathering concluded with a final blessing and a commitment to dedicate both the homes and the surrounding neighbourhood to God.
Standing together in the last house, we shared a sense that these homes represent far more than bricks and mortar. They are places where hope can grow, children can flourish, and whānau can experience the stability and support they need to pursue their dreams.
We are honoured to become part of this community and look forward to seeing whānau make these houses their homes.
