A group of Auckland pensioners have been left disappointed after Kāinga Ora, the landlord of their housing complex, restricted their regular Friday afternoon get-togethers in the common room.
For 15 years, a group of Ellerslie tenants, ranging in age from their mid-50s to 93, have gathered for a few drinks and socializing from 4pm to 6pm, extending to 8.30pm on special occasions like birthdays.
Due to complaints about noise and alcohol consumption, Kāinga Ora has enforced locked doors at 4pm on weekdays, citing a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption in common room facilities.
The tenants feel that the new restrictions are unfair and that Kāinga Ora did not consider alternative solutions before implementing the rule change.
One tenant, Lisa Howard, emphasized that the group maintains a low noise level of 60 decibels, playing music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s for their gatherings.
While only a portion of the tenants drink alcohol, others opt for tea and coffee due to medication restrictions. The group consists of individuals who are not physically able to engage in rowdy behavior, with most of them using walkers.
The closure of the common room on Fridays and weekends has impacted various community activities, such as Bible study sessions and exercise classes. The tenants feel disrespected and believe they are capable of self-regulating their gatherings.
Meetings with their local MP, Greg Fleming, have been held to address their concerns and find a resolution with Kāinga Ora. Fleming is optimistic that presenting alternatives to the landlord may lead to the reopening of the common room for communal use.
Kāinga Ora, on the other hand, emphasizes the need to protect the quiet enjoyment of all tenants in the complex and states that recent noise complaints have prompted the changes in the community room’s operating hours.
The organization aims to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all residents while addressing the concerns of both the tenants and the larger community.
