Mayor Brown and Minister for the South Island, James Meager, officially opened 16 new elderly persons’ housing units at Friendship Lane on Monday.

The Mayor said the one-bedroom units provide warmth, security, and independence for elderly residents in the district and replace pensioner units built in the 1970s.

“These fully insulated units are more than just buildings,” Mayor Brown said. “They represent a safe haven for our seniors, a place where they can live independently while remaining connected to the community around them.”

Mayor Brown and Minister Meager cut the ceremonial ribbon together, marking the official opening of the new homes alongside councillors, staff, and contractors involved in the project.

Minister Meager said the project demonstrated how great things could happen when local and central government worked in partnership to deliver positive outcomes for the community.

The $4 million project was made possible with $2.2 million support from Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga  - the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Their funding and commitment were acknowledged as crucial to the project’s success.

Following the ceremony, James and Avis Campbell, residents of Friendship Lane, welcomed attendees into their home, offering a firsthand look at the comfort and quality of the new units.

The Campbells shared how they were settling in and shared their appreciation for the comfort and sense of community the homes provide.

Special thanks were extended to the Logic Group and the BP Construction teams for their dedication to building these high-quality homes.

The first concrete pour for the foundation of the homes was made in October 2024, and the homes were blessed by Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua on 28 May 2025.