A Fresh Start in Flat Bush
Under bright skies in the late summer Auckland sun, the official opening of Stage 2 of The Salvation Army’s social housing development in Flat Bush drew a crowd of eager spectators. Kai Sanders was there to take it all in.
Residents, Salvation Army leaders, staff, community members, developers and partners arrived in high spirits to catch a glimpse of the special guest for the ribbon-cutting ceremony: Rt Hon Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The ceremony opened with traditional Māori karakia (prayer), acknowledging mana whenua (people of the land) and setting a tone of gratitude and unity for the kaupapa (purpose). Voices lifted in waiata (songs) of praise, with guests and staff joining in—a gentle, grounding start that honoured tikanga (custom) and the whānau (families) who now call this place home.
Prime Minister acknowledges work
The morning’s proceedings were guided by Jasmine Herewini, national tenancies manager, who served as MC. Much loved across Salvation Army Social Housing (SASH) communities, Jasmine welcomed everyone warmly with her jovial style, while acknowledging residents who now call this estate home.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson spoke first sharing The Salvation Army’s mission to offer more than shelter, ‘…to provide communities a chance to thrive in all walks of life’.
Her message was echoed by the Prime Minister, who praised the project as an example of what can be achieved when commitment meets compassion, emphasising the value of partnerships between government and community housing providers.
The Salvation Army’s Director of Social Housing Greg Foster also delivered a stirring address. His remarks reflected not only pride in the completion of Stage 2, but determination to continue building across the country. ‘We can always do more,’ he said, noting that community housing providers collectively took up last year’s funding allocation for 2000 homes, though far more are still needed.
Families at the heart of the celebration
As residents socialised after the formalities, sharing food, stories and introductions with their new neighbours, the heart of the day became clear: the people and families who will benefit from such a substantial investment. Stage 2 adds 41 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses—designed to meet the needs of multigenerational whānau with children.
Among those now living in this community is Jonathan Tuiletufuga, who, with his wife Tauline and four sons, has experienced hardship no family should face. They had lived with friends and relatives until space ran out—and then spent a month sleeping in their van, often parked near playgrounds at night. With two of their sons on the autism spectrum, the cramped conditions were especially difficult.
Reflecting on finally having their own home, Jonathan shared moving words that resonated with many in attendance: ‘Words cannot describe the relief of having a stable roof over our heads. We’ve got room now to put down roots and try to start again.’
It has been only weeks since the family moved into their four-bedroom Flat Bush home, but already Jonathan says the difference is immeasurable.
‘Now we’ve got a place we can start fresh. It’s onwards and upwards from here.’
His story is not unique. More than half of the residents across the combined Stage 1 and 2 developments are children, and many families have endured years of housing insecurity. The opening event offered a powerful visual: children of all ages playing freely, neighbours chatting on footpaths, a sense of belonging that is precisely what this community aims to build.
A community taking shape
The design of the Flat Bush development reflects the broader vision for social housing: environmentally efficient homes, shared spaces such as a basketball court to encourage play and on site support from Salvation Army staff. The new homes join the existing 46 units built five years ago, bringing the total community to more than 200 people.
Janine reminded guests that housing alone is not the end goal. ‘These are not just buildings—they are beginnings,’ she said. ‘Beginnings of stability, whānau strength and opportunities for futures that were once out of reach.’
The presence of so many residents at the opening—toddlers on the new playground, elders sharing warmth and kai (food)—reinforced that message.
A bright future ahead
As the ceremony concluded and the crowd continued to mingle in the sunshine, it was clear that Flat Bush is more than a development—it is a living, breathing community.
For families like Jonathan’s, it means a chance to rebuild. For the Army, it represents continued commitment to creating safe, stable homes where people can flourish.
As I left the event, watching families return to their new homes, I was struck by the sense of optimism in the air—something that felt as warm and welcome as the sunshine in South Auckland.
