Community engagement

Community engagement

Community engagement is not an add-on. It is central to how we listen, learn, and act alongside tenants and partners to create vibrant, connected communities in which people are heard, connected, and empowered.

Our multidisciplinary engagement team partners with tenants, community groups, and service providers to identify needs, celebrate strengths, and co-design solutions that enhance community life and support wellbeing.

We listen and we learn

We ask tenants directly what matters most, and shared insights help us improve how we deliver housing, support, and community programming.

  • Tenant surveys help us understand how our services and communities are experienced in everyday life.

  • Tenant Interest Groups give tenants a voice in shaping ideas and solutions.

We build community spirit

We support, host, and celebrate events that bring people together in activities that help nurture pride of place and encourage connection across networks of households and neighbourhoods.

  • Our annual Housing Heroes Awards recognise individuals who strengthen community life through acts of service, support, and leadership.

  • The bi-annual Tenant Art Show spotlights creativity and connection.

We connect with partners

We know strong communities are built with many hands and we work with local groups, national agencies, funders, and social services to bring opportunities to tenant communities, including:

  • Neighbourhood support programmes

  • Links to and programmes with community garden and local social initiatives

  • Subsidised internet access through the Enable-supported ŌCHT/Skinny Jump programme

  • Subsidised devices for seniors with the support of the Manchester Unity Welfare Trust

  • Opportunities for digital training and skills development with the support of Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa

  • Specialist coaching with the support of the Rata Foundation

Partnerships help us support tenant wellbeing and belonging, strengthening our people and our communities.

We help with coaching and support

We help tenants build capacity to navigate life’s challenges and pursue personal goals with services that are free for tenants, and which contribute to stronger participation, independence, and resilience.

  • Employment coaching→ supports job-seekers to prepare for, find, and settle into paid or volunteer work.

  • Digital coaching→ helps tenants feel confident in the online world, with training and one-on-one support.

  • Settling-in support→ connects newcomers—including migrants and former refugees—to essential services and community networks like healthcare, education, financial support, and recreation.

We connect with partners

Community engagement is made possible through collaboration with local community groups, social service providers and funders, and specialist partners who help deliver programmes and services that enrich community life.

We are grateful for this shared commitment to strengthening communities across Ōtautahi.

If you are interested in supporting our community engagement work, please contact our Community Engagement Lead via admin@ocht.org.nz.