275 Times. June 2015

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2 Faith and fellowship at heart of new village Lay Pastor Moi Kaufononga of the Lotofale’ia Congregation in Mangere What started as one man’s dream has become a place of beauty and hope for a whole community. The Matanikolo Housing development is the brainchild of Lay Pastor Moi Kaufononga of the Lotofale’ia Congregation in Mangere. The property at the end of Hall Road in Mangere has been turned from a large community garden into a modern-day village of 22 houses, with more still to come. Mr Kaufononga says there are two basic needs all humans have - one is for food, and the second is for a roof over their heads. The gardens used to fulfill that first basic need, but now, thanks to a $4 million Government subsidy and some wise investment from the church, the Matanikolo development has meant 22 families will have their own quality home at a very affordable rental rate. Mr Kaufononga's dream is driven by the desire to see people live and learn together. “When you work together, learn together, and eat together – that’s when you experience Jesus. Jesus is here in Matanikolo when we are together, loving one another.” The development was named Matanikolo by the Tongan King’s brother Prince Fatafehi which means gateway in English as it represents the beginning to a new life that so many families will experience in this urban village nestled in a quiet corner of Mangere. This development has also received support from local police, Auckland Council and the Methodist Church’s LIfewise social workers to ensure the families living in the development get any necessary support and protection they need so the community can flourish as a whole. Mr Kaufononga says it’s taken a lot of hard work and faith to get to this point, but there's still a further eight to ten units for the elderly, an apartment block and a community hall to be built in the coming years. Samoa House set to wow Māngere and a three storey building. It’s all about going with the flow. We opened our consulate on K Rd in the late 60s to be near where most Samoans lived, so now that most are in the south it makes sense for us to move.” Mr Pogi says the new building will be completed by early 2016 and its construction will cut his own commute into the city dramatically as the Consul General’s residence is in Favona. Samoan Consul General Faolotoi Reupena Pogi Not sure what’s going on at the corner of Bader Drive and Mascot Ave? Well here’s the low-down: it’s going to be the new home of the Samoan Consulate. Samoan Consul General Faolotoi Reupena Pogi says the multi-million NITTY GRITTY Words: Justin Latif Design: Jo Latif Publisher: Mangere East Family Service Centre 275times@gmail.com | www.275times.com www.facebook.com/275times dollar project will make the consulate’s services more accessible for the majority Samoans who generally live in South and West Auckland and it will also add something special to the community of Mangere. “The site will include a fale, a Marae, Print Your printing house 022 1612 927 (09) 2575887 www.minzltd.co.nz info@minzltd.co.nz Massey Road, Mangere Samoan Consul General Faolotoi Reupena Pogi Check our Special Deals on Invitation Cards such as: Birthday Wedding Special Events Call us for a free quote
Sustainability network continues to blossom Umu: Food from the garden was cooked traditionally and enjoyed! The Mangere Otahuhu Sustainability Network goes from strength to strength and another successful hui just goes to prove it. Around 70 locals, many of whom are neighbours of the Old School Reserve Teaching Gardens in Kirkbride Rd, which hosted the event (with support from Mangere East Family Service Centre) attended the event on a beautiful autumn morning on the first of May. This gathering also attracted a number of schools and children from the area. Garden co-ordinator Yvonne Thomas opened the hui with a talk on the history of this amazing community resource before participants took part in tours, workshops and community notices. The event was rounded out with a delicious umu. More gatherings are coming, so email Justine@mefsc.org. nz to go on the database, or check out the Mangere Otahuhu Backyard Project page at www.facebook.com/ wastechamps. Katoteu, kafa and kahoa Beauty Services BUILDING AND CARPENTRY Welding + Panel beating Recreation & Sport Business Admin and Computing Forces Pre-Entry Don’t just dream it. Warehousing & Forklift Operations BECOME IT! Retail 3 Crafty family: From left, Taufa Vaka'uta, Taeao Vaka'uta and Akosita Takai The Mangere Markets is home to not just an amazing range of fruit and veges, but also the place to go for all your Pacific cultural needs. Akosita Takai and her family run one of the many stalls selling Tongan necklaces and baskets every Saturday morning. Despite the competition, they do a roaring trade in baskets or “katoteu”, traditional belts or “sisi” and “kafa” and necklaces or “kahoa”. Akosita says it can take a day to make the baskets, whereas she can make up to four necklaces in a day. Flanked by her sister and niece, the Mangere resident says selling in the markets can be a fun way to spend a Saturday. “We want to have fun, and help to promote Tongan culture – and hopefully we are one of the best in the market.” ZERO FEES & TRAVEL SUBSIDY FOR 16-19YRS FREE SELECTED PROGRAMMES FOR 20+ YEAR OLDS HANDS ON TRAINING Conditions apply MANGERE (09) 257-5732 KELSTON (09) 818-1257 PAPAKURA (09) 296-0511 If you want to see your ad appear in our next issue or if you have a suggestion for a story email us at: 275times@gmail.com
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275 Times. June 2015

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