A Hub of Connection in Berhampore with The Y
The Centennial Flats in Berhampore were built in the early 1940s as part of New Zealand’s pioneering state housing initiative. Developed by the first Labour Government to address post-Depression housing shortages, the flats were named to mark the 1940 Centennial, celebrating 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Designed by the Government Architect’s office with input from modernist architect Ernst Plischke, the flats were a departure from traditional housing styles, featuring flat roofs, clean lines, and communal courtyards. Their construction was delayed by World War II, with the first tenants moving in around 1941.
Now, under the stewardship of Kāinga Ora, Centennial Flats continues to serve as affordable housing. A key development in recent years has been the engagement of Y Central, which now manages the community wellbeing hub within the complex. The flats are home to a diverse community, including Māori and Pacific Island whānau, as well as Middle Eastern and Asian families. Y Central ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and well-being for all. With a strong focus on community, Y Central offers a wide variety of programmes and services designed to promote social connections and enhance residents’ quality of life. Their approach has transformed the community wellbeing hub into a vibrant hub for activities that enrich the lives of those living in the flats and in the wider community.
Y Central programmes include yoga classes and a unique jewellery making workshop led by Roadworn, a small local outfit that repurposes discarded bike parts into creative pieces. Residents can also participate in bowls, while the community enjoys Friday Potlucks, movie nights, and art classes. The wellbeing hub even hosts events like the Berhampore School disco, creating opportunities for families and neighbours to gather.
In partnership with Ekta, the Centre also has a weekly food distribution to those in need, while their social good initiatives have included bringing nurses to the wellbeing hub to offer community immunisations, which proved popular. “We had a line out the door”, says Y Community Programme Coordinator, Sara Burns. “For many of the people in this community, getting vaccinated is simply too difficult, due to language, transport and other barriers. By bringing these services here, we can give them a base level of medical care and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the community.”
At the heart of these efforts is Diane, the Community Coordinator, who has lived in Berhampore for over 30 years and is a former resident of Centennial Flats. Diane plays a key role in connecting residents to the wellbeing hub’s resources. As she puts it, “For a lot of people who live around here, money is an issue. It’s our job to ensure that people have access to events and programmes that improve their social connection without the added barrier of cost.”
“I’m a connector” says Diane, “I feel like an octopus—reaching out to the various groups within our community and connecting them!”
Community wellbeing is at the core of Y Central’s mission, and the organization is proud to collaborate with Kāinga Ora to foster positive outcomes for the communities they serve. According to Y Central CEO Anthony de Rose, “Thanks to Y Central’s programs and the dedication of our team, the Community Wellbeing Hub at Centennial Flats has become more than just a place to live—it’s a thriving, supportive community.”
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