As Matariki twinkled in the winter sky, Wesley was weaving and making stars of its own.

‘Matariki Celebrations at Wesley’, led by the community with support from Kāinga Ora and Te Poari ā-Rohe o Puketāpapa (Puketāpapa Local Board), brought  about 150 people together in the Wesley Community Centre on Saturday 24 June.

Children played in the bouncy castle while others learned about raranga – traditional Māori weaving – and threaded vibrant colours into Matariki stars. Some tried temporary moko and tattoos, dozens of people learned how to make fry bread and everyone shared free kai and barista coffee.

It was also a chance for the community to learn more about Wesley’s future, with Roskill Development and Wesley neighbourhood teams from Kāinga Ora there to share the updated neighbourhood plan for Wesley, with new homes, infrastructure and amenities coming to the area.

First shared with the community in May, the updated plan was a result of a couple years working together with the community on what makes Wesley a great place to live.

Over the next 15+ years, the development in Wesley will deliver around 6,000 new warm, dry homes – including new state homes, homes for sale at a range of prices and long term rentals. Enhanced centres, community spaces, business areas and green space to support a growing community.

Kāinga Ora will continue to work with the community, Mana Whenua, Auckland Council, Watercare and Auckland Transport to create Wesley’s new parks, public spaces, walking and cycle paths, and underground infrastructure, as well as upgrading existing pipes, cables and connections.

More information about Wesley can be found on the Roskill Development website.