Irmgaard van Schouten is looking forward to a productive 2021.

I’m glad to be here as chairperson of TAG for the first half of this year and then co-chairperson Dave Wilson will be taking over for the second half of the year.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, last year saw some great social activities organised by TAG (a bus trip to Kaikoura, high teas, and pool competitions between complexes) and we plan to organise more of these for the coming year.

We’re aware, however, that some of our lounges have been under-utilised so we are looking at a plan of new activities to hold at some of these lounges. If you have any ideas you would like to see organised, please let us know.

There have been media reports of anti-social behavior at some complexes which are a concern. I have been speaking with ŌCHT to find the best way of dealing with these, knowing that these things are of great concern to the tenants affected.

TAG is again working with on this year’s Housing Heroes Awards. If you know of anyone who you thinks deserves to be included, please make a nomination.

You can do this at any time of the year by calling 0800 624 456.

This month we will see the culmination of the ever-competitive garden awards, with an awards ceremony at the city library. I wish everyone whose gardens were in the running all the very best.

TAG is following some other interesting projects this year. We are looking for tenants who would like to trial working with an electricity bulk tender business on a pilot project to help tenants cut their power bills.

We have welcomed a new TAG member since last year and hope to have more joining us soon.

If you would like to be involved and are able to work with others constructively please consider sending us an application via the OCHT website or by calling 0800 624 456.