The Work of Jody Deer for the South Auckland Community

Citycare Property has been privileged to deliver facilities management and open space maintenance to communities across South Auckland for the past nine years. Our aim is to do more than deliver on contracts. We want to work in partnership with communities and support them in mana-enhancing and meaningful ways. Many of our kaimahi are part of these communities, which is why we are dedicated to reciprocating the privilege of working alongside them.

Our Community Partnerships Lead, Jody Deer (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine), spearheads the mahi of connecting, enhancing, and building strong relationships between Citycare Property and the communities we serve. Jody brings her experience as a former Subcontractor Manager and Soft Services Manager together with her passion for people, ensuring our partnerships are genuine, grounded, and responsive to local needs.

Her role focuses on building trust and walking alongside communities to understand how Citycare Property can provide practical support. “It’s about walking alongside people,” says Jody. “We ask how we can help, we listen, and we make sure what we do actually makes a difference.”

“Turning vision into reality is never a solo journey,” Jody explains. “It’s made possible by our incredible kaimahi and communities we walk alongside. Supporting local procurement and empowering grassroots sports clubs is close to my heart, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that values practical, people-first solutions.

As a Kiwi company that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we are guided by tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, and we believe in building enduring relationships.

Jody, both personally and professionally, believes that whānau Māori must have opportunities to thrive and that rangatahi should be supported into meaningful career pathways, so that communities can flourish. “I’m proud of what we do,” she adds. “We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re building something real with the communities we care for.”

Her passion for this mahi is evident in initiatives like Hāpai te Hapori, a programme that partners with local sports clubs to deliver contract services. By providing training and opportunities, clubs such as the Ōtara Scorpions Rugby League and the Manurewa Marlins Rugby League have become contracted suppliers, delivering litter collection, bin services, and amenity cleaning for their own neighbourhoods. This approach keeps jobs local, builds skills, and fosters community pride while contributing to the local economy.

For Jody, supporting local procurement and empowering grassroots organisations is about creating pathways and strengthening identity. “We’ve taken them under our korowai,” she says. “They’re their own entity, but they’re also part of our journey. It’s a stepping stone for them and a win for the whole community.”

As well as leading Hāpai te Hapori, Jody coordinates a wide range of community initiatives, including clean‑ups, planting days, and monthly donations of pre‑loved items from Citycare Property kaimahi to local organisations. She also spearheaded the creation and distribution of kai garden boxes, which have been gifted to kura, churches, and community groups across Auckland.

Jody serves as co‑chair of Te Whakaroopu ki Citycare Property (Cultural Advisory Rūnanga), a group that plays a vital role in supporting kaimahi to learn, grow, and connect with te ao Māori. Their mahi includes guidance on tikanga and te reo Māori, as well as opportunities to take part in language lessons, marae visits, and cultural workshops. Through Te Whakaroopu, kaimahi are encouraged and supported to improve their cultural competency.

Reflecting on her journey, Jody acknowledges the backing that makes this mahi possible.

“This would not be possible without the support of Citycare Property, who have empowered me with the tools, trust, and backing to bring community-focused ideas to life.”