Mr Kiwi is 70-years-old and, despite being of retirement age, works part-time at the Port of Tauranga but still could not afford to rent a place of his own at the market rate.
A quick search of the Work and Income website showed the maximum amount a single person could get in superannuation was $749.06 a fortnight. That's $374.53 a week.
On Trade Me Property yesterday afternoon there were only 45 properties in Tauranga available for $300 or less.
That leaves few options for those trying to get by on superannuation alone.
And that's just rent. Somehow they still have to buy food and pay for power and water.
It's great to see community groups taking it upon themselves to do something about it.
In yesterday's paper, we reported Nga Potiki a Tamapahore iwi and the Pirihima Whanau Trust had teamed up to build affordable housing for people like Mr Kiwi at the Tahuwhakatiki Marae in Welcome Bay.
So far six two-bedroom units have been built and those selected to move in would probably have their rent subsidised, at least for the first few years.
Of the six moving in, only two were under 60. That shows just how tough it is for some of our senior citizens.
The next stage of the project will see bigger homes built to accommodate larger families.
This is exactly what we need to make sure all those in our community are looked after.
Good on them for seeing the need and doing something about it.
