Kāinga Ora helps Gisborne whānau find long-term homes, improving health

Phillip and Bromlyn say they are overwhelmed and excited about moving into a new Kāinga Ora house in Hirini St after living in a motel for more than two years.

Two Gisborne whānau batting health issues and looking for a permanent roof over their heads are relieved to have moved into new Kāinga Ora homes in Hirini St, Kaiti.

After more than two years in a motel room, Phillip and Bromlyn never thought they would live in a place where they could feel settled.

“While we were very grateful to have a roof over our heads, it’s not the same as having a home,” Bromlyn said.

“I had cancer and had to have a kidney out. When I came out of hospital, I had to recuperate in the motel.

“All I wanted to do is have the comfort of being in my own space.

“Phillip has arthritis in both his knees, which has got progressively worse while he has been in the motel. It is now at the stage where his mobility is severely compromised and he is using a mobility scooter to get around.

“Physically and mentally, being homeless is very hard on your wairua [spirit]. We know there is a long waiting list and we honestly thought we would never get a home.

“Housing has been in the news a lot and you just don’t know where you are going to end up.

“When Kāinga Ora rang and said they had a home for us, I just broke down and cried. I was so overwhelmed. Our new place is just beautiful and close to shops, grocery stores and the doctors.

“I love the design, I love the storage and I am enjoying bringing all our stuff out of storage to make the home our own.

“We are so grateful to the builders, the tradespeople and all the Kāinga Ora staff who have helped us get a stable place to live. They really are changing lives.”

Phillip and Bromlyn’s neighbour Selwyn also has significant health issues.

He is visually impaired and was living at his daughter’s severely overcrowded house.

“My life is turning around since moving into my new home,” he said. “It suits my needs well and is a gift for me and for my daughter.

“I am enjoying having my own space and I have learned to navigate the new spaces now.

“I no longer need to work around the toys and other belongings that the rest of the family would leave around my daughter’s house.

“I am grateful for my Geneva Healthcare team who supported me in my housing journey.

Geneva Healthcare occupational therapist Ash Blair said it was “awesome to team with Kāinga Ora on getting such a great outcome for a person we support”.

“We help Selwyn navigate the challenges of his limited sight. We assist with shopping and taking him to regular gym rehabilitation sessions.”

Selwyn’s goal is to become more independent.

“Because my home is fenced, I can finally look into getting a guide dog,” he said.

“Recent surgery has improved my sight somewhat and, with shops close by, I may not need a guide dog right now to get some independence. This home really is a new beginning for me.”

The six new single-storey homes were built by TW Property and, once completed, were bought by Kāinga Ora.

Over the last two months, 26 new state houses have been completed in Gisborne and individuals and families in need have moved in to make them their long-term homes.