As thousands of New Zealanders enjoy camping holidays this summer, one Whanganui woman is not enjoying the experience.
Helen (not her real name) says she has no alternative but to camp with her pets after losing her rented home late last year.
"I had been renting a cottage on a lifestyle block in Hunterville but the property was sold and the new owners wanted to renovate the dwelling."
The 64-year-old has rescued many unloved pets during her lifetime and while most have been rehomed, some were living with her and have become her own loved pets.
"I have given away two cats and a couple of goats but I still have three cats, one medium-sized and one small dog and one goat."
Danny the goat may yet be rehomed but Helen wants to keep him with her if she can because she has had him since he was a "runty little kid".
"I consider them to be my family and I was upset when a WINZ case worker said I should ask the SPCA to take them."
Camping can be fun says Helen but having to use a bucket as a toilet is not and when she does her ablutions she is usually accompanied by dogs Bully and Puppa and at least two cats.
The police are aware of her situation and make regular checks on her wellbeing.
Helen hopes that someone has a vacant place she can rent and says she is reliable and trustworthy with excellent references.
"I will be happy with a shack or caravan in the middle of a paddock as long as it is affordable for me and provides me with shelter."
She has experience in caring for livestock as well as pets and says she could be a great help to a farming family who may have an empty dwelling on their property.