Our tenant stories

Thriving at Te Mātāwai – Jane’s first year

One year on and Jane who was the first tenant to move into Te Mātāwai is thriving and learning new skills in this unique development.

Zita gifts taonga to welcome new neighbours

When nine newly built homes were blessed in Rutherford Road Napier recently, a very special guest turned up to welcome the families who were moving into the neighbourhood.

Crafty savings tips mixed in with craft-making

When Palema and other members of Mo’ui Feinga Kihe Lelei get together for an evening of weaving and craftmaking, they’re also crafting a better future for themselves.

Ruby a gem of the local community

Kāinga Ora customer Ruby is paddling away happily on a ‘waka of change’.

Ruby says she has turned her life around in the past five years since she moved from emergency housing into her Kāinga Ora home with her now 10-year-old and 17-year-old sons.

A stable home for Jamie after 60 years

Jamie from Palmerston North knows better than anyone what a difference a stable home can make.

New town provides new life for father and son

Single dad Rob never imagined he and his son Tamawhero would end up living in Invercargill, but a move to the deep south has delivered them a new home and new outlook on life.

The room to reflect

It’s close to 12-months since Tony and his beloved dog Keeber moved into their brand new Kāinga Ora home in Northland. As the milestone approaches, Tony reflects on how his life has changed, and the room he credits with creating a community.

People collector Anna brings her community together

Anna lives in a Kāinga Ora home in Palmerston North and loves her neighbourhood for its national heritage significance, accessibility and the large reserve nearby that offers many opportunities for the community to connect.

Life’s challenges no match for an independent spirit

Life has thrown Lydia its fair share of challenges, but that hasn’t stopped her living it the way she wants to.

Community comes together to celebrate momentous occasion

It was a time of celebration in Tauranga when our customer Sylvia recently celebrated her 100th birthday. A small party was held in her garden with a banquet of sweet and savoury treats and decorations displayed across the marquee.

Growing kai and communities

Mum of two Sazshia, is now busy raising veggies alongside her children thanks to a partnership between Manawatū Food Action Network, UCOL and Kāinga Ora.

Thrift and connection – Diana inspires her neighbours

Avid knitter Diana has discovered an innovative way to use discarded plastic - she knits it into eye-catching bags and phone cases, which she gifts and sells within her community.

Age is just a number for local Timaru legend

In his hometown of Timaru, John is better known by his alter ego, Scooterman.

Kāinga Ora home a place to make new memories

Blenheim mum Maria and her whānau gather around the dining table in the kitchen of their Kāinga Ora home every day, connecting with each other over kai.

YouTube, emojis and surfing the web – Neta is queen of them all

Senior customer Neta has become a confident queen of emojis since taking part in a digital literacy course at her Kāinga Ora complex in South Auckland.

New home a game-changer for wheelchair sports enthusiast

Wheelchair sports enthusiast and Dunedin local Dillon says his wellbeing has improved tenfold since he moved into his fully accessible Kāinga Ora home.

Kat’z is safe and cosy in her inner-city apartment

From her new Kāinga Ora home, Kat’z looks out across the tops of the huge London Plane trees that line Greys Avenue in Auckland’s CBD. It’s a location she knows well but from a very different perspective.

Home reno adds to Nelson couple’s festive cheer

Ivy and Glynn are loving having a morning cuppa on their deck in the summer sunshine since returning to their newly renovated Kāinga Ora home in Nelson.

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