More state homes for Napier changing lives

In the last eight months, more than 100 new, warm, dry state homes have been added to our portfolio in Napier.

These homes are changing the lives of the people who are moving into them. Sixty whānau have been able to move out of emergency accommodation including 100 children who are no longer growing up in motels.

In the last four years, we have built 270 new Napier homes, says Regional Director East North Island Naomi Whitewood (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi). “We have another 55 homes in construction that are expected to be completed in the next three months.”

“A development of 13 homes has just been finished. Like every new home we complete, these ones were blessed by local kaikarakia before they are occupied. The people who are moving into the homes are invited to the blessing. Meeting these whānau is always a heartwarming occasion. I can see how desperate many peoples’ living situation has been and what a difference having a long-term suitable home makes to build their future around.”

The moment Chris opened the door to his new home was very emotional.

One of these people whose life has changed is Chris. He recently moved into one of the new homes in Onekawa after five years living in temporary housing.

I feel like I have always been on the move, says Chris. “As a child living with my dad, we moved 10 times. Since I moved into emergency housing five years ago, I have moved seven times around different motels. I am looking forward to having a long-term place to fill with love. My brother is living with me and my sister lives close by. We are all supporting each other to live independent lives.

Chris became homeless after he went through a number of challenges in 2019. He was depressed, drinking to isolate himself socially and he needed to move out of the family home.

“I moved into emergency accommodation based in a motel room. That was where I was living when we went into COVID lockdown. My mental health really took a dive, and I knew I need to work on myself.”

“I did this by cutting out the drink and focusing on art. I love to sketch and paint. I will sketch anything and everything. While my life improved doing these things, it was hard living with the uncertainty of not having a long-term home.”

“That has all changed now. I love living in a clean, fresh home. This has always been important to me. ‘A clean space keeps a happy face” When people visit, they often comment on how nice my place smells. I also like to fill my lungs with fresh air, and nice fragrances. Since moving in I have enjoyed having a garden and growing herbs and vegetables. The next goal is to find a job that I like.”

While I am grateful to have moved out of emergency accommodation, I do want to thank the management at Fern Motel, the last place I was living. They cater for everyone’s needs and are lovely people to all those who call the motel home for a period of time.”