Coming home to Kerikeri

“My previous home was in a remote part of Northland,” Rewa said. “It was a special place with a close community, but there weren’t the comforts you get living in town.”

In fact, the whare where Rewa lived with her whanau was so remote that connecting to the grid was out of the question.

“We got by ok,” Rewa said. “We used a generator for power and every time it was switched on my moko would coming running, because for them it meant one thing – TV!”

In February 2023, things took an unexpected turn for the worse, when the devastating tropical cyclone Gabrielle arrived at New Zealand’s shores.

“Gabrielle changed everything,” Rewa said. “There was water everywhere. It damaged the front part of my house, and even damaged the generator, which made things a lot harder. I did my best to stay positive and carry on, but it was a stressful time.”

Positive change came in 2024, when Rewa received a phone call from the Te Tai Tokerau placements team at Kāinga Ora.

“I had heard about the new homes Kāinga Ora was building in Kerikeri, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Rewa said. “So, when I got a call asking if I wanted to view one of the apartments, I just couldn’t believe it.

“I was in awe of my home when I saw it,” Rewa said. “I still am - absolute awe. I’m so grateful I get to settle down here.”

The Kāinga Ora home where Rewa now lives is a warm, dry, energy efficient ground floor apartment, located only a short walk from the town centre, supermarket and shops.

Rewa says it’s hard to pick what her very favourite part of the new home is.

“I really do love everything about it. But, if I had to choose a favourite room, it would be the bathroom. I went from having an outdoor toilet to the best toilet and shower – I just love it.”

“I always keep the bathroom looking extra pretty because it’s the first room I show off when anyone pops in for a cuppa,” Rewa said.

Rewa, now 74 years old, says moving into her new home was extra special as Kerikeri is the town where she grew up and a place she feels very connected to.

“I was 12 years old when my whanau first moved to our home on Butler Road – there were 10 of us kids, plus Mum and Dad. We knew everyone in Kerikeri at that time,” she says.

“So many memories of my childhood and whanau have come flooding back. It means the world to me to settle here and make new memories with my moko, who know exactly where to find nan if they ever need me.”