Leo dons Santa’s hat this Christmas

The Kāinga Ora customer moved into his one-bedroom home in September and has been very quick to get involved in community life ever since.

“The staff needed someone to be Santa at our apartment complex Christmas party. I thought ‘well someone has to volunteer’. It was a privilege. I love Christmas.”

Leo is loving life in his apartment home, which is nearly brand-new and has come with a ready-made community.

“The people are really nice. I settled in really well. It took a bit of an adjustment to get used to being in an apartment, but with the help of my family, I was able to downsize and now I just love it here.

“You have your space – you are well looked after. It is easier to maintain your home. I can take the bus from just outside and there are lots of opportunities to get involved.”

Already Leo has joined the Residents’ Group and been actively involved in managing the complex’s communal gardens. With support from Kāinga Ora staff, Leo and a neighbour recently planted kumara and potatoes, which they water daily. The harvest will be ready to pick early next year.

Previously Leo was living in a private rental which required a lot of work to maintain and keep tidy, so he was thrilled to discover he finally had a Kāinga Ora home.

“I was so overjoyed when I got the call to say I had this place. I couldn’t wait to move in.”

Recently Leo put up his Christmas tree and will likely spend Christmas Day with his sisters – after having carried out his most important duties in the famous red suit.

“I put on the costume and I was ready to go!”