New Havelock North homes are a homecoming for residents

Regional Director Naomi Whitewood (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), says the new homes are a welcome addition for families in desperate need of a home. “We know that having a warm, dry place to call home can make such a huge difference to people’s lives. One of the ways we’re looking to increase the number of homes available for people in need is by purchasing them new from developers.”.

“There’s a growing demand for more housing in the Havelock North area and some of the people moving into the homes are effectively moving back home. We’re pleased to be able to provide modern homes for people in an ideal location that’s very close to town, shops, schools and other services.”

Local kaumatua blessed each of the homes alongside the families who moved into into them. After the blessing the new residents met each other. Many shared their journey of struggling to have somewhere suitable to live and their joy at moving into one of the new, quality homes.

Karen Joseph who have moved back to Havelock North.

One of the families moving in is pleased to be returning back to Havelock North after a couple of years living in motels. Joseph and Karen lived in Havelock North for three and a half years before they became homeless when their landlord sold the house they were living in.

We applied for so many private rentals but just couldn’t get anything, says Karen. “Since 2021 we have been living with two of our sons in emergency accommodation. We have been in small motel rooms, firstly in Havelock North and then in Hastings. We all struggled living in such tight quarters, but we had no choice but to put up with it.”

“We loved the relaxed family atmosphere and being part of the Havelock North community when we last lived here. I have been praying that we would be able to get a home back in this area. I was also praying for number seven, for a small lawn and stairs to keep me fit. This lovely new home answers all my prayers. I am so pleased that the boys will now have their own rooms after sleeping in a dormitory at the last motel. It will be a lovely place for me to finish the book I have been writing.”

For Joseph community is very important. “People who were living at the motel had been to ground zero, but we learnt to communicate, to support each other and build others up. I felt that same sense of community as were waiting to start the blessing of our new home.  The whakawhanaungatanga (creating relationships) when everyone shared their stories was a special moment. It was how it should be; learning about our neighbours was a good introduction into our new community.”

Mrs Whitewood says people who have not had a suitable place to live are moving into the homes. “Before placing a customer in a Kāinga Ora home, our dedicated placement team talk to them about both their housing needs and connections to the community and other groups to help us make a suitable housing match,” she said.