Having a place of my own is a blessing

"I used to park outside my dad's place and run power from there," he says. "You just make it work."

The Hastings local had overcome major challenges before. When he was 12 years old, doctors found a tumour in his lung.

"I went through about 14 months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I got through it. I'm one of the lucky ones who can tell the tale."

Not everyone in his whānau was as fortunate.

"I also had a couple of cousins who went through cancer too. We were mates and kind of shared that experience. But they didn't make it."

After building a career in demolition, Marcus thought cancer was behind him. Then, nearly 30 years later, it returned.

Marcus with Tracey from Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, the organisation that provided support before his move into a new home.

"I got knocked out one day. That led to getting scans done, and that's when they found the tumours."

Marcus describes the incident as "a blessing in disguise" because without it, the tumours might not have been discovered.

He hasn't been able to work for the past three years and is focused on his health while doctors determine the next steps in his treatment.

Last October, Marcus moved from his van into transitional housing.

"Moving from the van into transitional housing was a big step up."

Now he's taken another important step, moving into one of eight new one-bedroom Kāinga Ora homes recently completed in central Hastings.

"But moving in here and having a long-term place of my own is completely different. It's a blessing."

The new homes are close to shops, services and public transport, making it easier for people to stay connected to their community.

For Marcus, that means getting around on two wheels.

"Being close to town, the location is perfect. I can just jump on my bike and get around."

Cycling has become an important part of looking after himself.

"At the moment the tumours are not affecting my day-to-day life too much physically. It's more the mental side of things.

"Cycling helps with my mental health. It clears my head."

As he settles in, Marcus is looking forward to something many people take for granted.

"I'm looking forward to having my own space, being able to relax and have friends over. Maybe even a partner in the future."