12 new public homes for Gisborne whānau

The homes Gisborne include five homes that have been built by trade academies and seven more homes for Manuka Street, Elgin.

Homes in Konini Street, Grafton Road and Mary Street have come from the Iconiq Building Academy based at Gisborne Airport. Homes in De Costa Avenue and another one in Grafton Road have come from the Massey High School Building Academy in Auckland.

The homes are all warm, dry, healthy homes built to New Zealand Green Building Council 6 Homestar standards. Site works, including landscaping and connection to services, are complete and the homes are ready for whānau to move in.

The final seven of 14 new homes are now complete in Manuka Street, Gisborne.  Building started in May last year after four old homes were removed to make better use of the large sections they were on. Whānau started moving into the first seven homes in May this year.

Some of the 14 new homes have been matched to whānau most in need on the Ministry of Social Developments housing waiting list. As at March 2023, there are 582 applicants on the list in Tairāwhiti. This translates to whānau who are sleeping in cars, garages, motels and overcrowded homes.

Beau with Theo and daughters Susie and Francis

The difference these new whare will make for whānau was made clear as an infectious smile lit up Morehu (Beau’s) face, when he entered his new, two-bedroom home for the first time.

Beau is moving into one of the two fully accessible homes in the Manuka Street development.

The unit he has been living in became unsuitable due to his increasing health issues. There were steps at the front and back doors and the shower was situated over the bathtub. This has meant Beau has had to rely on extra services, and other people’s help, to negotiate these two things.

Most of his working life Beau worked on large coastal stations, mainly with sheep and cattle. In 2017 Beau was forced to move into town from his home town of Waipiro Bay. Since then, mobility and retaining independence have been significant challenges for him. However, perseverance, his persistent nature and whanau support, have helped to him pull through.

Fortunately for Beau, his neighbour for the past seven years was always there to help.  “I am ever so indebted to her for her kindness and aroha, also, to whanau, friends and health professionals,” says Beau.

As the sun shone into the new, warm and comfortable house with ramps at both entrances, a wet room style shower, laundry and toilet with accessible doorways, it was clear that life is going to get better for Beau and his whānau.

“I am pleased to be living in Elgin because of its location, being close to the hospital, not too far from the airport and just a walking distance to the Olympic Pools and Waikanae Beach.”

“The new home has a battery charging station and access for a mobility scooter. Shopping will be easier, and the big difference is, I will not need to rely on anyone else to get my groceries.”

More information

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