Finding home, finding confidence: Noleen’s journey of healing

After a divorce, getting sick, and supporting her children through their own health challenges, she says having a safe, stable place to call her own has brought a new sense of wellbeing, and the confidence to help others in her community.

“Having this home has made a very big difference for me,” she says. “My daughter and grandchildren are so happy; they know I am safe, looked after and can see big changes in me.”

Before moving in, Noleen kept mostly to herself, staying close to her tight-knit whānau. She describes herself then as “very quiet,” someone who rarely mixed with others. But that began to shift once she settled into her new neighbourhood and met community staff and neighbours who encouraged her ideas.

Noleen is now an active, outgoing presence in her community.

Kai bringing people together with Noleen's help

Inspired by childhood memories of shared gardens in the Bay of Plenty and her time in the Far North learning more about her whakapapa, Noleen suggested starting a Pataka Kai (food cupboard) for her neighbours.

“Kai brings people together,” she says. “I just wanted to see how far we could go.”

Her idea for a Pataka Kai (communal food cupboard) quickly found support from her neighbours. Together, they built a small, committed group that now helps provide food, organise gatherings, and create moments of connection for residents. Since then, the change in the neighbourhood has been clear.

“People are talking more, smiling more, waving to each other,” she says. “Some still keep to themselves, but overall people seem more confident living here.”

And through helping others, Noleen discovered her own strength. Her family has noticed it too.

Her family has seen her grow more outgoing, and she now feels comfortable stepping into leadership roles. She’s even travelled to Australia, something she says she would never have done a few years ago.

“I think the confidence comes from the support I have here, and from doing something worthwhile for my neighbours. It feels good.”

From a journey of illness and loneliness to one of connection and community, Noleen’s story shows the difference a stable home can make, and the strength that can emerge when people feel safe, supported, and seen.