Category: New Zealand Government

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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association National Achievement Awards

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Gwen Matchitt, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association President; Bev Smith, Committee Member; Zandra Vaccarino and Linda te Kaat, National Executive Officers; and Bridget Snedden, Down Syndrome International President and Life Member of the NZDSA.

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House Wellington for this very special event – honouring recipients of this year’s New Zealand Down Syndrome Association Awards.

I’ve served as Governor-General of Aotearoa New Zealand for three years, and during that time, I’ve been fortunate to meet many extraordinary New Zealanders, pushing the boundaries in their chosen fields – whether the CEOs of world-leading companies, Oscar-winning filmmakers, or Olympic-champion athletes. I am always inspired by their drive to achieve the very pinnacle in whatever they’ve chosen to pursue.

However, I find myself most moved by those people I meet, who not only achieve remarkable things, but who consciously and selflessly give back wherever they can: New Zealanders who use their achievements, talents, and energy to inspire others. I know that today’s audience is filled with such people.

Before this event, I had the great pleasure of reading the citations for each of today’s recipients. I was so impressed, not only by what you’ve each achieved as athletes and in your professional lives, doing what you love – but also for your desire to lift others up through your example, and for your relentlessly positive attitude to whatever obstacles come before you.

It was President Barack Obama who put it so well when he said: ‘If you go out and make good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, and you will fill yourself with hope.’

As part of today’s awards ceremony, we will soon acknowledge the Rapid Relief Team – and I wish to express my thanks, for your commitment and the immense generosity you have demonstrated in your support of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and associated regional groups throughout the country.

To the newest members of STRIVE also being acknowledged this afternoon: thank you for being such outstanding ambassadors and advocates, and for ensuring that the voices of those with Down syndrome are heard.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the National Down Syndrome Association, including staff and volunteers, for your all your work in in supporting and empowering those with Down syndrome and their whānau; promoting awareness of Down syndrome to help foster positive attitudes across our communities; and advocating for the inclusion of people with Down syndrome across all parts of society.

Over these past 43 years, your organisation has had such a positive impact on so many lives – and, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I extend my very sincerest thanks.

The whakataukī says: ‘He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata. Goodwill towards others is a precious treasure.’ As I look out into this room, I see the truth of those words. As Governor-General, I could not be any prouder or more honoured meet you all, and to host and present these awards here today.

Kia ora, kia kaha, huihui tātou katoa.

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14 November 2024 Family put financial challenges behind them and set sights on first home After struggling for years to keep on top of their bills, Larry and Lave have sorted their finances and set their sights on buying their own home.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

The Christchurch couple are opening up about how they tackled their financial challenges so they can give hope to others in similar situations.

“I hope the challenges we’ve overcome and our journey out of debt can inspire other families to change their situation for the better,” says Larry.

Larry and Lave’s debt began spiraling in 2020, when their fourth child, Mataese, was born prematurely with a severe liver condition. Mataese was in and out of Auckland’s Starship Hospital for a year, which left the family with mounting travel costs they had to prioritise paying.

At the same time Larry’s income fell as he had to reduce the hours he worked as a security guard to help Lave care for Mataese and their three other young children.

Larry says at the time Mataese was born the family were caught in the trap of living beyond their means, making purchases through ‘buy-now, pay-later’ apps.

“These apps mean you get the things you want, when you want them and you don’t actually think about the full cost of them, because the payments are spread out over a few weeks.”

When Larry had to stop work altogether to care for Matese full-time, those payments quickly got on top of them.

“Suddenly we didn’t have the income to make the payments and very quickly we were thousands of dollars in debt,” Larry says.

For Lave, having to make the choice between avoiding late payment fees or paying for groceries was a real wake up call.

“All of this, coupled with our Housing Support Manager letting us know how our finances could start impacting our housing situation, led to us sitting down and deciding enough was enough,” says Lave. 
The family became determined to be debt-free.

“It was hard, but we started to change our mindset. We started paying for necessities first, then making our debt repayments. If there was any left, then we would allow ourselves a ‘pay-day treat’, like McDonald’s, but that was it.”

They kept that up and their debt started to fall.

Kāinga Ora Housing Support Manager, Shay, who helped Larry and Lave tackle their debt, says they are a proud Pasifika family who did not want to accept hand-outs.

“Despite Mataese’s health, they never felt they could accept things like food parcels. This sparked us having some tough conversations about their finances and what they could do to improve their situation.

“Now the budgeting and small changes they’ve made have paid off. It’s been a real privilege to see them overcome what life has thrown their way and get back on a stable financial footing,” says Shay.

Larry admits it has been a rough ride for the family over the past few years, but he is proud of how far they have come.

“Now we’ve got our finances sorted, we’ve got new goals of buying our own home and setting the kids up for a good future with their own bank accounts that we’re going to pop money into each week,” Larry says.

Check out some handy tips we’ve pulled together to help you with your own budgeting. 

Page updated: 14 November 2024

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13 November 2024 Wellington’s largest residential development site reaches major milestone Kāinga Ora and its partners are celebrating a significant milestone with the completion of civils and infrastructure works at the Esk site in Te Rā Nui – Eastern Porirua Development.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

The 2.6Ha site is Wellington’s largest single residential development site, and the completed works have enabled more than 100 new warm, dry homes to be delivered there.

Kāinga Ora Project Director Will Pennington says over the past three years, the organisation’s civils and infrastructure partner, Te Aranga Alliance, has worked to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve stormwater management in Cannons Creek catchment.

“It has always been important to the partners of Te Rā Nui that we take the time to consider innovative approaches to infrastructure. While enabling significantly more much-needed homes, we’re also safeguarding the neighbourhood from future severe weather events and, importantly, protecting te taiao (the environment).

“This hasn’t always been easy. The size of the development and scale of the infrastructure issues faced by the neighbourhood has meant the redevelopment has been complex. It has taken three years to complete, and we want to thank the community for their patience and understanding.”

“We started by removing 56 older state homes that were no longer fit for purpose, before undertaking significant earthworks, levelling out the land for construction and replacing all the old, worn-out pipes that ran through and around the development site.”

With the instalment of a large 1,500mm pipe below the Esk site, the catchment for the new wetland in Cannons Creek Park has increased by over 35 hectares.

“Widening the catchment will not only help reduce flooding in the area, but, along with the construction of a wetland, it will help clean the water before it flows downstream and out into Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour. This is something Ngāti Toa Rangatira have been advocating for since 2019,” says Will.

“It’s a great feeling to have reached this milestone and I am proud of the collective effort that has gone into getting us to this point. Of course, we’re not done yet. We still have a number of significant infrastructure projects underway that will further improve resilience across the neighbourhood and enable even more homes to be built, ultimately supporting our wonderful community as it continues to grow and thrive.”

A partnership between the Central Pacific Collective and Ngāti Toa Rangatira will see affordable homes for the Pacific community delivered on the Esk site. These will be delivered in three stages with construction of the first 18 homes getting underway in November.

Esk by the numbers

  • We’ve enabled 26,000 square metres of build-ready land
  • Removed 56 old homes and enabled more than 100 new, warm, dry homes.
  • Over 2,000 tonnes of contaminated materials were also removed, along with six abandoned vehicles.
  • Nearly 2,500 metres of new pipes have been laid providing the new homes with clean water
  • 960 metres of new wastewater pipes create a safe, resilient way to dispose of household sewage.
  • More than a kilometre of new stormwater pipes have been laid to help with drainage – some of them as big as an elephant!
  • At the heart of the site, two rain gardens clean and filter water before it flows downstream, helping to protect our precious waterways.
  • We’re keeping connected with more than two kilometres of power and communications ducting.
  • We’ve created 3,000 square metres of new roads – alongside another 7,200 square metres of resurfacing.
  • Our roads and 2,900 square metres of new footpaths are guided by 20 new streetlights.
  • We’ve planted 88 new trees and constructed a pocket park for play.

About Te Ra Nui, Eastern Porirua Development

Te Rā Nui, Eastern Porirua Development(external link) (Te Rā Nui), a partnership between Kāinga Ora, Porirua City Council and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, is the visionary programme making this an even stronger community for the people of Porirua.

With plans to enable over 2,000 new homes and over 2,000 existing homes upgraded, quality housing will create more ownership options, jobs and business opportunities and attract new people to live here. Collectively it will bring even greater energy, pride and prosperity to this culturally rich community. 

Page updated: 13 November 2024

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12 November 2024 Edith reaches 100th birthday milestone For 100-year old Edith, the secret to a long life is simple; drink lots of water, eat your vegetables, and try to be kind.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Celebrating her special milestone with flowers, chocolates, lots of phone calls and even a card from King Charles, the Kāinga Ora customer remains proudly independent.

“I live on my own and cook my own meals. I eat breakfast sausages with lots of veges. Instead of tea or coffee I only drink hot water. I also do crosswords, hundreds of them, to keep the brain occupied.”

Edith says she has made a few mistakes here and there over the years.

“I thought ‘oh I like the look of that guy’ when I was younger and as soon as he got to like me, I dumped him,” she teases.

Kidding aside, she says she has lived a good and quiet life.

A younger Edith with the American icon Rock Hudson

Well, only quiet if you don’t count her years in North America in a country music band named Bust’d Flatt (she still loves to sing!) Or the time she met the legendary Hollywood actor, Rock Hudson because she knew his secretary.

She has treasured photographic evidence of both.

“That’s me and Rock Hudson a long, long time ago,” says Edith, pointing to the black and white image and launching into a lovely rendition of the 1960s classc song ‘Abeline’.

Edith was born in Kaitaia at the top of the North Island into a family of eight siblings. She went on to have four sons of her own.

As well as raising a big famly, she enjoyed a busy career managing a clothing manufacturing company and later running an apartment building in Canada.

These days, life is a little slower, in her sunny, immaculate Kāinga Ora home which she’s lived in since 2007.

“The house I was in was sold suddenly and I thought ‘what will I do?’ But it worked out. Now I know my neighbours on each side and I really like living here.”

Royal recognition – Edith with her card from King Charles

Page updated: 12 November 2024

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11 November 2024 Have a look through an accessible Kāinga Ora home in Palmerston North Customers have started moving into 12 newly built two-bedroom homes in Palmerston North. These homes were built for Kāinga Ora by developer Gemscott.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Graeme Broderick, Regional Director Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū says three of the homes are wheelchair accessible, which means they have additional requirements to support customers living with a disability.

“For us, accessibility is about providing safe homes which enable our customers to live with independence, be able to invite whānau and friends to visit, and be part of the community they live in without barriers,” says Broderick.

Currently, there are 327 homes in Palmerston North that have at least one modification to improve accessibility.

So what makes an accessible home different from any other Kāinga Ora home?

“We include a range of design features to make the homes accessible, usable, adaptable and safe for our customers with varying mobility levels—particularly wheelchair users,” says Broderick.

He describes that the ramp, level entry access and wider doors and hallways of these homes make it easier for customers relying on a wheelchair or walker to move around. Electrical power points and light switches are installed at suitable heights for accessible needs.

Ovens with side opening doors are built into the kitchen at a suitable height for wheelchair access and the larger toe kick boards ensure that customers in a wheelchair can get close to the kitchen bench.

The wet area showers have accessible grabrails near the shower and toilet and easy level access for wheelchairs.

“Accessibility is about our customers living well in their homes and we are looking forward to help them settle into these new homes at Tamaraki Lane,” ends Broderick.

Watch this video where our Housing Support Manager Theresa takes you through one of the new accessible homes(external link).

Page updated: 11 November 2024

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50th Anniversary of Probus New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kia ora tātou katoa.

On behalf of my wife, Dame Cindy Kiro, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Government House Wellington, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Probus in Aotearoa New Zealand.

I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging:

  • Silvana Martignago, CEO; Michael Ransom, Chairman; and Margaret Drake, Director of Probus South Pacific
  • Mr David Drake, Rotary District Probus Chairman

Kia ora koutou.

I am pleased to learn Probus groups are frequent visitors to Government House for tours of this historic site. However, a special milestone requires something slightly more grand – so I do hope this afternoon’s celebratory high tea will be one to remember.

As I gather, the origins of Probus came from acquaintances meeting on a train, sharing a desire to seek fellowship with others at a similar stage in life.

In the spirit of new acquaintances, I thought I might begin by telling you a bit about my story. Before coming to New Zealand, I lived in the UK, Kenya and the Falkland Islands.

I have a background as a seafarer and as a GP, having spent time in the merchant navy, and qualifying as a doctor in Belfast. I sailed a ketch from the UK to the Falklands and became a medical officer, which involved routine medical work, but also looking after casualty and in-patients – essentially anyone who didn’t require an operation.

Most recently, I have been working as a doctor at the Auckland City Mission, and as a locum for an isolated community on the East Coast.

My first time visiting Government House was in 2018, when I received a Winston Churchill Fellowship, which allowed me to study trauma-informed care in the UK. I never imagined I would return in a few years to live in this very house; nor could I have foreseen the many significant moments in history I would experience, while supporting my wife in her role as Governor-General.

Dame Cindy and I have the great privilege to host New Zealanders in celebration of their achievements – so to that end, I would like to congratulate Probus for reaching the significant milestone of 50 years in New Zealand.

If you look back at what New Zealand was like in 1974, it puts into perspective how momentous it is to be celebrating half a century.

Sir Denis Blundell was our Governor-General, a national public holiday commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was held for the first time, and colour television had only just been introduced, to showcase the Christchurch Commonwealth Games.

As you are aware, it was also the year Gordon Roatz from the Kapiti Coast formed the first Probus club in the Southern Hemisphere. I’m very pleased to note this idea was a success, as Probus has grown to over 120 clubs and 10,000 members within New Zealand.  

Lennon and McCartney wrote of how we “get by with a little help from our friends”, but I think we can all agree the benefits run a lot deeper than simply ‘getting by’.

There is plenty of research that correlates maintaining good friendships – particularly as we get older – to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Having good friends around us – to celebrate life’s triumphs, to commiserate when things aren’t going our way, and to create new memories with – is something in which we can all appreciate its benefits.   

My sincere congratulations to Probus for enriching the lives of many New Zealanders, particularly in their later years. I hope this organisation, guided by its ethos of building connections through fun and fellowship, has many more significant milestones to come. 

I look forward to hearing more about your stories this afternoon, and of your experiences as a member of Probus. I wish you all the very best for the years ahead.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa. 

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Presentation of the King’s and Regimental Colours

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei I tenei ra, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora mai tātou katoa.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force; Major General Rose King, Chief of Army; Ngāi Tahu iwi; representatives of central and local government; current serving personnel, veterans, friends and family of the 2nd/1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

And to all distinguished guests here for today’s very special ceremony – tēnā koutou katoa.

It is my honour and privilege, as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, representing His Majesty King Charles III, to present the new King’s and Regimental Colours to the 2nd/1st Battalion. I recognise the great significance of this occasion: for the battalion, for the New Zealand Army, and, indeed, for our country.

This is a truly historic moment. I understand that replacement Colours were last presented to a New Zealand Infantry battalion 27 years ago – and that the last time a King’s Colour was presented to a New Zealand Army battalion was prior to the Second World War.

While I know that Colours are no longer carried onto the battlefield, they continue to hold important practical and symbolic meaning: serving as unit identifiers, but also memorialising the history and spirit of the battalions which carry them, and the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served throughout their history.

In August of this year, His Majesty King Charles III approved the emblazonment of an additional eight Battle Honours onto your Regimental Colour, inherited from the six New Zealand battalions which served across the world wars.

Those battalions share with the 2nd/1st Battalion the rare distinction of having their number drawn from every part of Aotearoa – thus giving these Colours added significance: that all those communities across the country, who served with such selflessness and bravery during the First and Second World Wars, are united on a Regimental Colour for the very first time.

I wish to acknowledge Tā Bom Gillies, the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion, and Mr Doug Reid of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion, who are unable to be with us today, but who I understand will be watching via livestream. For today’s generation of soldiers, I know that your new Colours will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of your forebears, and a symbol of the extraordinary heritage of which you are now a part.

I commend the 2nd/1st Battalion on your meticulous drill and bearing today. They are a testament, not only to your commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in the service of our country, but also of your carrying on that proud legacy of your forebears.

I also wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all members of the New Zealand Army present here today – for your ongoing commitment and service to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. I feel immensely proud to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.

It is now my honour to read out a message provided for this occasion by His Majesty King Charles III:

E nga rangatira, e ngā āpiha, rātou ko ngā hōia, e ngā tāngata katoa o Aotearoa, ka nui ngā mihi, ki a koutou katoa. Tēnā koutou.

To the chiefs, to the officers and soldiers, and all New Zealanders. Greetings.

I greatly regret that I cannot be with you to present your Colours in person and in the presence of your Regimental family, but it is a source of great pride to me that you will receive them in my name.

Your country and your Regiment’s history is sewn into the very fabric of these Colours. They recall the courage and selfless commitment on the battlefield of soldiers who, like yourselves, were drawn from every part of New Zealand.

May these Colours serve as a constant inspiration to you and to those who come after you. I am proud to give them into your safekeeping in the knowledge that you will continue to uphold the standards and spirit of your country and the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Onward.

I wish the 2nd/1st Battalion all the very best in this new chapter in your history – as you begin to sew your own outstanding legacy into these beautiful Colours I have the honour of presenting here today.

Kia ora, kia kaha, huihui tātou katoa.

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5 November 2024 A home to help the healing After a tough year fighting cancer, Jean is overjoyed to have recently moved into a new five-bedroom home in Rotorua with her children.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

“It’s amazing and I feel really blessed to have this house,” says Jean as she cuddles her eight-year old son, one of five who live at home.

“The kids absolutely love it and we all still feel overwhelmed to be living here.”

With her cancer now in remission, Jean is feeling stronger and looking forward positively on life.

She volunteers for food rescue charity Love Soup twice a week, sorting and giving out rescued food boxes.

Jean with her son and mokopuna

“It’s been healing for me to help out there. I’ve been able to give back even with my illness and be around good people who have no judgement.”

The busy Mum also works part-time at a local petrol station three days a week in customer service, adding “the cancer doesn’t take away my bills or my responsibilities.”

Jean and her whānau were in a smaller Kāinga Ora house but needed to move as the property was being redeveloped.

While being in a state house makes rent more affordable for her large family, she’s well aware how lucky she is and that she wouldn’t have been able to manage the cost of a private rental.

“In the past we’ve had to share bedrooms, but we now have some space, which is really important for my older teens and my youngest who has a disability.”

Reflecting on her life, Jean says having the stability of a home has helped her and her whānau get through some very tough times over the years.

“Being in a Kāinga Ora house has helped me and my family rebuild our lives when the going has been tough, and now having us all together in this beautiful spacious home is everything.”

“We are looking forward to Christmas together here, it will be a time for us to make happy family memories.”

Page updated: 5 November 2024

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Liberia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 22 November 2022, 14:57 NZDT
  • Still current at: 5 November 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).  

Liberia

Violent Crime
Violent crime occurs throughout Liberia, and there is a high incidence of armed robbery, sexual assault, mugging and residential burglary. Most crime is opportunistic but there are also organised criminal groups. Criminals are often armed, typically with a knife or a machete. The level of crime is much higher after dark. 

As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery. Walking alone or travelling after dark should be avoided. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or mugging, as this could lead to an escalation in violence. Avoid travelling alone or after dark.

Liberian police and authorities have a very limited capacity to respond and provide effective protective services, particularly outside the capital Monrovia.  

Terrorism
 There is no history of terrorism in Liberia; however, terrorist groups remain active across West Africa and attacks in other countries have targeted beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Local travel
New Zealanders considering travel to Liberia are advised to make adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. 

You should avoid local public transport. Pre-arrange transport for the duration of your stay, including to and from the airport, which is located some distance from downtown Monrovia. Taxis should be booked using a reputable company via a trusted friend or through your hotel. When travelling by road, keep doors locked and windows up at all times, as taxis have been occasionally targeted for robbery. Secure tourist facilities and accommodation are very limited and poorly maintained. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding. Photo identification should be carried at all times.

The security situation in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, which border Cote D’Ivoire, can be unstable. There are armed groups near the border and occasional cross-border attacks have occurred in the past.

Civil Unrest
The security situation in Liberia remains fragile. Sporadic demonstrations and local disturbances can turn violent and there is ongoing potential for unrest. Police may use tear gas and/or water cannons to disperse demonstrations.  New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to avoid all large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. 

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Liberia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams. 

Ebola Virus Disease
Following an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Liberia free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission in June 2016. For more information on Ebola, please see the Ministry of Health’s website and the WHO website. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Liberia, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Liberia should consider. 

Modern medical services in Liberia are very limited, so we advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Liberia to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments or officials, is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Liberia at all times. Checkpoints operate throughout the country.

New Zealanders in Liberia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

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4 November 2024 Home is where the heart is A place to call home is something Ruwayda and her seven children have longed for since arriving in New Zealand two years ago. Originally sharing three rooms in a motel to now living in their very own Kāinga Ora home, they are feeling happy and content.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

The family have been in their six-bedroom home for just over two months. Wanting a better life, the family arrived in New Zealand from Jordan after having no permanent place to live for nine years.

Ruwayda, speaking through an interpreter, says her children are thriving because they are settled for the first time in many years.

“We have a garden out the back and my three youngest enjoy being outside playing together and riding their bikes. We can also eat together as a family because we have our own home. My oldest daughter loves to cook and often prepares a meal for everyone to enjoy.”

“We are enjoying getting to know the local community and our neighbours. A family we met at the refugee centre here in Auckland lives nearby so we catch up with them too when we can.”

Ruwayda’s family home.

The complex where this family home is located is near schools and amenities, giving the family another layer of support as they settle into their new home.

“The children have been able to stay in the same schools and are doing well, and the oldest are already starting to think about future careers. With our own home and a quiet place to do their homework they can focus on their schooling and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way,” Ruwayda says.

Ruwayda and Sose

Senior Housing Support Manager, Sose, who manages the complex says Ruwayda’s home is part of a complex of some larger homes with smaller one and two-bedroom homes being built in the next stage.

Sose says seeing Ruwayda and her family so happy is a rewarding part of the job. “This family have faced so many challenges over the past nine years and to see them now so settled and with smiles on their faces makes the job I do so incredibly satisfying.”

“I just can’t wait to see what the next year holds for Ruwayda and her family now they have a permanent home and new opportunities to enjoy the wonderful community that is being created here.”

“Ruwayda drove a forklift in a large warehouse back home and tells me she may look to get back into doing this now they have a stable place to live.”

“Coming from long term emergency housing to the stability of a permanent home for Ruwayda and her family – this is what it’s all about – building better, brighter futures and communities,” Sose says.

The complex has a total of 27 homes with most housing larger families. Construction for the second stage is underway and includes 24 one- and two-bedroom walk-up units. A large community room, centrally located green area including a children’s playground and two bike sheds will complete the development.

Ruwayda and her children

Page updated: 4 November 2024