We look after one another. Being close to family and having other people around me has made a big difference to my health

Hemi says one of the best things about living in his new Home in Place New Zealand home is the communal vegetable garden. 

He loves getting in the garden.

“I generally do the digging,” Hemi says.

He says the garden brings he and other tenants in the newly built, 11 apartment complex together. Tomatoes and vegetables are the key crops in the garden, which he and other tenants get to eat.

“Anyone can come and help themselves to what they need.”

The 78-year-old moved into his new one-bedroom apartment in Lower Hutt, Wellington region this year and couldn’t be happier.

He was living in a subsidised private rental bed sit. The new apartment gives him some more space. He is closer to his son and daughter in law which has been important, given he has had some health issues.

“I couldn’t ask for more. The apartment is very good, nice and warm. It is nice and quiet, and my neighbours are good.”

“We look after one another. Being close to family and having other people around me has made a big difference to my health.”

Hemi’s apartment complex was built by the Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika (Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust) and is managed by Home in Place. Hemi says he has visit from the Home in Place NewZealand staff and can always ring them up if he wants something done.

Hemi says it is very important to have such housing available to people.

“A lot of people suffer. Having a place of your own makes a big difference to people’s lives.”