Family happy with Pyes Pa lifestyle

HAPPY: Catherine Fitzpatrick loves living in Pyes Pa. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK 130514GN12BOP

Catherine Fitzpatrick moved with her husband and three children to Pyes Pa 10 years ago.

They were looking for a lifestyle block, and because Mr Fitzpatrick had family living there, they knew the area well.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said certain aspects of Pyes Pa were in line with the NZ Deprivation Index released last week.

As a family they had access to good communication, income and employment, she said.

"We've got far too much [internet] plus the iPods and iPads to go with it."

The couple had stable incomes.

"My husband works full time at Balance, one of New Zealand's leading fertiliser specialists, and I work part time at Pyes Pa School. We also own our own brewery," she said.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said she went to secretarial school but her husband went to university and their children go to good schools. "Our kids went to Pyes Pa school, and now we've got two at Boys' College now. It's a great community."

However, Mrs Fitzpatrick said Pyes Pa did have pockets of diversity.

"Which is everywhere, pockets of people that are not so well off but there is a lot of money. On Joyce Rd and near Oropi, there is every person imaginable.

"A lot of renters as well, but Pyes Pa is a huge area, it is very up and coming.