Kāinga Ora new builds help Gisborne whānau start over

James now has a home of his own in Kāinga Ora's new housing development on Gladstone Rd in Gisborne. Photo / Supplied

Couch surfing might sound fun when you’re travelling on a budget, but it’s a very different story when it’s the only way to have a bed.

That’s been life for James (Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe), who spent years sleeping on friends and family’s couches or in a small pup tent that became strangely sentimental over time.

“I still have my first two-man pup tent.

“I’ve spent so much time in that little tent it’s part of my story now,” he said

Six years ago, while homeless, James was diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumour.

The condition meant he could black out without warning, making driving and finding safe work difficult.

“I can black out anytime, so I can’t drive. Finding work where I’m not a health and safety risk is tough,” he said.

When his teenage son wanted to live with him, James knew something had to change.

A friend offered his back yard for James’ tent and a spare room for his son.

It wasn’t ideal, but it was the push James needed to reconnect with the system and start the journey towards a stable home.

From emergency accommodation to transitional housing, each step brought him closer to security.

Recently, James and his son moved into a sunny, newly built apartment in Gladstone Rd.

“Having our own place is incredible. After so many years, we finally have space – and we know where we’ll sleep each night.

“Since my dad died when I was 16, I’ve never had my own space. Now I can focus on the future. I’m taking steps to get back to work and, long term, own my own home.

“I owe it to myself and my kids.”

James’ story is one of many showing how new Kāinga Ora homes are more than bricks and mortar – they’re a foundation for better health, stronger whānau connections, and new beginnings.

After years of couch surfing, James now has his own Kāinga Ora apartment on Gladstone Rd in Gisborne. Photo / Supplied

Kāinga Ora has an active build programme in Gisborne that has delivered 70 modern, warm, dry public homes in the past six months.

These include larger developments in Macdonald Rd, Roebuck Rd, Steel Rd, and 15 homes recently completed in Gladstone Rd.

Another four homes were blessed last week, ready for tenants to move in – just in time for Christmas.

East North Island regional director Graeme Broderick said Gisborne continued to be an area of high need, with the average age of Kāinga Ora homes in the region sitting at 45 years old.

“Older homes are very costly to maintain. By replacing older, unsuitable homes with modern, new ones, we can maintain them more easily and efficiently,” Broderick said.

“This enables us to reinvest in warm and dry homes that are the right size and in the right locations for our tenants.”

Another 50 homes were expected to be delivered in Gisborne next year, including 26 currently under construction.

Many of these new homes replace ageing properties on the same land, ensuring tenants have modern, healthy homes that meet their needs.

“Every home we build is more than a house – it’s a chance for whānau like James’ to start fresh and thrive.”

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Recently built new homes on Gladstone Rd are part of Kāinga Ora's active build programme in Gisborne. Photo / Supplied