On Saturday, Maurice hosted a party with his neighbours, support workers, friends and even his property manager, to mark five years of living independently.
Going against the doctor's advice is not normally recommended, but Rotorua man Maurice Topia has done just that.
The 62-year-old has a learning disability and hemiplegia, which severely limits movement on the left side of his body.
After his parents died, he had to move out of home and spentwhat he said was seven unhappy years in rest homes.
Under health and safety rules, he could not use a jug to make a cup of tea for himself, or do his own washing.
"I was sick of sharing a bathroom, getting hungry before bed, or listening to people telling me to be quiet," Topia said.
With the help of a good friend from church, Sheila Gordon, and Imagine Better co-ordinator Mary Barnett, Topia approached a property manager who eventually agreed to let him move into a flat in Victoria.
Topia's church donated furniture, and over time he paid off his appliance costs with his Work and Income support payments.
"He just wanted to live a normal ordinary life, and he now does that. It is amazing what he achieve with one good arm," Barnett said.
Topia drives a mobility scooter, wears a medical alarm around his neck, and has just 10 hours of support visits a week.
Maurice Topia hosted a party with friends on Saturday. Photo/Ben Fraser
He also plays the organ, and used to busk in the Rotorua streets and donate the money to charity.
"He never considered that he needed the money himself, he always gave it to others," Barnett said.
Topia's efforts to pursue music were initially doubted.
He was told it would be "a waste of money" if he bought an organ but he went on to receive the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal for his services to the community through busking fundraising.
On Saturday, Topia hosted a party with his neighbours, support workers, friends and even his property manager, to mark five years of living independently.
"It has been a long journey over prejudice. It is very inspiring for those who face a lot of barriers. He is really excited, we all are," Barnett said.
Topia pays for a Sky TV subscription, and his favourite shows are on the Jones! channel.
He also loves to entertain others with hot drinks and baking.
"At first they were worried I would burn the place down but I cook here with the oven and stove. If the smoke alarm ever goes off I know to just flick the towel at it," he said.
When asked what the hardest part had been about living in the flat, Topia said he "didn't find it very hard at all".
