Te Rakohikohiko Tumata says she has never felt so low as she did when she "begged" Work and Income for emergency housing.
Now, the mother of six is living in a private rental property, after being helped by LinkPeople's housing team, which was established in Rotorua last July.
Tumata tried to make a move to Australia last year, but quickly returned and ended up living with her children at her mother's house.
"We were there about two months but I found out I was carrying my son and it was already too cramped so we had to move out. I begged Work and Income for emergency housing and they put us in a motel.
"It was embarrassing having to ask for help like that. I've never felt so low. I have a lot of pride so asking for help like that is not something I do."