A place to put down roots

“We’re going to dig a garden out back. I bought a lemon tree the other day and I have a couple of camellia trees. We’re also going to have to paint our picnic table. It’s a beautiful garden,” Michelle says.

The couple, both of whom live with significant health conditions, recently moved to their new home with their 10-year-old and 13-year-old sons, Sparkle the dog and Simon the cat from another Kāinga Ora home in Greymouth, where they had lived for 20 years.

Michelle and Ché’s new home was significantly improved and upgraded as part of the Kāinga Ora retrofit programme, which aims to make older homes warmer, drier, healthier and more energy efficient.

After waiting for a larger home that would better suit their family for some time, Michelle says she’s over the moon to now live in an upgraded three-bedroom home. 

“We can actually breathe. The kids have their own space and we have a much bigger area that suits us,” Michelle says.

The family is also excited about exploring their new neighbourhood after moving from central Greymouth to Cobden. “The neighbours are lovely and we’re close to the beach. We’re going to the beach at the weekend. Letting the waves just wash over our feet is great for our mental health. My son loves collecting stones and sticks so he’ll do that,” Michelle explains.

Keen fisherman Ché is also looking forward to surfcasting off the beach. “I do a lot of fishing around here. Whitebaiting, kawai fishing and I do trout fishing in the Grey River,” he says.

Michelle says they are already counting down to Christmas with extended family in their new, more spacious home. “I can’t wait to put up the Christmas tree and I can decorate it any time. I’m so thankful for this house. This is a home that I’m happy to live in.”