HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

“I grew up in North Canterbury and Waipara. When I was around 10, we moved into the city. I left a community where I felt I belonged, I knew people, and they knew me. I moved into this wild city of Christchurch which was quite shocking to me. It seems quite funny now because I really love Christchurch!

“A sense of belonging was really important. I started thinking about that and how I could recreate that, so 30 years ago, I had the idea of community living. I bought these properties in 2007 to form what we now call a co-housing village. I did have quite a lot of adversity at the beginning of this, but I feel blessed with that experience because I became financially savvy, and I think that I’m in a perfect position now to do a co-housing development. I’m very grateful for the learnings that I’ve had along the way.

“I love that this property is on the edge of the four avenues; we’re close enough to be able to walk into the city.

“I’ve been running my accommodation business here for 14 years. I specialise in internationals. For a long time, I said I was building a global family because I’ve become very good friends with the people who live here. I must have had thousands of people through here from overseas. I love the diversity of culture.

“I’m also Chair of the Housing for Women Trust. We own land out at South Brighton; the beachcomber site is being rebuilt as a co-housing village for women and children. We’re committed to providing a way for women to own their own homes and also offer affordable or accessible rentals for women and their children.

“What I’m really passionate about is connection – human connection – and quality relationships. That people experience happy and fulfilled lives, or settled lives, that’s important to me.”

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