NZ Herald - Plus Feature May 2022

A New Zealand Herald Commercial Publication | Thursday, May 26, 2022

THE HEALTH ISSUE

KEEPING WELL OVER WINTER

Nutrition | Healthy Homes | Gardening | Photography

We’ve been delivering peace of mind for over 35 years. And we have Cindy and Del’s seal of approval. This dynamic duo o!en ‘lock and leave’ their Ryman apartment to go on adventures, so we feel they’re qualified judges.

When you choose a Ryman retirement village, you’re free to do more of the stuff you love.

Free to live life your way. Cindy and Del enjoy their independence, secure in the knowledge that help’s here if they need it.

At Ryman, you can embrace today. Because we take care of the lawns, the rates, and things like window cleaning.

It’s all covered in an affordable weekly fee – which is fixed* as one of our Peace of Mind Guarantees. It’s another way we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation. *Conditions apply

“Security is a big plus for us.

When we go away, we know our home is safe and secure.”

Del & Cindy Residents at Ryman’s Possum Bourne Village

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2 202 Ca ill a re & tV R e t i re m e n

WE ARE RYMAN PIONEERS

We’re committed to pioneering retirement living for one simple reason. To better serve a generation of &#* )#%(%'$#"!.

That’s why Ryman retirement villages are named after Kiwi trailblazers. Sir Edmund Hillary, Yvette Williams, Sir Murray Halberg. They lived with passion and purpose, they pushed further, they went beyond the ordinary.

Which is exactly what we strive to do, every day, at Ryman.

Our friendly, inclusive villages offer independent living with comprehensive care options. Simply dial up your care if you need it. From assisted living in a serviced apartment to resthome, and in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care. We’ve put everything in one place so you can embrace life today without having to worry about the future.

We always have, and always will, challenge the status quo and adapt to better serve our residents. Because there’s a new generation of Kiwis who are not retiring from life, they’re looking for a new way to live.

For more information on our retirement villages, visit: rymanhealthcare.co.nz

We invite you to come and visit our stunning show home anytime between 10am – 2pm, Monday – Friday* *Except public holidays

“Our lifestyle has never been better!”

“We’re so glad we didn’t wait till we got older to move in and enjoy the Tamahere Country Club lifestyle. It has such a community of vibrant people having fun, socialising and looking out for each other in a beautiful, secure environment.

We ride the adjacent bike trails together and enjoy the local cafés. It’s a perfect base for our motor-homing but actually, with our spacious entertainer’s house and topnotch village facilities, every day’s a staycation!”

Colleen & William McGrory Residents since September 2020

For sales enquiries call Sandy Turner on 0800 82 62 43 or visit our website tamaherecountryclub.co.nz

46 Tamahere Drive Tamahere Hamilton

| 5

inside

Getting through winter

6

Healthy eating as you age

8

Keeping your home warm

11

Veggie growers helping elderly

12

Changes for Healthy Homes Standards

15

In memory of Myra

16

Women in photography

17

Boat life

18

Writer Ruby Harfield | Designer Courtney Wenzlick Print Commercial Manager Kelly Spice | GM Publishing (Commercial) Chris Rudd Advertising Enquiries E: Kelly.Spice@nzme.co.nz M: 021 605 297

A NZME PUBLICATION

6|

Getting through winter

By Ruby Harfield

Dealing with Covid-19, rising living costs, general illness and colder temperatures may make winter a difficult time for people, especially the vulnerable elderly.

T

he Ministry of Health says the colder months are traditionally a time when there is more sickness in the general population as well as thousands of active Covid-19 cases and a low risk of reinfection for those who have recovered.

NIWA is predicting temperatures to be near or above average over winter for the majority of the country, but temperatures will still be cold enough that older people will be at risk of becoming ill.

Add Covid-19 and the mental health issues associated with this there are concerns about how older people are going to cope.

University of Auckland professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair in Ageing Well, Dr Ngaire Kerse, said winter will see a rise in Covid-19 cases because people are indoors more.

There are also two new variants coming which are more transmissible.

“Winter is a relatively more difficult time for older people as in general their social networks and physical activity are slightly less. Of course this is quite variable.

“Over the last two years older people have been careful, for those in aged residential care they had had very restricted social connections and the families had difficulty visiting.”

There have also been many restrictions to activities in aged care facilities and retirement villages.

“While it is true that the older generations are more likely to be impacted by Covid, they have the highest vaccination rates, and are boosted.”

But there have been many other viruses making the rounds and are expected to be prominent over winter with borders opening.

This winter may also be a lonely time for older people, she said.

“During the first lockdown everyone was in lock down so that the older isolated people got a lot of attention from family.

“Now everyone has had to back to work the older people are still sometimes restricted, but the families don’t have time to visit.

“The rest of society has already opened up and thus older people have been left behind.”

Age Concern New Zealand Health Promotion and Policy manager Joanne Reid said many older people are concerned at the increased risk of catching Covid-19 in winter

with restrictions having been reduced.

“Some older New Zealanders are coping really well but others are finding it very hard, mentally and physically. Some are feeling more anxious and less connected to others.

“We all need to be kind and considerate; think about how to protect others who may be vulnerable or at risk of severe illness.”

To give older people the best protection it is important to be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, she said.

The Ministry of Health website says a person is significantly less likely to be severely sick, hospitalised or die if vaccinated, especially following the third (booster) dose. Vaccination also protects people against becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others.

Good hygiene practices, such as hand taining physical distancing washing, main ntaining and wearing fa acemasks can also help protect older lloved ones, Reid said.

“Meet up outdoors if possible, or if iindoors try and have good g ventilation, for example, open n windows.

“Offer to drop off groceries, medications and other essentials.” i She said it is best not to visit older whānau and friends if unweell but keep in contacct via phone, email or o text.

“We want to see all older New Zealandeers in a safe, warm, healthy home and be in the best health to enjoy our upcoming winter season.”

Covid is not the only issue this winter – there’s concern over rising living costs, including mortgage rates, rents, food and petrol that will make paying for heating even more of a challenge, Reid said.

“Many will go cold because they cannot afford to heat their home.”

There is a lot of support available for people to keep themselves healthy this winter including the Winter Energy Payment

ABOVE: Age Concern offers support for older people. INSET BELOW: University of Auckland professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Joyce Cook chair in Ageing Well, Dr Ngaire Kerse. INSET BOTTOM: The Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson. Photos/Supplied for superannuiants p This is paid automaticcally from May 1 to October O 1 each yea ar.

“This payment helps people keep theirr homes warmer d and

healthier over o winter.” w For ouples co o getttting NZ Super or the Veeteran’s Pension n, the Winter Energy Payment is paid to ause the one person, beca p y y payment system can’t split it across two accounts.

Seniors heading overseas over the winter months can keep getting Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days while they’re away.

Superannuants may be able to get an advance on their New Zealand Super for oneoff heating costs.

Reid recommends exploring whether insulation or heating in your home could be improved.

“The Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme

may be able to cover much of the cost of insulatio on or heating.”

Commun nity Energy Network can connect you to organisations offeriing information and d advice on household en nergy n efficiency, she sa aid. a Some ommunities co ave curtain ha a anks that ba a recycle used curta ains and provid de them free of charge to members of the comm munity who wise afford couldn’t otherw them.

Foundation said The Mental Health Foun there are many things that can impact mental health in older people.

Chief executive Shaun Robinson said some of these include isolation (such as the lack of connections due to Covid-19), declining physical health, grief at loss of a partner and retiring from work.

“Lack of mobility can limit the experiences you have as an older person, it’s harder to leave home and contact with other people may fall away.

“Retiring from work may make it hard to fill in your day, so it’s important to make a plan ahead of retiring and think about how you can best use the spare time you have.”

People should stay connected to older family and friends even if it doesn’t always feel like it’s appreciated, he said.

“It’s important to be in touch regularly to ensure they are keeping good health.

“Sort a phone tree, so the responsibility doesn’t fall on one person alone. Suggest going out for meals, offer to clean the house, do something active with your older friend.

| 7 “Get young children to write a card and deliver it.”

As people age they should also visit their GP to ensure there are no physical or mental health issues.

“The earlier a health professional knows what you’re going through and treatment begins, the better your chances of recovery and a return to your usual enjoyment of life.

“Many older people and kaumātua experience depression and it can be a risk factor for suicide, yet it often goes undetected and untreated.

“Depression is more than ‘feeling blue’ or being ‘in the doldrums’ for a short while.”

Depression means persistent and ongoing unhappiness, he said.

“Changing environments offer up opportunity but also add risk to your wellbeing.

“Moving into a place with other people can help forge new friendships and opportunity to attend organised events.

“Equally this could impact on some people moving from their everyday activities and routine.”

When deciding whether to move into a retirement village, it is important to check how close public transport would be to your new home, also how close is a convenience store or a local mall where you can go for a morning tea or walk out of the rain.

The Mental Health Foundation’s website has many resources to help.

Age Concern’s advice to protect yourself this winter: • Have the flu vaccination which is free for over 65s.

• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables to protect against colds and flu.

• Dress warmly with layers even if you’re staying home. Put on a hat and scarf to keep warm, you lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.

• Wear thermals in bed under pyjamas and use extra bedding.

• A dry home is a healthy home so reduce the causes of humidity if possible.

• Unflued gas heaters should be avoided as they increase condensation and mould.

• Make sure your house is not losing heat through windows and doors, close blinds and curtains late afternoon/early evening. Close up unused fireplaces, get your windows checked and have draught

stopping work done. The Smarter Homes website (www.smarterhomes.org.nz) has good tips for draught stopping. Your local Age Concern may be able to suggest a reliable handyman.

• You can make your own draught snakes by stuffing long socks or pantyhose with newspaper or cushion filling.

• During the cold weather many hours may be spent indoors. Moving about as much as possible will help to keep you well.

Eating well and keeping in touch with friends are also vital for wellbeing.

• Make informed choices about where you go and how much you mix socially.

Anyone needing help can call their local Age Concern on 0800 65 2 105 or find out more on our website www.ageconcern.org.nz.

Age Concern offers support for older people. Photos/Supplied

8|

Healthy eating as you age

By Ruby Harfield

RIGHT: Dietician Tina Ambler says people often don’t need to make drastic changes to make a big difference in their diets. BELOW: A visual of a balanced Mediterranean diet. Photos/Supplied

I

t’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to help prevent age related diseases.

The ageing process carries risks for developing a number of conditions associated with getting older such as cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, neurological diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s and a range of cancers.

Dietician Tina Ambler said there are a number of things you can change to your food intake to assist with staying as healthy as you can and possibly reduce the development of some of these health conditions.

“We know that maintaining some physical activity and a well-balanced diet can be protective towards heart diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes and dementia and obesity.

“It’s never too late to start on a journey

to improving health and start feeling the benefits.”

These changes don’t need to be drastic to make a difference, she said.

“Every small change counts, it takes repetition to make a new behaviour stick, give it some time and readjust if your goal needs tweaking.

“You often don’t need to make drastic changes to make a big difference.”

Ambler recommends visiting your GP to make sure that everything is tracking along.

Checking your own eating behaviours can shine a light on areas for improvement.

“It doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite foods.

“Try limiting eating out limit to once a week and if you do go out think about what your goals are for healthy eating.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for dietary requests, for example you can ask for no salt or the sauces on the side or grilled instead of deep fried.”

Social events and special occasions tend to encourage people to bake or make high calorie foods, she said.

“So many of us are invited to a number of events every week which can make a difference to your health, you can be in akkee control, if you are taking a plate to share ta something you are going to be happy with.”

It’s important to shop wisely, stick to a list and read the label – budget brands often have the same if not better nutrition, for example lower in sodium.

Low-salt foods have less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Moderate-salt foods have 120–600 mg and high-salt foods have more than 600 mg.

Changes need to be sustainable and sharing goals with someone else can make you more accountable.

“Plan out your journey for your goal, what will you need to put in place to make you get there.

“Enjoy your food, so be creative with

recipes, start adding g flavour instead of salt.

“Look at cooking methods to make changes easier; one pot recipes can ease the burden of cooking.”

There are many studies that have looked into the types of food to include in a diet to attain optimal health, she said.

Caution with claims on nutrition facts or fad diets. They can often be unbalanced and don’t contain the full range of vitamins and minerals a healthy well-balanced diet does.

“Research continues to point towards eating a Mediterranean style diet where good health, reduced incidence of disease and longevity have been observed.”

The Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, nuts seeds and legumes limiting healthy fats and oils and sweets and added sugars.

Instead of adding salt, try adding herbs and spices to your foods.

The role of adequate dairy serves helps to prevent to onset of osteoporosis.

TO EAT EVERY DAY: • 6 servings* of vegetables, including leafy greens • 5-8 servings* of whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, crackers or bread, muesli, oats, Weetbix) • 3 servings* of fruit • 3 tablespoons of olive oil as your main added fat (or canola or sunflower oil) • 2-3 servings* of low-fat dairy

• 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted nuts • Drink lots of water *Each serving is ½ cup.

TO EAT WEEKLY: • Up to 6 eggs • 3-4 servings* of legumes (e.g., beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) • 3-4 servings* of lean meat • 2-3 servings* of chicken • 1-2 servings* of salmon Not more than 3 servings of “extras,” such as sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast food, and processed meats. Also limit condiments such as soy sauce, tomato sauce as they are very high in sodium. * Servings are 1/2 cup here too, but for meat, you can also use the size of your palm as serving size

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Keeping your home warm this winter

| 11

By Ruby Harfield

ABOVE: Warm dry homes are not just more comfortable, they’re also healthier.

INSET: EECA Senior Advisor Evidence, Insights and Innovation, Dr Gareth Gretton. Photos/Supplied

W

inter is nearly here and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Senior Advisor Evidence, Insights and Innovation Dr Gareth Gretton spoke to our writer Ruby Harfield about how to stay cosy.

EECA is responsible for promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

What are some ways to keep your home warm this winter?

Minimise heating bills by insulating, draughtproofing and choosing an efficient heater. Then optimise your heating habits to keep bills low while keeping your home warm and healthy.

We have plenty of advice at www.genless. govt.nz.

Insulation is the first place to start. Grants may be available through Warmer Kiwi Homes.

Draught-proofing can make a big difference.

Check your doors and windows for draughts on a cold and windy day, and then visit your hardware store to get the right products to seal the gaps.

When the time comes c to replace your heater, consid der fitting a heat pump if you haaven’t hey’re already got one. Th a great choice for larger rooms, whilee electric resistance heaters are good for smaller rooms.

Only heat the rooms you need to.

Leaving your heat pump running 24/77 will use more energgy than only heating w when you need to.

If you’re working from home, use a smalleer room as your home office if possible. p For a healthy living environment, set your heater thermostat for between 18 to 20˚C. If you have older people at home, it might need to be a little higher.

When it starts tto get cooler in the ose your doors and evenings, clo pull your curtains across.

A dry home is easier to heeat, too, so ensure u ventilate well you – eeven in winter, opening the windows for a short w time each day will help, especially in h damper areas like the kitchen and batthroom.

How can you do this cost-effectively and cost-eff efficiently? efficiently of different There are a number n things you can do to keep your home more snug, that range from no-cost to a much bigger investment in the quality of your home.

Ultimately, having good insulation, good

ventilation and an efficient heater, like a heat pump, will be the most efficient way to keep your home warm and dry.

What support is available for older people who cannot heat their home?

EECA runs the Warmer Kiwi Homes (WKH) programme, which provides 80 percent of the cost of ceiling and floor insulation, and 80 percent of the cost of an approved heater, to those eligible.

There are a number of community organisations around New Zealand that partner with WKH to provide further grant funding, meaning that the cost to the homeowner could be lower, or even free. People can check the details and their eligibility on the Warmer Kiwi Homes section of EECA’s website.

Why is it important to have a warm home?

Warm dry homes are not just more comfortable, they’re also healthier, and result in fewer sick days off school and work, and fewer hospitalisations for respiratory illnesses.

12 |

Veggie growers helping elderly

By Ruby Harfield

A

n initiativee has been set up to co onnect gardeners with extra produce to elderly people unable grow theirr own fruit and vegetables.

Julie Lamplugh, from Rangiora in Canterbury, set up The SEDE Project after seeing her elderly parents’ delighted reaction ns when she was givving them vegetables from f her garden over summ mer.

“They always h had a thriving vegetable garden (as well as fruit trees, berries and grapes) in the past, but are no longer able to look after a garden.

“Seeing their pleasure at receiving fresh produce made me think about how other home gardeners could do the same and thus help so many elderly people in the same position as my parents.”

Around the same time as she was thinking this over, she read a newspaper article about an elderly man in Christchurch who was skipping lunch each day due to affordability issues.

“His story really bothered me, and I realised I should implement what I’d been thinking about, as there was potentially so much unmet and genuine need amongst pensioners in our communities.

“I have a strong interest in getting involved in community initiatives that involve local people helping local people, I’m a keen home gardener, and I have elderly parents who require a lot of help now, so everything about The SEDE Project is close to my heart and relatable.”

Lamplugh hopes it will ensure elderly people get adequate nutrition in their diet as the cost of fruit and vegetables is prohibitively high.

There’s also no loss of pride for the elderly recipients, as it is framed as a means of effectively using up home-grown surplus.

“The elderly residents in the community feel

d and respected, seen, supported and it fosterrs interactions/ links bettween them and bers of the local memb mmunity, which com benefits mental heealth.

“Our elders deserve this.” d Local gardeners can either be paired up one-to-one h a pensioner with (for the passing on of produce to the pensioner whenever itt is available), n make one-off or gardeners can via a contact donations of produce vi person (pensioner) who distributes it amongst a group of elderly residents nearby (living in the same block of retirement units, for example).

The project is still in the early stages with an increasing amount of connections being made between gardeners and pensioners.

“I’m aiming to set up more of these as more gardeners and keen potential recipients contact me asking for this.

“It’s a simple and easy way for people in the community to help others.”

She hopes the project will expand to other areas in the country too.

“With each new gardener who contacts me, or person from a local organisation offering support/suggestions, or pensioner who wants to be a recipient, it reinforces that The SEDE Project is genuinely a good idea that is worth pursuing.

“That is so encouraging and motivates me to keep moving forward.”

Home gardeners could even plan to plant a little extra in the future with the intention of giving surplus produce to pensioners, she said.

“There’s no wastage of precious homegrown produce, with the surplus going to a worthwhile cause.”

Visit The Sede Project Facebook page for more information.

A selection of fresh produce. INSET: Rangiora woman Julie Lamplugh has set up The SEDE Project to help elderly people get fresh vegetables. Photos/Supplied

Sponsored Content

A guide to great downsizing

80yo couple in Bupa retirement village are downsizing masters.

I

t’s the piano that Glenys Lamb remembers – her old Bechstein that she gave away to a young girl who wanted to learn.

Glenys, now 84, and husband John, 87, began their preparations for moving out of their home of 51 years well before moving into a two-bedroom apartment in Bupa Parkstone retirement village in Christchurch.

While giving away the piano hurt, the Lambs’ downsizing and move into a retirement village serves as an absolute model for the many older Kiwis contemplating the same thing – and Glenys, almost two years later, is bursting with pride at the piano’s new life…and their own.

“We are so very happy,” she says.

“Bupa Parkstone is great – we have done the right thing.” And it looks like they did it the right way too.

“We had too much to fit into a two-bedroom apartment,” she says.

“A friend of ours knew a family whose daughter wanted a piano.”

One of the Lambs’ three children,

nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren wanted the piano too – but their house couldn’t accommodate it.

“I wanted it to go to someone who could use it. Since then I’ve seen a photograph of the young girl playing; it was really quite moving.”

Giving away furniture and other belongings is part of a successful downsize, the couple say. John, a former civil engineer and high-ranking official in local government, is nothing if not methodical – and the Lambs say forward planning and proactivity are key.

John began the exercise of downsizing even as they were selling their family home and says a vital element in downsizing is to involve the family early: “Our home was their family home – and they had to realise they would not be going there any more for family occasions and the like,” says John. “It was hard for them at first, especially as I’d been saying I wouldn’t move.”

The Lambs were in the fortunate position of being able to give a lot of their possessions away, much of it going to the Salvation Army. They know not everyone can do the same and say involving family early helps with selling things, for example.

“Don’t over-value your possessions,” says John “It hurt a bit at first when we realised others may not value some things as highly as we did – but, in the end, they really aren’t worth much on the market. That’s why we felt so good later after giving things away.”

The couple also understands they were especially lucky – their Bupa apartment is about 600m from their old house, avoiding a move to a new area, away from family, friends and familiar landmarks.

So here are the Lambs’ top tips for downsizing and moving into a retirement village: • Pack things up as you go and store the boxes in areas of the house that do not affect daily living and comfort.

• Involve family early in the practical but emotional task of deciding what to do with family “heirlooms” and less significant items.

• Select a trusted mover and insist on using smaller boxes rather than the big, heavy ones movers traditionally use – it’s easier when unpacking.

• Don’t forget insurance – those travelling longer distances shouldn’t forget to insure their belongings for the shift.

“I’ve got to say that I was determined not to move at first,” says John. “But when I saw the Bupa apartment – a view, a large lounge and two bedrooms – I was won over.”

“I was sold from the beginning,” says Glenys. “However, once you’re in, you need to get out there, make friends and do things – and there is plenty to do.

“And don’t leave it too late [to move into a village],” she says. “There’s a whole world of things to do; that’s what we have done and we are very, very happy.”

Being you with Bupa is easy when you’re living in a friendly community of like-minded people, supported by a caring and approachable team.

We have 53 locations across New Zealand. The majority of our 37 retirement villages have a care home on site or nearby. We have 16 additional standalone care homes. With these retirement living and care options, Bupa offers you the life that’s right for you.

Visit bupa.co.nz

Apartments

Villas

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Welcome home Retire with Metlifecare Since 1984, we’ve been trusted for creating exceptional retirement villages that enrich New Zealander’s lives.

From new developments to established villages, coastal villas with ocean views to apartments overlooking the fairway, wherever you are, we are proudly part of your community.

While all our villages are unique, there’s something that all our people have in common – our commitment to making every day better for our residents.

For the life you want to live metlifecare.co.nz l 0800 909 303

| 15

Changes for Healthy Homes Standards

By Ruby Harfield

C

hanges to the Healthy Home Standards came into force this month.

This included revisions to the heating, ventilation, and moisture ingress and drainage standards.

The initial standards were introduced in 2019 to improve the quality of rental homes in New Zealand.

According to the Tenancy Services website landlords are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of their rental properties.

The new standards have been designed to help ensure landlords have healthier, safer properties and lower maintenance costs for their investments.

“By improving the quality of rental homes, New Zealanders who rent will experience improved health, as well as lower medical costs and lower levels of hospitalisations.

“Warmer and drier homes are also less likely to have issues with mould or mildew damage, better protecting a landlord’s investment.”

In response to rental sector feedback, the Government has amended the heating requirements for rental properties to reflect the higher thermal performance of new homes built to the 2008 building code requirements for insulation and glazing and apartments.

The changes will generally enable smaller heating devices to be installed in new homes built to the 2008 building code requirements.

The New Zealand Property Investors Federation is supportive of the standards and changes but has some concerns about the timing.

Executive officer Sharon Cullwick said as

The recent Healthy Homes legislation should help to improve housing overall and reduce the gap between owner-occupied and rental housing Chief Commissioner Paul Hunt a whole NZPIF think that the Healthy Homes Standards is a great thing to increase the health and safety of rental houses.

However, it has been implemented at a time when there is a rental housing crisis with thousands of people in emergency housing, she said.

“It would have been better to increase the housing supply and then require houses to be bought up to the Healthy Homes Standards.”

The costs for landlords of bringing homes up to the standards have, at times, been prohibitive with no support available to help with funding the work, she said.

“All of these costs, unfortunately, have to be reclaimed through some method, and normally that is by increasing the rents to cover costs.”

Some properties have been left empty as the cost of getting them to standard is too expensive, Cullwick said.

“These houses in the past could have been rented – although not ideal, they do give people a roof over their head which is better than living in a car.

“This is especially the case of a property where the developer is waiting for the resource consent to put new houses on the

land.”

With winter coming up, the best thing landlords can do to ensure their renters are healthy is to comply with the standards, she said.

Some additional measures could include putting in wall insulation and double glazing, however these have significant costs attached to them.

They could also help educate their tenants on things like opening the curtains during the day and using the natural heat from the sun to heat the house and closing the curtains at sunset to retain the heat in the property.

As well as drying laundry outside so the moisture does not go into the house and wiping up any moisture on the window sills when they see it.

The Humans Rights Commission’s Housing Inquiry, which was launched last year, has found that renters, Māori and Pacific peoples are among the groups most affected by poor housing habitability.

The Commission has focused on three human rights indicators - rates of damp and mould, household crowding, and cold - to show habitability trends released last month, as part of its Measuring Progress.

Chief Commissioner Paul Hunt said most housing indicators show rental housing is of significantly poorer quality than owneroccupied housing.

“These indicators lay it out clearly for us; local and central government, and private landlords must improve housing habitability in order to achieve the progressive realisation of the right to a decent home.

“The recent Healthy Homes legislation should help to improve housing overall and reduce the gap between owner-occupied and rental housing.

“But this will only be possible if there is an effective accountability mechanism put in place to ensure that landlords comply, and it is not left up to vulnerable tenants to hold their landlords to account.”

Green Party MP and renter spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick said almost half of all New Zealanders live in a rental home and more needs to be done to protect them.

“People living in rental homes are putting their health and wellbeing into the hands of landlords and property managers who are currently unregulated and…potentially noncompliant to the Healthy Homes Standards.”

The inquiry confirms what the Green Party has been calling for - a rental Warrant of Fitness and a register of landlords and property managers, Swarbrick said.

“As the Human Rights Commission said themselves, the results of this inquiry are disappointing but not surprising.”

“Aotearoa New Zealand needs to get the fundamentals in place for a functional, fair and effective rental system, recognising our country’s commitment to the UN Human Right to Adequate Housing.”

16 |

In Memory of Myra

By Ruby Harfield

ABOVE: Paul Whitcombe lost his wife Myra to lung cancer.

RIGHT: Paul and Myra Whitcombe on their wedding day. Photos/Supplied

Losing his wife to cancer has inspired a kind widower to help support other people with cancer.

P

aul Whitcombe was devastated when Myra, his beloved wife of 43 years, passed away from lung cancer.

When Myra was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she had followup treatment, including a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy.

Paul said the radiation was really painful, even though it only lasted a few seconds.

“She came out in blisters and I would rub the ointment on her back three times a day.”

Myra recovered and they started planning new travel adventures again, including a long-awaited holiday through the United Kingdom, partly to trace the family roots in Scotland.

“It was a wonderful trip, and there was nothing to indicate that Myra was anything other than at full health”, Paul said.

However, Myra developed blood clots in her legs on the flight home.

A check-up with her doctor showed the clots had moved into her lungs.

A further scan showed she had developed lung cancer, and Myra had surgery to remove the fluid but six months later she passed away at the age of 62.

“Myra passed away 10 days before we’d been married 43 years – I still miss her every day.”

Paul is so thankful for the dedicated support and care Myra received in the last stage of her battle with cancer.

“I have been donating eight years… usually around Myra’s birthday or our wedding anniversary.”

Paul saw many young people having treatment at the same time as Myra and

hopes his contribution can help families that need it.

“I am also leaving a gift in my Will to help support cancer research and people who need cancer treatment in the future.

“It’s important for me to help families get through those stressful times and get the support they need.”

He said he is grateful to have received support when they needed it and he wants others to have the same.

The Cancer Society Auckland/Northland branch’s chief executive Andrew Young said thanks to people like Paul thousands of New Zealanders facing cancer each year can access advice, one-on-one support services, accommodation during treatment and transport to and from treatment.

“The Cancer Society is incredibly grateful for the kindness of people who give a gift in their Will, without which we wouldn’t be able to provide essential support for New Zealanders facing cancer now and fund the best research to help people facing cancer in the future.

“We are reliant on the support from our wonderful donors and legacy gifts are a way for people to have a lasting impact.”

A gift in your Will to the Cancer Society is one of the ways you can continue to support cancer patients long into the future.

If you would like to know more about leaving a life-changing gift in your Will, please call Ashleigh on 09 930 7172 or email legacy@akcansoc.org.nz.

| 17

Photography retreats just what the doctor ordered By Ruby Harfield

A

business designed to help women travel and improve their photography skills is also helping their health and wellbeing.

Women in Photography (WIP) was founded by award-winning New Zealand photographer Lesley Whyte.

WIP is a global provider of photography tours and retreats.

Whyte said WIP has one aim “to grow the photographic passion of women and for them to become more confident in using their camera” though an incredibly fun, social plus extremely interactive and handson way.

“We know that for women it can be very busy juggling career and home life with, at times, not much me time.

“We recognise that at times we need me time, some camera time and being with other women.

“Whether our attendees are beginners and only just started using their camera, still on auto, or even more advanced, our photography tours and retreats are therapeutic and just what the doctor ordered.

Photography is a medium to express yourself, and also helps to bring focus to positive life experiences, she said.

“It can enhance your self-worth and even reduces the stress hormone cortisol.”

WIP has developed an annual four-day retreat in conjunction with River Valley Lodge, near Taihape, specifically for photography wellbeing, she said.

“River Valley has been chosen as it is a place to restore, rejuvenate, recreate and regenerate – it’s where we can immerse ourselves in nature, build a real connection with your camera and embrace ourselves as women.

BELOW: Award-winning New Zealand photographer Lesley Whyte, who founded Women in Photography. Photos/Supplied

“Of course, all our other photography retreats and tours are therapeutic for a photographer with us being totally immersed in the surroundings and enjoying that camera time.

“Travelling with like-minded and equally photographic passionate women, we’ve seen to be so beneficial, the women say at the end that they’ve not been thinking about anything other than being totally immersed in getting their camera settings right to capture stunning imagery.”

Women in Photography is led by women for women and is believed to be the only global provider of photography tours and retreats dedicated to enthusiasts, hobbyists, beginners and intermediate level photographers, Whyte said.

The retreats and tours are also incredibly fun and social plus extremely interactive with Lightroom & Photoshop sessions.

ABOVE LEFT: A Women in Photography group sitting at the 800 year old Totara stump at Blue Duck Station in the Ruapehu District. ABOVE RIGHT: A group tour at the Tommy Solomon statue in the Chatham Islands. Photos/Supplied

New Zealand’s only organisation providing photography workshops, adventures, events & tours, run by women, for women.

Contact Lesley Whyte for more information lesley@womeninphotography.co www.womeninphotography.co

Our retreats and tours are led by a dedicated team of Women in Photography mentors who have been chosen as they share Women in Photography’s philosophy of mentoring and growing “YOUR photography passion.”

18 |

ABOVE: James Robinson (right) pictured on his boat with some friends from Germany. Photos/Supplied

ABOVE & BELOW: James Robinson lives on a 12-metre sailing boat in the Bay of Islands. Photos/Supplied

New lifestyle born out of necessity

By Ruby Harfield

A

New Zealand man has embraced living on a boat after not being able to find suitable accommodation near his work.

In 2015, James Robinson had just bought a home in Wellington with his wife after moving up from Dunedin.

However, a job offer as an archaeologist for Heritage New Zealand in Northland led him to find alternative accommodation soon after the move.

Not wanting to turn down such an opportunity, Robinson looked into living in the Bay of Islands while his wife stayed at the new house.

Purchasing another home in Northland was not possible and he had trouble finding a rental that would offer him the security of a long-term contract.

That’s when he decided to buy a boat.

“We made a virtue out of a necessity.”

He ended up getting a 1980s Chieftain 38-foot (12-metre) yacht in Picton which had been built for the charter market.

“The boat has been cleverly designed to use the space well – it’s comfortable and sails well.”

He’s now 60 years old and has been living his new lifestyle for seven years - it’s a reasonably permanent solution as he has no plans to retire in the next 10 years.

“It works for us but we assess it every year.”

The boat is in a marina which makes it

easier than mooring it elsewhere, he said.

There is walking access to the boat and the marina has great facilities.

Robinson has purchased a license to occupy at the marina which gives him security to live there permanently.

“It’s like renting in a caravan park.

“I’m quite used to it now, there’s adequate room for one person.

“It works quite well if you’ve got something to do like work, otherwise I would go stir crazy just on the boat all the time.”

The main positive to living on a boat is the opportunity to go sailing and take your home to new places.

“It’s a holiday destination for the family and a refuge for myself and my wife – who regularly visits.”

Robinson spends one week a month at his Wellington home and after being on a boat for so long he relishes the time spent there.

“It’s a lovely home and the family is around. It’s a bit difficult leaving.”

For anyone considering a similar move, Robinson recommends that people prepare for the reality of living in such a small space.

It also pays to have a plan for the possibility of health issues and limited mobility which would make boat life harder.

“You need to work out what you want and if it’s going to work for you”

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