Marae units more accessible for kaumātua

Habitat continues its partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) to deliver critical home repairs for Māori whānau across Tai Tokerau Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This is a unique partnership, where Habitat loans are used in conjunction with TPK grants, effectively increasing the amount of funding and reach available.

Works are substantial and focused on improving whānau health and accessibility for the elderly and disabled.

This service has seen four kaumātua units at Tangiterōria marae receive extensive renovations to the bathrooms and install accessible ramps in all units. These changes will have lasting positive impacts for kaumātua like Manu, Carol, and Martha.

“Before the bathroom was very tight and Carol had slipped in there trying to adjust it, now we have a whole new wet room with space to sit down if needed. It’s clean and comfortable. For me, the biggest impact is the ramp, as Carol sometimes uses a walker. You’ve made it extremely easy for us to live here now. When I open the curtains in the morning I smile,” said Manu.

Martha said, “I’d had a stroke a few years ago and found it hard to take a shower. There were three doors to navigate and nowhere to put my seat, let alone trying to get up off the low toilet. Now there is one door, space for my chair and handrails to make it easy for me. It’s a breeze.”