A New Beginning for Annette and Nicholas
Article
October 2026
For Annette Reedy and her son Nicholas, losing their whānau home to a fire in Ruatōria was a life-changing experience. Faced with uncertainty about where they would live next, their journey became one of resilience, adjustment and ultimately finding a new place to call home.
Ruatōria had always been home for Annette and Nicholas. It was where they had built their lives, surrounded by familiar places, whānau and the quiet lifestyle they had grown accustomed to.
When a fire destroyed theirwhānau home, they suddenly found themselves without a place to live. With support from Te Oranga Hinengaro and Ngāti Porou Oranga, temporary accommodation was arranged before they moved into transitional housing in Gisborne.
For Annette in particular, the move was a significant adjustment. Leaving Ruatōria meant stepping away fromthe place she knew and loved. While settling into Gisborne took time, the move also brought opportunities, including easier access toessential services, transport and ongoing support.
Reflecting on their experience, Annette acknowledged the people who helped them along the way.
"We had a lot of supportfrom WINZ (MSD) and Ngāti Porou Oranga."
As Annette and Nicholas adjusted to their new surroundings, they began rebuilding their daily routines and gaining confidence in managing their home. Throughout their time in transitional housing, Ngāti Porou Oranga Housing Navigator HaleyTuhaka worked closely with them, offering encouragement, practical advice and guidance.
Through regular visits, Haley supported the whānau with everyday household routines and helped them navigate housing-related processes. Over time, what began as an unfamiliar situation became an opportunity for Annette and Nicholas to develop greater independence and confidence.
For Nicholas, the support theyreceived made a lasting impression.
"Haley helped us big time."
Having someone they could turnto helped make the transition easier, particularly as they began consideringwhat a more permanent future in Gisborne could look like.
Their journey took a positive turn when a Kāinga Ora property became available near their transitional home With Haley's guidance, Annetteand Nicholas began preparing for another move, this time into a home they could call their own.
There was plenty to organise, from paperwork and moving arrangements to transferring household services. Although the process initially felt overwhelming, the prospect of having a permanent home brought excitement and hope.
After everything they had experienced, receiving the keys marked an important milestone. It was more than moving into another house. It was the chance to settle, establish new routines and begin looking towards the future with greater certainty.
For Annette and Nicholas, the journey from Ruatōria to Gisborne has been one of significant change. What began with the loss of their family home has led to a new beginning, supported by people who walked alongside them through the challenges and milestones.
Their experience is a reminder that having a safe, stable home means much more than having a roof overhead. It provides a sense of belonging, security and the freedom to look ahead.
Reflecting on what this newchapter means for her whānau, Annette shared:
"Having our own kāinga feels like a blessing."
For Annette and Nicholas, their new home is not just the end of a difficult housing journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with stability, independence and hope for the future.
