In 2021, a Te Puna whānau were referred to the 20 Degrees programme through Te Puni Kōkiri after their multigenerational whānau homestead beside their marae had become cold, damp and unsafe. The whānau wanted to protect their mum and keep their home healthy for future generations. They started the journey themselves, and when we got on board, we looked to boost their efforts in tackling mould, broken windows, missing insulation and other issues affecting their wellbeing. Over the past five years, we have worked alongside them to transform their whare into a warm, dry and healthy home - proving that with the right support and determination, real change is possible.
A Whānau Home Under Strain – The Backstory
Dave was raised in his whānau homestead alongside nine siblings, whāngai, and many other tamariki who came through the home.
He recounts the history of their tūrangawaewae: in 1976, after the passing of his koro, his parents had returned to the whānau homestead with their two tamariki. Dave was then born there in 1978. Their tūrangawaewae is their whānau standing place, foundation and home, right beside their marae in Te Puna.
Dave recalls that his father also grew up in this very same whare, with his own brothers, sisters, and cousins. At the front of their section, they began a new branch to their family tree/whakapapa, by adding a 2-bedroom home onto their whenua. With more tamariki arriving into the world, two extra rooms and a lounge was added onto their whare in 1982. This whare has been the heart of the family ever since.
His father was the Te Poutokomanawa, the strong stable Pou of the whānau, and his efforts kept the whānau whare in good condition. After the passing of his father, the house slowly started to deteriorate. Dave’s mother, now 75, still lives there, surrounded by mokopuna and great-grandchildren, who are now looking to get it in better condition so that it can remain a place to gather for future generations.
Before being referred to Sustainability Options, the whare/house had:
Mould in the lounge and ceilings
No insulation or ground vapour barrier
Draughty and broken windows
Unsafe decking and steps
A leaking flue on the wood burner
Damaged guttering
Nine people were living in the home at that time, including a five-year-old, with two whānau members in a sleepout. The whānau were aware of the issues with cold and dampness and were willing to doing something about it.
Support from Sustainability Options:
Through Te Puni Kōkiri, the whānau were referred to Sustainability Options in 2021. Our 20 Degrees programme provided both practical upgrades and education to build their capacity to run a warm, dry, healthy home. Together we supported them with:
Draught-proofing windows and doors
Installing new window latches
Underfloor and ceiling insulation
Glazing repairs
Removing the woodburner and installing an Econergy heat pump
Ground vapour barrier
Supplying gib for relining
Double lined curtains, and curtain rails
Exterior cladding repairs, supplying silicone and paint
LEDs
Dave recalls first meeting Phil, the co-founder of Sustainability Options, when a heat pump was installed for his mum. That moment sparked an ongoing relationship of trust and collaboration. He describes the aroha and generosity of the team as “the gift that keeps giving.”
Whānau-led Mahi
With guidance, resources and encouragement, the whānau took the lead in transforming their home. Their mahi was impressive and grounded in aroha for their mum and their whakapapa.
Their contributions included:
Renovating their bathroom, installing a shower and extractor fan
Relining and painting ceilings and walls with gib supplied
Installing a new ranch slider
Chipping in with decking repairs (Dave’s brother supplied timber)
Dave’s nephew learning hands-on skills while helping his nan, eventually gaining his own work opportunities from this.
Dave himself has taken on installing doors, gibbing, painting, and tiling - often learning through advice from Sustainability Options, YouTube and other whānau support. He says, “It’s amazing what you can do when you put the time in. Whatever helps Mum is a great thing.”
A healthier home and stronger future
The difference has been profound. The house is now warmer, drier, and healthier. Dave’s mum spends her time in the comfort of the heat-pump-warmed room, able to host mokopuna and great-grandchildren in a safe, welcoming space. The insulation and ground vapour barrier have reduced heat loss and moisture, and improved health outcomes.
For Dave, the motivation has always been caring for his mum and ensuring the whare remains a living, breathing centre of whānau life. He reflects:
The upgrades have extended the life of the home for “another 40 odd years.”
The whare is now fit to host Christmas, New Year gatherings, and future generations.
The proximity to the marae strengthens their connection to whakapapa and whenua.
Aroha and Gratitude
Dave emphasises that many whānau are shy to ask for help, but the tikanga of giving - shown by Sustainability Options - made it easier to accept support. He is deeply grateful to funders and supporters who made the work possible, saying the improvements carry “a lot of aroha, a lot more stories to come for the kids and mokopuna.” He kindly gave our team a beautiful gift basket, as a way to say thank you.
Know a Whānau Who Needs Support?
Every whānau deserves a home that keeps them well. Sometimes all it takes is a helping hand to get started.
You can self-refer for a free home assessment following this link below – or share the link with someone you know.
https://www.20degrees.org.nz/contact/
Together we can help more homes reach 20 degrees and support healthier futures for our communities.
