Our tenants

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Hinemotu Oka

Age: 22

Time at Village: 10 months

Skilled in: Volunteer work

The Village is great for socialising. I like keeping myself occupied and the Village keeps me busy! I do a lot of volunteering around the Village, which I really enjoy. The units are nice and the facilities excellent. I get on really well with the owners, Anne & Darryll too!

Glen Sharman

Age: 39

Time at Village: 1 month (stayed for 2 years previously)
Skilled in: General labouring

The workers are friendly and cater for a variety of needs and wants. The Hub is great because it gives me access to a phone and computer. It’s great having Sky TV because I don’t even own a TV.

Jason Singh

Age: 49

Time at Village: 2 ½ years
Skilled in: Ink manufacturing

The Village is very affordable. My weekly rent is all-inclusive, so I don’t have to worry about being hit with power or rates bills.

I really like the people here; they are all very friendly.

Raewyn Matthews

Age: 40

“I’m proud to call the Village home!”

I’ve two boys aged one and four, my youngest was even born here! The Village is family friendly, multicultural environment; there’s always someone to help and I feel very secure here.

Frank Macindoe

Age: 52

Time at Village: 12 years (on and off)
Skilled in: General freight & commercial cleaning

I like the Village because the weekly rent is all-inclusive; covering power, gas and rubbish collection.

My one bedroom unit is great. It has a separate living area and toilet.

I love the people here. I’ve made new friends and found work by getting to know my neighbours.

Andrew Orr

Age: 44

Time at Village: 4 years
Skilled in: General labouring

I own my own caravan and the Village is the best place to reside. I’ve lived in a few caravan parks and Western Park is definitely the best. The landscaping is excellent and they are constantly upgrading the facilities.

“I love the community aspect; there’s always someone to talk to.”

Keith Povey

Age: 70

Time at Village: 6 months
Skilled in: Brewery work, General handyman

“Everyone is very helpful and I love the landscaping.”

I emigrated to New Zealand from London in 1961. I have six daughters and five sons. Two of my daughters live in the Village in an adjacent caravan.

Angela Bisman

Age: 41

Time at Village: 7 months
Skilled in: Currently studying for a career in childcare

I like all the tenants and have made some great friends. The office staff are very helpful too! I get along well with the owners, Anne & Darryll.

Kimiora Nooroa

Age: 53

Time at Village: 2 years
Skilled in: Welding

“I love talking to the people here”.

I like the one flat-fee that covers all utilities. It’s great being able to watch live sport on Sky TV.

Shane Jobsis

Age: 31

Time at Village: 5 months (3rd time resident)
Skilled in: Cabinet making

“The management are awesome!”

I arrived at the Village with just the clothes on my back. Despite not having money for a bond I was welcomed. It’s a great community environment; everyone is so friendly and helpful; it’s easy to borrow simple things like a pot or a blanket.

I live in a small cabin. It’s modern and suits me perfectly. Lovely native trees and fauna surround the Village.

If you need to get to Henderson urgently the free shuttle is great. I needed help picking up a fridge, Glenn the shuttle driver was only too happy to collect it for me.

Char Timothy

Age: 55

Time at Village: 3 years (returning resident)
Skilled in: Accommodation management

“The owners have always been there for me when I’ve had health or family issues.”

When I arrived here I had nowhere else to go. It’s a friendly family atmosphere; it’s easy to make new friends and everyone helps each other.

I work full time at the Village. I generally do the night shift, patrolling the Village and accommodating those arriving in the middle of the night.

Lois Matekuare

Age: 43

Time at Village: 4 years (on and off)
Skilled in: Accommodation management

“I just love it here!”

I work full time at the Village. I get on well with the bosses and tenants and really enjoy helping people out. Many can’t read or write, so I’ll help them with letters and bills.

There’s lots of support within the Village and from the surrounding community. We have a facility called The Hub where people can use the Internet to find work. It also serves as a temporary base for the many support groups like Plunket. The local Baptist Church give food parcels to those in need and every Christmas we put on a free lunch for everyone in the Village.

The Village improves every year; they are constantly building new units and landscaping.

Peter Derbyshire

Age: 81

Time at Village: 20 years
Retired

I’m the second longest serving resident. For most of my time here I’ve lived in my own caravan. I’ve recently had health issues, which has restricted my mobility. The owners constructed a brand new purpose-built unit for me, which I love. It’s fully self-contained and warm in the winter.

I feel very secure here and the owners keep the place looking great!

Vera

Age: 63

Time at Village: 21 years
Retired

I’m the longest serving resident! I’ve moved from a small caravan to a new unit with a separate living area.

I’ve made some great friends during my time here and think the owners Darryll & Anne are great!