June 2017: The 77-year-old had a tumour and suffered a stroke among other health issues and regularly needed to be seen by the GP at Mangakino Health Services.
But there’s a noticeable change about her since extensive renovations have been made to the home she has lived in for more than 20 years. This was achieved with the support of Mangakino Whānau Ora and through the assistance of Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Housing Network.
“From a wairua perspective, it’s made a major difference,” Mangakino Whānau Ora paeārahi Leanne Karauna says.
“If you feel good inside, your spirit is lifted.”
Connie agrees and says it’s down to the transformation of her whare. Her and her whānau were forced to vacate the homestead for a year as it became uninhabitable.
Among the issues were holes in the floorboards, no insulation and a large hole in her bathtub with rotting floorboards underneath.
Now her whare is a warmer and healthier with renovations which included installation of a heat pump, new carpet, kitchen, bathroom and back porch. A transformation which brought tears to Connie’s eyes when the project was completed in March.
“I was amazed when I saw it, the whole house has changed. I can move around a lot more. I’ve thrown my [walking frame] away, not really but I’m not needing it,” she says.
The impact of her her warmer home has been noticeable at the the doctors health services.
“We’ve only seen her twice since her home has been renovated and one of those consultations was engaging with the pharmacist to talk about her the medication, so she is engaged in her health,” practice manager Charlene Campbell says.
For Connie, the home she has loved is now giving more comfort to her and her whānau.
“It’s lovely coming home now,” she says.
