Residing in Wairau, Kerri Rimene (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tawhirikura, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne ki Wairarapa) her partner, and their two children are making their dream of owning a home a reality through Ka Uruora.
For Kerri, owning a home signifies more than just material possession; it embodies permanence, security, and a lasting legacy for her whānau.
Kerri and her whānau started their journey towards home ownership three years ago with an open mind and determination and joined Ka Uruora to better understand the intricacies that go into securing a house.
“Ka Uruora has provided that in-depth knowledge around home ownership that has helped us to understand our money better – things like looking at where our money is going, creating a budget, paying off debt, and finding ways to save,” explains Kerri.
Over the four-week programme, Kerri and her whānau gained valuable insights into financial management, including understanding KiwiSaver and various schemes designed to support whānau who want to buy a house, such as rent-to-buy, shared ownership, and leasehold options.
Kerri says she has gained newfound confidence, especially when it comes to managing her KiwiSaver fund.
“Now when I look at my KiwiSaver, I understand where my money is going and how I can grow that fund.”
Ka Uruora Pou Tūhono (Navigator) Debra-Lee Wilkie was with Kerri throughout the programme and saw her progress first-hand. She emphasises Kerri’s focus on family and the significant role decisions can play in shaping outcomes.
“What stood out to me about Kerri’s journey is her unwavering focus on achieving goals with her whānau at the forefront. She understands that changing habits isn’t about loss but gaining control,” says Debra-Lee.
Kerri and her whānau have set a goal to achieve homeownership within the next two years. During this time, they plan to focus on growing their KiwiSaver fund and managing their debts, a goal that her entire whānau is actively working towards.
Their journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, education, and community support, demonstrating that the dream of having a home to call their own is indeed within reach.
For families contemplating their journey towards homeownership, Kerri offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Keep an open mind and give it a go – what do you have to lose?”
Join us in celebrating Kerri and the journey of her whānau so far - stay tuned for further updates on their progress.
We believe that every whānau deserves the opportunity to have a safe and warm whare, and we are committed to walking this journey with you. Together, we build brighter futures, one step at a time.
Kerri's story is taken from the Ka Uruora Te Tauihu panui.