Independent living: this can mean many things to different people including excitement, freedom, scariness and often challenges of finding an accessible house. For me, finding a house was a big challenge as we simply don’t have many available and if we do, they are taken quickly and not available for years because who would want to move if they have everything they need in the house?

New Zealand is one of the most accessible countries with our public laws and requirements but yet, our housing system is not so accessible. I think it’s pretty odd to have so few houses that accommodate people with extra needs. In a country where around 25% of the population has a disability, there should be a lot more accessible housing readily available than a couple every 6 months. Sure some organisations have houses for groups of disabled people which are amazing, but for people like myself who want to live by themselves or with a friend or two, there are little to none available.

I am very lucky that I have found 2 accessible houses in the last 3 years of moving out of my family home. The first one was in the middle of Auckland which was perfect when I was at university and working in the city. It had a ramp and an accessible bathroom which are my two main requirements, it might not have been the best house but we all start somewhere. 9 months later I decided to move to Christchurch for work and be closer to lifelong friends. I found a self-contained room on a farmhouse which was manageable and I will be forever grateful to have a place while I was settling down and finding my feet. Last year was a tough one and I decided that it was time to spread my wings a little and find a house. My best friend agreed to move in with me when we found a house and I believe that God was watching me trying to navigate my living situation because, within a few weeks, a perfect house became available which is where we are living now. It is in the same area, close to my work and shops, fully accessible and an actual home rather than a unit or room.

Even though I have been lucky with my houses, this is by fate, luck and being patient. I believe that future houses should be accessible as standard. This is not only due to the demand of a growing population but also because people never know what is going to happen. A person could break their leg and all of a sudden can’t go home because it has stairs or they have a child with a disability and have to move. 

There is a demand, why not make houses accessible to help and enhance the lives of everyone?

About the author:

I am a born and raised young New Zealand Māori woman. I was born with cerebral palsy which affects my muscles but not my mind. I am just like any other young person who has dreams, and aspirations and enjoys having fun. I am in my fourth year at the University of Auckland studying Criminology and Māori Studies with dreams of one day working in the justice system. I have a YouTube channel called Wheely Wacky Adventures where my friend Leah and I share videos of our adventures such as skydiving and bungy jumping just to name a couple. I am full of life and ready to take on what comes for me.