About us
Sixty years of happiness in Bryndwr
For long-term Christchurch tenants David and Joyce, it all began on 8 January, 1945.
That's when they applied to the State Advances Corporation for housing.
“At the time, we were living in two rooms in Tuam Street. Then we moved to New Brighton to share a home with extended family,” says David.
With their first child aged 18 months and another one on the way, they eventually moved into a newly-built three bedroom state house in Bryndwr on 13 September, 1947.
The rent was one pound nine shillings a week. Today, nearly 60 years later, they are still in the same home.
Both are now in their 80's. Their home is beautifully kept inside and out. Joyce needs the support of a walker these days, but her kitchen just shines - she keeps the stainless steel sink bench polished to an immaculate gleam!
David looks after the garden area and has always maintained it to a very high standard.
“We've found the home is warmer after Housing New Zealand installed ceiling and underfloor insulation,” David says. “Our open fireplace is going to be replaced soon with a heat pump.”
Housing New Zealand has been converting all open fireplaces in its tenancies so it can meet the new Clean Air rules in Christchurch.
David says while they are still very happy in their home, the time is coming when they may want to transfer to something smaller.
