Celebrating two decades of independent living

Twenty years is a long time to keep a friendship, let alone a flatmate.

Karen, Nicola, Chris and Sharron have just ticked off their 20th year of flatting happiness, with past and present staff as well as friends and family gathering to celebrate their milestone.

The housemates joined forces in 2004 when Nicola decided that, despite her disability, she was ready to leave the familial nest and have some independence like her peers. Her parents bought a house in Motueka and repurposed it to have four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office.  The Moffatt Street property is run by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, with strong family involvement.

Karen, Sharron and Chris joined Nicola as flatmates, and the quartet live independent lives with the support of staff.

Long-time staff member Rose says that the flatmates help with chores, shopping, making their lunches, and doing their own washing, “as well as learning life skills along the way and getting along with people”.

“Despite the ups and downs of normal life, the quartet are still going strong in 2024.  They are great mates and have lots of fun together.”

They often spend their weekends with family, and their lives are packed full of activities.

They visit the IDEA Motu base three days a week, and their combined interests include karate, going to the gym, Zumba sessions, church, swimming, bocce, visiting the speedway, grooving at Live Life Disability Support dances, and competing in the indoor bowls event at the Special Olympics.

The group count among them some ardent Giants and Makos supporters, and “they aren’t behind the rest of us with movies, shows, coffee outings and social meals out,” Rose reckons.

The foursome’s supporters and loved ones gathered at Moffatt Street on Saturday, 30 October, to celebrate their flatting anniversary. The event included plenty of food and laughter, and some reminiscing about the early house renovations.

The flatmates are grateful to all the people who help them, including their own families, Motu staff, Lifelong Disability Support team, church family and their special Olympic coaches. Rose reckons that they want to say hello to all the Motueka locals who enjoy meeting them.

“This makes for a great community effort.”