Moerewa local Roddy Pihema didn't grow up with a lot - but he knew where to turn to for help.
"I grew up in a world where whanaungatanga, connections, meant something - when everyone pitched in to help the next person."
However, the Bay of Islands Whangaroa local board member says increasing poverty is making it harder for the community to support each other - especially for kaumātua in the Far North.
With winter in full blast, Pihema said a number of kaumātua are homeless or living in substandard conditions.
"We live in 2024, and the way that our elders are living is like they are still in the 1800s."
Pihema said there are kaumātua living in leaking caravans, tents, shacks, or in cars.
"When I look at the way that our people are living today, they're not living, they're surviving."
"We've got no water, no power, no toilet."
The 66-year-old has faced her share of battles over the years. Reid is grateful a friend offered her space on her land to stay, but knows this winter will be harsh.
"It's been a pretty hard few years for myself, but you carry on."
This resilience, Pihema said, is becoming the norm for kaumātua entrenched in poverty.
"Many of them have sought help. Many of them have tried to find avenues to receive that help but not met the criteria, not met the terms and conditions.
"They've convinced themself that it's okay, that they can live like this."
The lack of housing is a major issue, with Pihema laying the blame on central Government policy.
"We invest more in corporate business than we [do] in our people."
Pihema understands the issues are complex for kaumātua, but a nuanced approach is needed.
"It's supporting them without taking their mana from them."
Made with funding from Te Māngai Pāho and New Zealand On Air.
