Family finds their place

Written for QLCHT by Poppie Johnson

In the calm and sunny neighbourhood of Hikuwai, Wānaka, nestled among newly built homes on Quartz Lane, Kenny Vaugh and his family have found their haven - a 4-bedroom house that not only offers shelter but also the chance to plant roots in a community that feels like it's truly theirs. This opportunity came through the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), and their assisted ownership programme.

Kenny, originally from Ireland, and his Scottish wife moved to Wānaka after falling in love with the region's beauty and lifestyle. "We came here for the lifestyle and then realised that we never want to leave," Kenny shares, echoing a sentiment common among many who move to Central Otago and find themselves captivated by its charm.

As Kenny describes his family’s journey, the significant role that QLCHT played in transforming his family's life becomes clear. Initially, the Vaughs' combined income was too high to qualify for the Trust's programmes, but with changing circumstances, including the arrival of twins two years after their first child Rory, their eligibility changed and aligned with QLCHT’s criteria.

"We found out we were having twins and decided it was probably a good time to look at this again," Kenny recalls, smiling at the memory. The process of securing their home began in earnest in 2021. "As soon as we walked through the doors of our empty home, we knew it was us. We loved it. It was everything we dreamed of - a brand new home, lovely and warm, a lovely little neighbourhood, a street to call our own," Kenny expresses with evident joy.

This sense of community and belonging was something the Vaughs craved but found lacking in their previous living arrangements. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the absence of a vibrant community atmosphere became starkly apparent. "We were living near town and would walk our usual route to the Bullock Creek, spending a little time there just with the two girls and Rory. Our daily little adventure, but there was no-one there." Kenny says, illustrating the isolation they felt in a street often empty due to many houses being used as holiday rentals.

The assisted ownership model offered by QLCHT enabled the Vaughs to purchase their home with a mortgage significantly below the average in the region. "For us, I think our purchase price was around $430,000," he notes, a figure far removed from market values in the area. Sections at Hikuwai today start at $690,000. This financial accessibility is a cornerstone of the Trust's mission to provide housing security without the daunting financial burden that many face in today's market and illustrates how essential working with developers is in creating opportunities.

The process wasn't without its challenges. Kenny recounts the moments of uncertainty when dealing with banks and the essential support they received from Corina at the Housing Trust. "Corina was wonderful. There were times when things weren't perfect for us, and she was very good at giving us the perspective of what was needed to make things work," he gratefully acknowledges. This support system extended beyond the Trust to include their families and employers, who all contributed to making the Vaughs' homeownership dream a reality.

Today, Kenny and his family are more than just homeowners; they are active members of a thriving community. "We have real housing security, and we don't have that same worry if you're coming off of a million-dollar mortgage and your rates are changing," Kenny reflects. This stability has allowed them to engage more fully with their community, where their children, Rory and the twins, have friends in the neighbourhood and the family can plan for the future without the looming anxiety of financial strain.

QLCHT is about to commence construction on a further four 2-bedroom homes at Hikuwai and new neighbours will be joining the Vaughs later this year. None of this would be possible without developers embracing the concept of inclusionary housing - changing the impact and meaning of these developments. Collaboration is creating true community spirit.

Hikuwai developer, Lee Brown, says: “We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive community, and it’s rewarding to know we are playing a role in helping a small number of families into their own homes, who would not otherwise be able to access home ownership.”