Housing

Waiheke long-time resident's struggle to find a rental on the island

17:50 pm on 2 May 2023

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A 69 year old Waiheke man's been forced to couch surf and sleep in his car because he says there virutally no affordable long term rentals on the island.

Stu Escolme's works as a gardener and bus driver, but hasnt been able to find a flat since his last rental ended about six weeks ago.

He's lived on the island more than 40 years and does not want to leave, so he has been forced to move around with his puppy.

Since going public with his story, he's hopeful one of the offers he's had will see them housed soon.

In the meantime Stu explains how he's been managing.