Abbeyfield Motueka recently celebrated becoming mortgage-free. Its house has been operating for 18 years and caters for 10 residents. Initially it had a $450,000 mortgage from the Tasman District Council, which has now been paid off. To mark the achievement Abbeyfield Motueka held a “mortgage-free celebration” for some of those involved with the house, as well as residents.

Treasurer Judith Lucre said the committee was very pleased to have paid off the mortgage, which had been achieved by being “very prudent”. Rental income has on the whole funded the mortgage repayments. The house was initially established with the help of the Motueka RSA, which gifted land to Abbeyfield Motueka. The house cost about $800,000 to build.

Abbeyfield New Zealand Executive Officer, Susan Jenkins,congratulated Abbeyfield Motueka on its achievement and paid tribute to all those involved in establishing and running the house for their vision and commitment. She said the support of Tasman District Council had been valuable and it was hoped that local authorities would continue to find ways to support community housing.