Duncan Pollock 

Since moving here approximately four years ago, my life has changed dramatically for the better.  I'm now in my second year of a Bachelor of Computing Systems which, previously I would never have had the courage to do.  That's the great thing about Rowan; you're encouraged to do things, you're not pushed.

When you get to live in a place such as Rowan, there's a real family sense that goes along with it.  Sure, there maybe three different buildings, each serving different people with different needs.  But together, we're one big family.  

And now of course the new building is being built, which is a really big deal for us.  It's not just a new building, as you might think; for us it's so much more.  It means a bigger and better way of life not just for us as flatters, but for staff too.  I mean lets face it; they have to work with us too.  The better we can make their work environment, the better it is for everyone concerned.  It also acts as a teaching tool.  It means that we as disabled people, have the ability to invite people into our home; sharing our lives with them, giving them a chance to see exactly how we want to live...with dignity and pride.  And of course, this is how I met my wonderful partner, Anne-Marie.  

And finally, it also marks the end of an era and therefore, a sense of moving forward.  These are difficult times for all of us, but just knowing that bigger and brighter times are to come, makes it all worth while.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of you that can and have given to our worthy cause.  Your generosity never goes unnoticed.

 Yvonne Nelson 

We said farewell to the old building before it was knocked down with a hangi, this helped to make me realise that the new Rowan is definitely going ahead, this is awesome as it means we will have a new purpose built home which is designed especially for those of us who have a disability and are in a wheelchair.  The 'Old Rowan' serves it purpose as a home but it is not easy to move around the place as the hallways and doorways are all too narrow for our chairs, it will be really great to be able to get around without the fear of hitting something or someone in our path.  The move from the old part of the building went really well and everyone helped each other with the move, we are now all settled in and can't wait for the day we can move into our 'New Rowan'.

 
Kenneth Campbell

For me it has been a little hard, as I moved out of my room in the main house to go into the temporary room for the next 12 months, it is hard because I feel like I have left my mates behind.  I can't wait to get into the new building and get my own room back and be back with my mates, it will be great to have more space and a bigger room of my own to move around, I cant wait to be able to sit around the dining room having a coffee and listening to our music together.

 Margaret Johnson

I can't wait for the next year to fly by. I am looking forward to getting a building that will be easier to move around, with space to be able to get into my room easier and not having all my equipment stored in my room, the new building will make it easier to get to the bathrooms especially for those who use chairs.  I can't wait to have a coffee in the new dining room..... can we get a coffee machine??
 

Carol Russell

It is going to take a long time, but it will be nice when it is finished and we can have another party.

Manager: Ross Bonniface

The flatters at Rowan are both sad and excited.  Sad at the loss of the 'Old Rowan' and along with this the memories of many years, for some up to 23 years.  Excited because they will have a brand new purpose built home to live in, a modern home that has been designed to cater for the needs of those who have a disability, allowing plenty of space, wide doorways and halls, and easy access showers, bathrooms and flatters rooms, allowing them the freedom and choice to be able move around their home, enhancing their options for more independence.