One In Five for Sunday 13 December 2009

Yvonne Nelson talks to me from her shared living room at Rowan House. Nestled in the Napier suburb of Taradale, Rowan house is owned and operated by Presbyterian Support services. But according to manager Ross Bonniface, bricks and mortar 'an institution doth not make.' Mind you, the bricks and motor are going through what looks like an extreme makeover. The construction crews are going hammer and tong to build new premises. They'll replace a much older building plus add more residential space to the already existing facilities. Ross Bonniface says the new buildings are being financed by Presbytarian Support, plus some hefty private donations. There's nothing coming in from Government.

I ask Ross Bonniface, is that because the Ministry of Health is reluctant to fund what looks like a residential institution? He says 'no' - it's down to the Housing Ministry. According to them the location doesn't work. But Ross Bonniface believes the location's ideal…