What does home mean to you? What makes your house a home? Is it where you are warm and dry, safe and sound? Is it where you gather with your family, where you store your stuff, measure your kids’ growth spurts on the dining room door frame? Where you escape the world and rejuvenate in peace and privacy? We meet some New Zealanders who generously opened their homes to us, revealing a huge range of what ‘home’ means to people – and why it matters to all of them.

At home in the city
Ana, Rob, Aro and Chester Barbono in their apartment

On the move
The Ashtons and their house truck

The meaning of home
Tangata Whenua is important to Hinerangi Himiona

At home on the waves
Louise Gavin and Keith Nolan on their house boat

Everything we need
Bryce and Rasa in their tiny home

Home away from home
Sarada and Jeetan's home reflects their Nepali culture

A forever home
The Sumby Cruickshanks family live in a converted church

A home with history
Peter and Dianne Harris in their restored treasure

Home sweet home
Bree Graczyk and Marisa Schuler in their cosy caravan