When Diane Ryan looks around her west Auckland home these days, she sees a place she loves, but one that doesn’t fit anymore.

The 79 year old has lived happily in Huia for nearly a decade. Her house has three bedrooms, an upstairs and downstairs, and a big garden on a nearly quarter acre section.

“I want and need somewhere smaller and cheaper. I can’t really pay someone to do the lawns. And with the petrol crisis, it’s beginning to feel most things I need and activities I love are too far away.”

Ryan wants a small home, close to family, shops and health care.

Her grandchildren live in Glen Eden and Titirangi, 20-30 minutes drive away if there’s no traffic.