After battling breast cancer and enduring life-changing complications from spinal surgery, Nelson woman Christine Olsen is facing another challenge – finding an accessible home.
For 59-year-old Christine, home has always been her “haven”. But after years of health struggles, she and her husband Glynn are now facing the uncertainty of not knowing where they will live next.
The couple, who have three adult children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are urgently searching for an affordable, accessible rental after having to leave two properties in a relatively short period of time.
Christine’s health problems began several years ago when she began experiencing dizzy spells and memory problems following several falls.
Tests revealed she had cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that was putting pressure on her spinal cord.
Before she could undergo surgery, however, Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024. She underwent treatment, becoming cancer-free in May 2025.
With her cancer in remission, attention turned back to her spine. A specialist in Wellington recommended surgery, warning that without it she could eventually suffer paralysis.
In September 2025, Christine received a phone call asking if she could travel to Wellington for the operation. But things did not go to plan.
When she came out of surgery, she was in “extreme pain” and unable to move parts of her right side. She later returned to Nelson, where an MRI revealed her spinal cord had been nicked during surgery, causing spinal fluid to leak.
She was flown to Christchurch for further surgery and spent four-and-a-half months in the Burwood Spinal Unit.
Christine says the complications have left her with significant mobility issues. She relies on a walker and wheelchair, cannot stand independently and needs carers to assist with personal care twice a day.
“I’ve gone from being completely independent to dependent.”
While in Burwood, Christine also began experiencing pressure behind her eye, which became so severe she started seeing double. Further tests in Nelson revealed a growth behind her eye.
She was scheduled to have it removed on 12 November, but the operation has been postponed because of concerns about her breathing and anaesthetic. There is currently no new surgery date.
“I just want to get back to my new normal,” she says.
Now Christine and Glynn are struggling to find somewhere to call home.
They had lived in the same Nelson rental for 21 years before their landlord needed to sell the property. They eventually secured another rental, but after just three months were told the owners needed it back.
Finding another suitable home has proved difficult. Christine needs a single-level property with an accessible bathroom and toilet, along with enough room for the equipment she uses.
She says they do not qualify for government housing because they have too much money in the bank but cannot secure a home loan because their income is not steady.
The couple have now been placed in Work and Income temporary accommodation in the Tasman region. Christine says assistance was only provided on the final day of their rental lease, which was “scary and stressful”.
While she is grateful to have a roof over her head, she says the accommodation is not ideal. The bathroom and toilet are difficult for her to access, and she sometimes goes three days without a shower.
“But I feel fortunate that I’m not on the street.”
She also says she feels lucky to be surrounded by supportive friends and family.
Christine previously worked at the Theatre Royal box office and says staff have been incredibly supportive throughout her illness.
“They didn’t replace me. They just got people to work my shifts when I had cancer.”
The focus is now finding a home.
A property in Nelson is their preference because of Christine’s ongoing appointments at the hospital, but they are willing to consider any suitable property.
Anyone with an appropriate property to rent can contact Christine at christineandglynn@hotmail.com
