Millionaires attempt to evict homeless man who has lived in cave during pandemic

A homeless man living in a cave says millionaires in surrounding mansions are trying to evict him from the home he uses to "stay warm".

Awhi, 64, lives in a vandalised cave across the road from affluent homeowners in the flashy Mt Drury Reserve neighbourhood in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

In his temporary home, Awhi sleeps on a camp bed raised off the floor and has crammed in small shelves for keepsakes and food provided by homeless charities.

The rock floor is lined with with patterned rugs and even a space for his dog to sleep.

He uses a paddle board for a door to provide some privacy and he has also decorated the small cave with abandoned toys and trinkets found on the beach.

The rich people living close by hold regular meetings to evict him from his temporary home, he says.

"They are all millionaires along here. They would rather get me out of here," Awhi told New Zealand publication Stuff.

A homeless man known as Awhi, 64, says the millionaire residents near his makeshift cave home want him out (Stuff)

The 64-year-old worked as in forestry and as a builder before falling on hard times. He said he returned "home" last year, to where his family are from, after the death of his mum.

He said: "My family were from here. I went to school, went away, got married, had children, my mother died, so I came home.

"Things didn't work out at home, so I just hit the road again.

"I am not gonna live forever, but I'd like to stay as long as I can, until the time comes.

"I get up in the morning, the sun is shining and I am still above the ground."

The local MP Simon Bridges confirmed residents with a "couple of million dollars of mortgage" have made complaints about Awhi.

Awhi, 64, lives in the cave with his tiny puppy (pictured) (Stuff)

He said: "It is not so much Awhi, they tell me, but it is more the mates and hangers-on that come along - drinking, parties, noise... graffiti, breaking into nearby building sites - even fires."

The MP added: "If I had a couple of million dollars of mortgage there I might feel the same.

"I acknowledge it is complex and we don't want to lack compassion here. It is saddening at every level.

Awhi uses a paddleboard as a door to maintain some privacy (Stuff)

"It is a very 2021-type problem and it is also a fairly accurate metaphor for Tauranga today - you have got the most expensive properties in New Zealand outside of Auckland, up against homelessness and social problems."

Despite efforts from the millionaire residents, it's reported that the council can't move Awhi because he's slept rough in the cave for more than 18 months.

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