Nomadic plans for new year

While many people start the new year with a resolution to improve their health or manage money better, a former Waikouaiti woman has ditched home comforts to start a nomadic life.

With no former carpentry experience, Judy Robertson has built a trailer home from scratch using a jigsaw, hammer, nails and screws, along with a little help from family.

"All the walls are crooked and none of the windows fit and my daughter thinks I’m mad," she said.

However, her home, which was parked for several nights on Victoria Rd, has already attracted curious admirers keen to have a look through.

The bed doubles as a sofa during the day and she will have a working sink once the plumbing is re-glued.

A repurposed bread bin holds her toiletries in a small bathroom, which maintains its privacy because the ill-fitting door sticks at the top.

Cooking is done on a portable gas cooker — future plans include a small pot belly stove.

Describing herself as "of no fixed abode", her plan now is to explore South Island beaches.