Feature article

A concussion upended her city life. Now she’s rebuilding a forgotten bush bach, and herself

A Dutch expat rebuilding a tiny Waitākere bach says nature helped heal her after a devastating concussion.

Kylie Klein Nixon
Last updated: 14 June 2026 | 3 min read

Marinella and Bronson are doing most of the grunt work themselves. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven

Marinella van den Hoven at home in the Waitakere cottage she is renovating with her partner Bronson Wilson. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven

The cottage is surrounded by garden and native bush. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven

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Kylie Klein Nixon Kylie Klein Nixon
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