Feature article

From bankruptcy to homeownership

How Habitat for Humanity’s rent-to-own program helped Ants and Poro Cuthers rebuild their life — the right way

Last updated: 4 March 2025

For Ants Cuthers and his wife Poro, raising seven children on a tight budget used to be a daily struggle. Both grew up in state housing in Mangere, where financial hardships were the norm, and advice on managing money was scarce.

Ants admits to making poor financial decisions, but it wasn’t until their car was repossessed, that things really took a toll.

"That was a particularly hard day for me," says Ants. "It wasn’t just the car — it was the reality that everything we’d been avoiding was finally catching up."

After that, the couple found themselves at a crossroads.

"The system at the time made it easier for single parents to access financial support. In other words, Poro could have received the Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB) if we split, and I could have continued working and sending money for bills" explains Ants.

But breaking their family up wasn’t an option. Instead, they made the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy, move to Hamilton, and start over. It was here they joined the church and began rebuilding their lives with hope and determination.

A chance encounter with Habitat for Humanity

One day, a friend told them about rent-to-own, and on a whim, they filled out an application form. Five years later, a letter arrived — Habitat for Humanity was building in Hamilton for the first time in years.

At the time, Ants and Poro had made a bold decision to quit their jobs and study full-time — Ants pursuing theology and Poro diving into music. When the night came for the first big information session, Ants felt the odds were stacked against them. But fortunately, Poro insisted.

Ants remembers looking around the room thinking, “so many people deserved this opportunity — why should we be chosen?”

Still, Poro knew it was worth a shot, so they applied. The vetting process whittled the applicants down to five families, and Ants was surprised that they’d made it that far.

“Two things can stop you from being selected — imprisonment or bankruptcy. I was honest about our financial history, how we had become bankrupt, and the steps we were taking to turn things around. Luckily for us, Habitat for Humanity focus on your overall character and intent. They saw our determination and gave us a chance,” says Ants.

They didn’t need a big deposit — just a commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s model. Their rent was set at an affordable rate, calculated based on 30% of their income, and every dollar went toward their eventual mortgage.

At the time, they were living off student allowance. It wasn’t easy, but Ants says they were used to stretching the budget.

“Habitat worked with our situation, making sure we could afford to live while working toward homeownership,” says Ants.

A new mindset

Today, Ants and Poro have been in their new home for eight years and took full ownership three years ago. It was a major turning point — not just financially, but mentally. Ants believes that breaking the cycle of generational financial struggle begins with a shift in mindset.

“If you don’t want your kids to grow up like you did, you have to be the one to change it,” he says.

He and his wife could have separated to receive financial support, but they chose to stay together and find another way. And once they had achieved their goal, moving into their home gave them a sense of stability they had never known.

"It doesn't matter how many bad decisions you’ve made in your life — you can turn things around, one small, smart decision at a time," says Ants.

A legacy for their children

When they started their rent-to-own journey ten years ago, some of the kids were still little. But the older ones remember the tough times.

“For my older kids, it changed how they think,” Ants says. “They saw what we went through — things like watering down milk to make it last, bills piling up. Now, they know they can handle anything.”

“As for the younger ones,” he adds, “owning a home isn’t just a dream — it’s something they expect.”

Habitat for Humanity also gave hands-on support along the way. From home maintenance courses to lessons like how to properly wash the house, they’ve equipped Ants and his family with skills many renters never learn.

Always listen to your wife

Most people would think that after bankruptcy and while studying full-time, it’s not the right time to buy. But Ants and Poro made it work. Ants is now the Head Pastor at Hamilton Elim Church, and they own a beautiful new home.

“I’m very grateful, and I’ll probably never leave,” he says.

For anyone who thinks homeownership is out of reach, Ants has one piece of advice: “Always listen to your wife!” he laughs. “But seriously, don’t sell yourself short. It all begins with your mindset and the first step is easy — applying.”

Want to own your home? Check out Trade Me’s Rent-to-Own Guide and see how it could work for you.