She, her partner and three young children were unharmed after their Portobello rental home burned quickly in high winds on Saturday, but it was a devastating experience. But having a rental property to move into so soon after the fire had been a major stroke of luck for her family. Rental property owner Martin Rutherford, of Portobello, said he offered his three-bedroom house to the family, rent-free until the new year, to help them get back on their feet. There was an opportunity for the family to stay in the house and pay rent in the new year, and Ms Hudson said the family was keen to do that. It was hoped the family would be able to move in at the end of this week.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 24, 2020 15:33 UTC