Partner Spotlight: Community Housing Aotearoa's David Zussman

This week's Spotlight is on David Zussman from Community Housing Aotearoa

We caught up with David and asked some questions to find out more about him as an individual.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

My family and I moved from the United Kingdom to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2000. I have 3 children 30, 29 and 20.  I love walking and am trying to do as many of the Great Walks as I can, although there are lots of other amazing walks in Aotearoa New Zealand.  At home, I do a bit of gardening and keep a few bantam chickens. I have a longstanding love of the sport of lacrosse and have been fortunate to play for NZ and manage the national team at the world championships, which are held every 4 years.

How did you get into the area of work you’re in?

Good question. I was unemployed (after spending some time in car sales), and spotted a job for a trainee housing officer for the London borough of Bromley. On the morning of the interview I turned on the TV and there was a programme about affordable housing – I got the job and have been doing this work ever since.

What motivates you to do what you do?

I believe that everyone has a right to housing – along with other fundamental rights, and I have always tried to offer respect to everyone. Community Housing organisations combine these two things by providing affordable housing and access to other support services. I love helping them to do more of this in the best way possible.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Make work work for you. Which is great advice if you have the ability to make those kinds of choices – not everybody does.