Millionaire homeowners are said to be trying to evict a neighbouring homeless man from a cave he uses to keep warm.
Known only as Awhi, 64, he started living in a cave across the road from affluent homeowners in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand last year.
Inside the cave is a load of graffiti and a bed that is raised off the ground, along with some small shelves, a pantry with a patterned mat on the floor.
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There is also a paddle board that has been positioned upright, for privacy, and abandoned toys that he finds on the beach have been used as decoration.
He says that rich people are trying to take away his temporary home, that he uses as 'somewhere to stay warm'.
Awhi told Stuff: "They are all millionaires along here. They would rather get me out of here."
He continued to claim that the wealthy locals hold regular meetings about getting him kicked out of the cave.
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The 64-year-old used to work in forestry and as a builder.
He said: "My family were from here. I went to school, went away, got married, had children, my mother died, so I came home.
"Things didn't work out at home, so I just hit the road again.
"I am not gonna live forever, but I'd like to stay as long as I can, until the time comes.
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"I get up in the morning, the sun is shining and I am still above the ground."
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges confirmed local residents had made complaints about Awhi.
Bridges said: "It is not so much Awhi, they tell me, but it is more the mates and hangers-on that come along - drinking, parties, noise... graffiti, breaking into nearby building sites - even fires."
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The MP added: "If I had a couple of million dollars of mortgage there I might feel the same.
"I acknowledge it is complex and we don't want to lack compassion here. It is saddening at every level.
"It is a very 2021-type problem and it is also a fairly accurate metaphor for Tauranga today - you have got the most expensive properties in New Zealand outside of Auckland, up against homelessness and social problems."
However, the local council say that because Awhi has been sleeping in the cave for more than 18 months, they are unable to move him.
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They added: "As he is homeless, we are not able to move him."
Featured Image Credit: Stuff LimitedTopics: New Zealand, Homeless