National News

Posted on: 16 January 2012

November’s Khmer Harvest in Cambodia saw a bumper number of Kiwis take part in this Special Global Village Build Event. 153 of them in all! They, together with some 200 international volunteers, successfully completed the challenge of building 22 homes, a community hall and working farm in the Oudong Province in just five days.  This achievement has provided families with a safe, decent and affordable place to live and work, away from Phnom Penh’s infamous Stoeung Meanchey Dumpsite. Habitat NZ CEO Pete North was delighted to see retiring Affiliate Chairs Julian Shields (17 years Nelson Chair) and Dave Reyburn (17 years Northland Chair) taking part. “Julian is a regular attender of GV trips and for Dave it was his first overseas GV build,” Pete says.
Dave highly recommends to anyone who has not yet experienced this. “This GV trip enabled me to appreciate the wider work of Habitat,” he says, “and realise how good we have it here. The living conditions of families prior to the build were really substandard and I was amazed at how little it cost to house one family compared to a New Zealand family. The new home owners were really appreciative of the opportunity to enjoy a better way of life and it was such a buzz to work with people from so many cultures in making it happen.”
31 year old Chea Sreymom used to share an 18m2 room at Stoeung Meanchey with eight other relatives. Sreymom is now able to live under the roof of her own house with pride and a great sense of ownership. She works at the new farm nearby earning US$3 daily and also works part-time as a manicurist to help save for her new home. Her mother, Bun Sophurn, who at 60 years of age was living beside busy railway tracks, has also moved in.
“I am very happy and grateful to all the national and international volunteers that came to build my house,” Sreymom says, “I will never disappoint the people who helped me.”

Posted on: 2 December 2011

Pete North
CEO Habitat for Humanity New Zealand.

Posted on: 22 November 2011

Posted on: 9 November 2011

Reporting to the Marketing and Fundraising Manager, this role has responsibility for Habitat’s considerable database, and will work closely with the entire Finance, Marketing and Fundraising team. While donation processing, receipting and administration are key components of this role, there is also great opportunity to make your mark with donor development strategies using your excellent analytical and reporting skills. Experience with fundraising or contact management database programmes is important, as is attention to detail and a commitment to Habitat’s mission of ‘a world where everyone has a decent place to live.’  Working as a team with staff members and volunteers will be critical, as will meeting the needs of our donors.
Please send expressions of interest to
Marketing Manager.
David Lawson.
dlawson@habitat.org.nz

Posted on: 31 October 2011

Posted on: 4 October 2011

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Posted on: 27 September 2011

Posted on: 27 September 2011

Posted on: 27 September 2011

Auckland & Waikato

National Conference

Posted on: 22 September 2011

HFH Fiji builds 46 new homes in cyclone response

Posted on: 21 September 2011

Posted on: 31 August 2011

Posted on: 13 June 2011

Posted on: 3 June 2011

Posted on: 1 June 2011

Julie Christie, award winning producer and CEO of Eyeworks, New Zealand’s leading entertainment television production company, takes time out to talk about Habitat and the Khmer Harvest Build trip.

Q: You’ve been involved in a couple of Habitat builds now – the Women’s Build Event on Auckland’s Viaduct and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Thailand. What motivates you to support these events?
A: Initially it was more about “who” motivated me, namely Trelise Cooper. She’s a very persuasive woman, but of course Habitat is such a great cause, and after the first one I was hooked! It was a big challenge for me (the first build at the Viaduct). I had absolutely no previous building experience but I am always keen for new challenges. For me the challenge was not saying anything when an experienced builder was standing behind you looking terrified at your hammer technique!

Q: What has been a personal highlight for you participating in these events?
A: The biggest highlight for me was seeing teams of women working together. I have always believed that women can do anything and I’ve produced so many home renovation TV shows that I somehow convinced myself I could do it too! There was a great sense of achievement when we handed the house over to the family in Thailand. Considering it was so hot, it was a credit to our group of women that they just knuckled down and got the job done. And because, for most of us, it was way out of our comfort zone, it made it all that more rewarding.

Q: Why do you support the work of Habitat for Humanity?
A: The idea of helping those less fortunate but who are also prepared to help themselves really appeals to me. You’re not just handing a family a house. They have to prove themselves worthy of owning it in the years to come. I really like the idea that these new homeowners have such a stake in it. These families are so grateful for something we would consider so meagre. It is very humbling. It’s good for all of us every now and then to take things back to basics and remind ourselves what the important things in life are, and to not get so caught up in the small stuff.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming Khmer Harvest Build?
A: Travelling there with so many of my friends, especially from my hometown of Greymouth. Some haven’t been to Asia before and I haven’t been to Cambodia. I love to experience different cultures, the food and the shopping. Although it’s physically very hard work, we will have so much fun. Because it’s so different to what I do every day in my working life, it’s actually also an opportunity to recharge mentally. As good as a holiday!

Posted on: 31 May 2011

Last October, Habitat sent 150 Kiwis to take on a challenge bigger than Everest itself: the building of 40 homes in Nepal in just six days working alongside partner families and international volunteers.It was no easy task but with a bit of can-do and more New Zealand volunteers attending than any other country, we did it! This year we do it again.

Habitat is now looking for New Zealand volunteers to lead the charge as we prepare for the Khmer Harvest Build in Cambodia. We have reserved 150 of the 350 places available so that a significant number of Kiwi recruits can attend this special 15-19 November event.

Located in Oudong, 40km northwest from Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, the trip’s goal is to build 20 Habitat homes in just five days. It will build upon Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s 2009 Work Project which saw the same number of homes built in this short time. Additional land for housing, adjacent to the original project, has been secured so that more families scraping a living off Phnom Penh’s infamous and now closed Steung Meanchey dumpsite can have a shot at a better way of life. Through volunteer help and low-interest loans, they will be given the chance to realise their dream of having a safe and healthy home to call their own.

Frequently described as a life-changing event, there will be a few more surprises in store for those who take part this year according to Habitat New Zealand’s Global Village Coordinator Devie Dalziel. “Volunteers will experience firsthand Habitat Cambodia’s vision that partner families enjoy not only a quality home, but a better quality of life,” Devie says. “For three days volunteers will build 20 homes as well as a community centre for education and health initiatives. For the other two days, they will make bricks using greener technology and work on a co-operative farm. This initiative, complete with chooks, is providing residents with a sustainable and much safer way to make a living than off the dumpsite.”

Devie says for Kiwis wanting to make a practical difference and immerse themselves in a different way of life there is little reason not to go. “No building experience is required,” she says. “So long as you are in good health, are over 18 years of age, and have a bit of can-do, you can be a part of this special event.”

Habitat recommends that Global Villagers take a few extra days R & R to explore the magical kingdom of Cambodia while they’re there. As a popular travel destination, supporters are encouraged to book their trip early by contacting Devie on (09) 579 4111 or visit www.habitat.org.nz for more information.

Posted on: 31 May 2011

We never cease to be amazed at how many people from all walks of life are willing to forget about themselves, roll up their sleeves, and help others in times of crisis and need. They are the faces of Habitat and bring the “Humanity” to our charity’s work here in New Zealand. In the first of what will become a regular Habitat News feature, we celebrate and pay tribute to these “heroes” and we couldn’t think of a better place to start than the Far North!

Winner of a 2010 Queen’s Service Medal (for services to the New Zealand Police and the community) we reckon that Shona Hobson QSM is a true Habitat Hero and that recognition for her countless services to the people of Kaitaia, the town in which she was born, is long overdue.

For the past 14 years Shona has served as the Far North Strengthening Families Coordinator yet her services to the community have far exceeded any expectations of her given job title. Serving as a police volunteer, establishing a Victim Support Group in town, organising Blue Light discos (for the past 10 years) and Christmas parades are just a few of the many projects that Shona has been involved with. This fun-loving 47 year old has never shied away from being at the coal face of fundraising either (selling tuatua fritters might we add). A super effort when you consider that Shona is also Mum to Dion Junior (22 years), Leisha (21), Shayelah (19) and Wyniard (15) and God Mum to Marshal (5).

Not surprisingly, Shona has been a friend of Habitat for some time too and has been a great referral source for prospective Habitat Northland Home Owners. When two families lost their homes to fire, and sadly a child each, Shona like many in her community, felt compelled to help in whatever way she could. Shona was instrumental in the building of two Habitat Homes for the families; one in town and the other in nearby Herekino. Determined to make a difference she tirelessly sourced local sponsorship to support the build. Her efforts did not stop at providing shelter either. Shona made sure that all building volunteers were well fed and that each family’s pantry was well stocked with donated food to help get them on their feet again. In fact her support of the families continued well after the families had moved in.

Congratulations Shona and thanks for your wonderful efforts.

Posted on: 31 May 2011

The sun has now set on Habitat New Zealand helping cyclone-stricken families in Fiji. For our last volunteers, returning late March, the milestone was tinged with a sense of pride at what had been accomplished and a hint of sadness at having to end their camaraderie with the friendly Fijian people.

In March 2009 Cyclone Tomas carved a path of destruction across the northern island of Vanua Levu leaving many Fijian families with little more than the shirts off their backs. The cyclone’s destructive forces destroyed over 500 homes and damaged many more.

As with the Samoan Tsunami, New Zealanders responded generously to the plight of Fiji and it was not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ Habitat New Zealand would play its part in helping our Pacific neighbours. That opportunity came when a partnership was formed with Habitat Fiji to build new homes in two remote villages: Karoko and Wailevu, sitting on opposite sides of Vanua Levu’s south east peninsula. The four hour trip across 100km of mostly unsealed road was not for the faint hearted and anyone expecting luxury accommodation at the end very much had to rough it.

Despite the trying conditions our hardy volunteers (34 Kiwis and one Australian) worked relentlessly alongside local villagers and families determined to make a better life for themselves. Habitat Fiji also sent builders from the main island of Viti Levu. Many of these hard working men would leave their young families behind for months to take part. What was accomplished, in the space of just five months however, was the building of a remarkable 23 homes. According to David Hartmann, a young builder from Mount Roskill, the modest weatherboard homes with tin roofs and atop wooden piles were considered luxurious by their new owners.

“A trip highlight for me was the dedication of a house for a family of five at Wailevu,” the 21 year old says, “They had all been living in a tin shack, smaller than a single garage, for the last 10 months. They slept and cooked in there too. The father told everyone he had no money to pay for a new house and with tears he expressed his total thankfulness to us for helping build his new house. That really impacted me. I felt humbled to be there. It was worth it, just for this one family, to have gone on the trip.”

David and Katikati Electrician Duncan Aylwin were part of the third team of New Zealand volunteers to go. Both men had worked together before, having gone to Samoa (Duncan twice) with Habitat New Zealand to build fales for tsunami victims. When asking Duncan why he does it he said, “I love travelling and the challenge of going somewhere different. Being able to help the local people affected by a natural disaster is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.”

David says that the chance to show the love of God to people in a practical way is a big motivator for him. “These trips pushed me past myself and really had a positive effect on me,” he says. Both men agree that the rewards from these trips far outweigh any effort.

Habitat New Zealand is currently seeking skilled trades and handy people to assist with our Disaster Response efforts back home in Christchurch. To register your interest visit www.habitat.org.nz.

Posted on: 12 April 2011

Posted on: 16 March 2011

We all have seen the television images of the destruction in Northeast Japan as a result of Friday earthquake and Tsunami.   The staff and board members of HFH Japan are all safe - but obviously shaken by this terrible tragedy.    Please keep our HFH Japan colleagues in your prayers.

 Currently we are in touch with the International Federation of the Red Cross and other partners we work with in disaster response in Asia-Pacific.    We are also in contact with major corporate and individual HFH donors with specific interests in Japan. The current HFH Japan organization focuses on Global Village and specific funding opportunities in Japan for supporting the needs of developing countries in Asia and beyond. This will continue to be their focus - however - we are working with the leadership in Tokyo on the development of an appropriate domestic response to this tragedy - given available and pending resource opportunities.

Posted on: 9 March 2011

HFHNZ is mounting a response to the Christchurch earthquake, our intent is to send volunteer teams down there from late April onwards, to assist in repair work.  Lots of detail yet to be worked out, constantly shifting game plan with so many uncertainties, but we need to be there helping those in need.

We plan to send smaller teams to begin with to test the waters, we can ramp up to larger teams afterwards if the work is there and all details are worked out.

Posted on: 4 March 2011

Dear Christchurch Volunteer

THANK YOU so much for registering your interest with us.  Please do keep the people and city of Christchurch in your prayers. 

The tragedy in Christchurch continues to unfold each day.  The death toll now stands at 163 and is expected to reach 240 considering many missing people are still unaccounted for.  The city is extensively damaged, the CBD area has perhaps 50% of buildings requiring demolition, infrastructure like sewer lines, power and roads are severely damaged, and residential homes are now beginning to be assessed, however it looks like 50 to 70% are either destroyed or have suffered serious damage. The toll on the people of Christchurch, with trauma and the ongoing uncertainties around rebuilding on liquefied land, fragile employment situations and major life choices under review, is extensive.

In the early days following the February 22^nd earthquake, we offered to assist both Salvation Army and Red Cross with manpower through our Volunteer network.  They have replied with thanks, however the city did not need an army of volunteers from outside in the early days of rescue and relief operations, and much manpower was provided by the amazing 15,000 strong Student Volunteer Army.

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand intends to respond to this national disaster, in what it does best.  We aim to provide a large volunteer force to assist in repairing damaged homes, or building new ones, when the time is right.  Exactly how will this happen, we simply do not know yet.  We aim to work in close cooperation with other agencies, the Government and the overall planned reconstruction effort when that is determined.  We expect it to be perhaps at least six months away before we can commence such construction work.  The repair and rebuilding process may take several years minimum to complete once it commences. This is definitely going to be a long term project.

We have sufficient volunteer interest right now, to expect that we could send 1,000 or more volunteers to Christchurch when the time is right.  A very positive 42% of the hundreds of Kiwi volunteers registering interest to date are skilled tradespersons or handypersons, and 58% are unskilled in construction type work.  With active promotion closer to the work time, we believe we could send many many more.  We also expect some people from overseas to come and help, with 55 volunteers, mainly builders, already registered with us. We expect to send volunteers over a well planned and managed process, perhaps over a 12 month or longer period, not all at once.  We would aim to send volunteers in teams of a certain size per week, each team staying for two weeks if they are able, perhaps one week options and longer options also available. We will be seeking a place to use as our rebuilding headquarters, looking into provisioning of equipment, tools, transport vehicles, how we would accommodate and feed large groups of volunteers, and much more.

Everyone wants to help right now, as we do, but the reality is that full scale construction work will come later, and we request your patience as we await our turn to help Christchurch.

Is there anything at all that you can do right now?  There are a few opportunities and possibilities, as follows:

a)     If you are in Auckland, and are also in the “just want to help” and “unskilled construction” group, here is what you can help with:  a church based group is seeking volunteers to help with manning a call centre, database entry, picking up people at airport, placement coordinators (for Cantabrians temporary accommodation in Auckland), and follow up care people.  If this interests you please make contact with them directly, email Jill Smith =  JSmith@encounter.org.nz or phone her on 09-820-5945 or 0800 237 869 if you can help.  Please do not contact ourselves.

b)    If you are in the skilled group of tradespersons or handypersons, before the large scale rebuilding project begins six months from now (estimated only), there may be some small projects that we can help with in Christchurch, on a case by case basis.  One possibility is that the Red Cross may call us soon to assist with placing tarpaulins over roofs to keep damaged homes weatherproofed and avoid further damage.  Some homes may have limited damage, such that we can do repair work without engineering assessments or building consents.  Some community halls or facilities, some church buildings, and many other possibilities, also may be able to have repairs done without the assessment, engineering and consent process completed first.  If you are interested in being a part of any of these types of projects, please email us back at Information@habitat.org.nz, and give us your name, say “already registered” and also say “want to go early with smaller projects”.

c)     Otherwise if you are happy to wait for the larger response when that time comes, do nothing further, and we will be in contact with you at the appropriate time as we gear up for the rebuilding project.

Together, with multiple organisations, partners, volunteers, and the support of both Kiwis and caring people from overseas, we can REBUILD CHRISTCHURCH. 

Thank you again, for wanting to join us.

Posted on: 1 March 2011

Posted on: 26 February 2011

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Posted on: 3 February 2011

The trip to Wailevu village, Fiji,  was amazing! It was great to make fast progress on the houses, and to work alongside the local men and kids. The people were amazingly friendly and helpful on the jobsite. I have never seen such helpful people - there were always kids keen to do anything to help out or run an errand, and no shortage of muscle power from the local guys to set up the frames and trusses. The whole village accepted us as a team into their family. It was great to get to know quite a few locals and they took us up to the waterfall, took a couple of us fishing on the boat, and took us on a boat trip as a team on Sat to a nearby bay that was great for snorkelling.
 
One of my highlights was the house dedication for a family of 5 who had been living in a very small iron shack. The father was so thankful, he said he couldn't give anything to pay for it. Hearing this man say this with tearful eyes made me so thankful to be a part of the team, it made the trip so worthwhile. The family moved in the day the house was completed, they were so happy!
 
Maretta the cooking lady and Junior her helper did a fantastic job considering the limited food variety, the food was always tasty. The Fijian Habitat guys were great and never pushy. It was a good idea they allowed a day for us to travel back to Savusavu. We left at 11am and got stuck in mud twice, finally arriving at 6pm at the hotel! It was all part of the Fiji experience and i'd be keen to come back again if I get another opportunity. It was a great bunch of kiwis in our team, we got on real well together even though we've all got different ages and personalities. At the end of the trip we were all good friends. I'll be staying in touch with them. After the second week the kids were calling Duncan - "Tata levu" (big daddy)!
 
The feedback from the previous volunteers was so helpful, especially their suggestions for gifts that the people need. Our team was able to supply heaps of balls and school books/ stationary, children's footwear, clothes, children's reading books. Several of us gave clothes and sheets away, and we all came back with really light bags! It was awesome to have the opportunity to help these needy people out, not only with their primary need of housing, but also with gifts we could bring over.
 
Also the little boy, Josepho, will now recieve treatment for his leg, as our team was able to pull together some money to pay for him and his mother to go to the hospital. At first he was afraid of us white people, but at the end of the trip he was smiling and waving to us from his doorway. I thank God for all the things He is doing for the village of Wailevu, and I am so thankful to have been able to be involved.
 

 
Thanks!
Dave Hartmann

Posted on: 2 February 2011

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Posted on: 23 December 2010

Sure, things were reasonably intrepid, then there was the rain & of course the mud but, the fantastic people and ‘the cause’ easily out shone any issues we may have experienced.

Posted on: 24 November 2010

Posted on: 28 September 2010

We have arranged a television ad appealing for volunteers (tradespersons & handymen only) and donations fronted by Michael Jones. We appreciate his support. We also appreciate the support of TV3 and production company Digital Masters. This televised appeal is expected to go to air commencing early October.

Posted on: 6 September 2010

The end of this month marks the first anniversary of the Samoan tsunami. This Pacific tragedy, literally on our own doorstep, gave rise to an outpouring of grief and need on a scale seldom seen in the Pacific. Despite the sheer size of the destruction, New Zealand’s resolve and response to help the people of Samoa was of a magnitude that few could have anticipated.

Through the blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of individual donors, corporate donors, and more than 600 volunteers, our charity was able to harness this Kiwi goodwill and generosity and lead the world’s charge in addressing the very practical needs of families in desperate need of shelter and a helping hand. Habitat’s generous supporters have helped build safe and secure homes for almost 100 of the worst affected families. And while many volunteers had the intention of simply going to bless the people of Samoa by simply participating in the build, they came home feeling so blessed themselves.

While there is good cause to celebrate our tremendous success in Samoa, there is clear evidence and growing demand for Habitat New Zealand’s presence and skills in many Pacific nations. In the space of just one year, tsunami aside, both Fiji and the Cook Islands felt the full force of Cyclones Tomas and Pat. Our focus shifts to Fiji this month, where the need for families to move into a safe and decent place to live is still great. Habitat for Humanity New Zealand is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Fiji to build 45 houses in North Western Fiji where Tomas stripped families of what little they had already.

Donations raised from this year’s Annual Appeal will be used to help mobilise people and resources from Samoa and New Zealand to Fiji including the transportation of containers and a 4WD ute from Samoa to the remote build area in Vanua Levu. It is estimated that $10,000 in donations will also need to be raised to supply power, purchase a shower/toilet/kitchenette unit, a concrete mixer, and other essential build equipment. Please support Habitat’s Annual Appeal today and help Habitat’s increasing work both here and overseas.

Posted on: 6 September 2010

Habitat New Zealand recently hosted Habitat Cambodia Country Director Bernadette Bolo-Duthy at our National Conference, as well as Auckland and Waikato Global Village events. We asked Bernadette to take a break from her busy schedule to run through a little ‘Q & A” with Habitat News Readers.

Q: What inspires you about your work?
A: As a Filipino, and having worked with informal settlers with the same housing problems as the Cambodians, I have always had an interest in housing rights. Too often people living in poverty housing conditions find that they have very little say as to where and how they can live. If a government decides to take their land away for development purposes, these people have few options available to them. They must deal with the cards that they have been dealt. There’s great fulfillment in being able to stand up with those living in poverty when there is the potential for injustice and an imbalance in power.

Q: What was your background prior to joining Habitat in July 2007?
A: For 15 years I worked for an organisation dedicated to the housing rights of the poor. This involved negotiating with government on the proposed relocation of more than 7,000 families facing eviction from Manila’s largest slum area. My first job in Cambodia was in Phnom Penh from 1994-1997 training and assisting urban poor communities in stopping evictions and negotiating with government. When I joined Habitat Cambodia, I was particularly attracted to the Battambang project as it pilots an inner city slum upgrading and land security project that allows Cambodians to live in the city. This is unlike the many urban projects that Habitat for Humanity Cambodia implements in resettlement sites that are 20-30km outside of Phnom Penh.

Q: You’ve been in the job for three years now and are responsible for 50 staff. Has there been any occasion that confirmed for you that you are in the right job?
A: Many examples spring to mind. I think about this single mum with three young children who was struggling to provide for them by running a small shop on Phnom Penh’s dump site (which is now closed). As a successful candidate for ownership of a new Habitat home, she became a skilled brick layer while helping build her new home. For a while, while learning her new trade, she would regularly travel 60km back to the city to run her small business as well. She is an incredibly hard worker and mum. She inspires me to work harder for other struggling families in need.

Q: Why would you encourage New Zealanders to support the work of Habitat?
A: Whether Kiwis donate or volunteer, their generosity makes a huge difference. For just $US 1,700 they can provide a family with a home to call their own one day. While this may seem like a low cost to us, not every Cambodian can afford this and we are working on making housing accessible to the poorest of the poor also. In the meantime, we can still help them improve their quality of life through other means such as water sanitation. For a donation of less than $US 1,000 we were able to supply a new pump and water tank for 348 school children in one community to use. Previously they had to walk miles in order to obtain fresh, drinkable water. Please don’t stop now New Zealand. Your life-saving support is still desperately needed to provide Cambodians with a better quality of life.

Q: What is your experience of Kiwi volunteers?
A: Kiwis are hard workers and we appreciate them because they don’t like seeing a job half done. For many, a Global Village Trip is not just a one-off, been-there-done-that experience. Several Kiwis wrote to help us design a house-brace that helps prevent a home’s collapse during the typhoon season. It has now become a core element of Habitat Cambodia’s rural house strengthening project. I will never forget Kiwi volunteers doing the haka at the end of Habitat’s Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter work project. At first, the locals thought it strange that these burly builders might consider doing a “dance” for them! However, once the haka was revealed, it was a powerful and very moving experience.

Posted on: 6 September 2010

Here are a few exciting activities planned for Appeal Week. Please contact your local Habitat office if you would like to volunteer some of your time in support of this week.

Habitat Northland (09) 437 2909
We will be doing A Brush with Kindness for Kamo residents Graeme and Adrienne Paddison. Graeme suffered a traumatic head injury from a motorcycle accident many years ago, which left him paralysed in one leg. Since then, the couple have had difficulty maintaining their property. Throughout Appeal Week there are plans to lay vinyl, repair the roof, replace french doors, and a whole raft of other activities that will require the goodwill and support of skilled and unskilled volunteers from the community.

Habitat Greater Auckland (09) 271 3357
As part of Awareness Week and to commemorate the Samoan Tsunami of September 2009, Habitat Greater Auckland will be holding a Rebuild Samoa Reunion event on Monday 20th September at Unitec Auckland from 7pm. The evening will bring together many of the volunteers who participated in the rebuild including individuals, churches and corporate groups. It is will also be an occasion to remember those who died in the tsunami, celebrate project achievements, reunite with old friends, share some stories and give an overview of future projects and challenges.

Habitat Central North Island (07) 849 0284
With the help of Hamilton residents and an enthusiastic Nawton neighbourhood group, Habitat Central North Island are planning on Brushing a Whole Street with Kindness. Described as a “spring clean” of Lindsay Crescent, most of the work will be done on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September. Corporate volunteers will be sent in on the Friday while resident volunteers will muck in on the Saturday to assist with making the street a better place to live, particularly for its many elderly residents.

Habitat Lower North Island (04) 238 4251
Habitat LNI is planning two great Appeal Week events: A Domino’s Pizza Dough Raiser and A Salute to Samoa Evening. Take a break from the cooking! Purchase a pizza (or several!) from Domino’s Porirua (Hagley Street) on Wednesday 22 September, tell them you’re supporting Habitat and Domino’s will donate $1 per pizza. On Saturday 25 September our Salute to Samoa celebratory evening, involving the Porirua Samoan community, will say thank you to local volunteers who helped build fales for Samoa’s tsunami-stricken families. At the same time, an exhibit at the Pataka Gallery in Porirua, will incorporate vibrant Otis Frizzell paintings and a 16 screen video wall featuring photos from the volunteers.

Please click here to find your nearest Affiliate.

Posted on: 19 May 2010

As Project Samoa Hope draws to an end Paul McAllister has one more reason to celebrate. Through an amazing string of coincidences the Coromandel builder was able to find his birth father, who he had never met.

Paul, who is a New Zealand-born Samoan, was adopted at birth by Pakeha parents Don and Dianne McAllister. He enjoyed a happy upbringing living every Kiwi boy’s dream in the great outdoors of New Zealand. Paul’s adoptive parents were very open about where he came from. Paul knew that his birth parents, Samoan father and European mother, had a brief relationship while they were studying at a New Zealand university. Only his mother’s name was printed on his birth certificate. Paul hoped that he might get the chance to meet his dad one day.

Paul’s opportunity came in January of this year when he signed on as a volunteer builder for Samoa Hope. When the tsunami struck Samoa Paul felt compelled to go and offer his support. As part of Team 8, he worked on the building of fale in Saleaumua, Saleapaga, Lepa and Poutasi. While there Paul learnt that his birth father and the local Lepa minister, Suafai Patu, knew each other, as they had both represented Samoa in rugby. He was also surprised to learn that his birth father, now living in Auckland, would be in Samoa at the same time he was.

It wasn’t long before Paul met his birth dad for the first time. It’s an opportunity he says he will never forget. Sadly Paul also discovered that one of the houses he replaced used to belong to his aunt who had died in the tsunami. Paul would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Colville and Coromandel community, in particular the local Lions Club and community preschool teachers and parents, for helping him get to Samoa. He will be returning to the island very soon to continue his work with Samoa Hope.

Posted on: 19 May 2010

Plans for the “Everest Build” Global Village Nepal trip (1st to 8th October 2010) are well underway. Habitat NZ is hoping to send a massive team of 150 Kiwis to participate in the project that involves volunteers from across the globe.

Following in the footsteps of another famous Kiwi, the team will be working alongside Nepalese families to help improve their quality of life. An astounding 90% of families in Pohkara, a popular tourist spot, live in one roomed houses with at least five other family members. The trip’s goal is to build 30 new houses in Pohkara. Habitat NZ has no doubt that with lots of Kiwi can-do and a bit of Kiwi ingenuity, the trip’s ambitious goal will be achieved.

Habitat Nelson Builder, Rob Silcock will be a Global Village team leader on the trip. He has already managed to muster up a large posse from Nelson to go. This 60 year old grandfather was involved with the 2009 Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project in Cambodia and says he was “blown away” by the experience. “We Kiwis can have preconceived ideas about what other countries and their people are like,” Rob says, “When I saw how great the need of some people was, and how little it cost to help them, it was not a hard decision to sign up for Nepal.”

Posted on: 19 May 2010

Habitat Central North Island (CNI) recently welcomed Labour Leader Phil Goff to its ReStore. GM Nic Greene says, “Mr. Goff was keen to see Habitat’s work in the local community. We were pleased to be able to show him around.”

ReStore Hamilton is one of six Habitat second hand and building supply ReStores located throughout the country. Hamilton’s ReStore has grown from a small warehouse space open 3 days a week, to occupy 1000m² of retail space, open 6 days a week with thousands of transactions through the till every month.

“ReStore is a great example of a secondary business making a significant contribution to our building programme and reduce the amount of used materials headed for landfill,” says Nic. “We were able to impress Mr. Goff by the way in which we link businesses, volunteers and the community into Habitat’s cause. He was particularly impressed by the sheer size of the operation and how well it is run. He thought it looked more like a department store than a second hand shop!”

Posted on: 19 May 2010

Earlier this month a delegation of New Zealand and Samoan officials, corporate sponsors, not-for-profit partners and volunteers were invited to attend an all-day event celebrating the rebuild in Samoa.

“It was a privilege to be able to show well-known organisations such as Air New Zealand, Caritas and World Vision New Zealand how their vital support has made a huge difference,” says Habitat NZ CEO Pete North. Attendees included the Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, as well as representatives from both Habitat for Humanity International and New Zealand.

The day’s activities included a tour of the Habitat Resource Centre, a mass-production facility converting raw materials into finished building products, and concluded with a special evening event hosted by the New Zealand High Commission in conjunction with Air New Zealand and Digicel.
Lua Maea, Samoa Hope Project Manager says he is humbled by how quickly the Samoan people have recovered from the tsunami that decimated families and lay waste to entire villages in a matter of seconds.

“You can never underestimate the resilience of the Samoan people. The tsunami took so much away from them, including loved ones who can never be replaced,” he says, ”For many, everything they owned ended up being claimed by the sea yet they still want to give something back to volunteers, even though they have very little left themselves. We went to Samoa with the intention of blessing the Samoan people but so many volunteers returned home feeling so blessed themselves.”

Posted on: 18 May 2010

When Ivy Prentis heard the news that her family’s application to own a Habitat for Humanity home was successful she cried, in her own words, "for about an hour." Such was the joy of this Tauranga mum of three children who, for longer than she cares to remember, thought she would never get the chance to own her own home.

"The news couldn’t have come at a better time," said husband David whose supermarket wage meant the family often struggled to get by from week to week. Any possibility of home ownership always seemed out of their reach.

Despite their circumstances David and Ivy had always managed to stay on top of their rental payments for 18 years and worked hard to make every rental property they’ve lived in some resemblance of a home. In fact, their immaculate care of their current home resulted in
a reduction of their weekly rent by $20.

"Many of the people around me had the opportunity to own their own home because their families were able to gift them a deposit," says Ivy, "We unfortunately did not have those kind of resources available to us. I was becoming quite disheartened."

Little did Ivy know that her dream of owning a home was about to come true.

In 2008 the Prentis family’s pastor prayed that they would have a home to call their own and, Ivy remembers thinking to herself at the time ‘Well, how’s that going to happen?’ However Ivy decided to step out in faith and apply for a Habitat home. In January 2010 the family received the call that their application had been successful.

As this edition of Habitat News goes to print, the Prentis family’s new home will almost be ready to move into. It is the sixth of seven Habitat homes to be built at the end of Mansels Road, Greerton. The housing project has also been a labour of love for the families involved and hundreds from the local Tauranga community, not forgetting three teams of American Global Village volunteers. The seventh home is being built by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic carpentry students. Once finished, it will bring the four and a half year Mansels Road build project to an official end.

"I think most girls dream about three things in life: getting married, starting a family and having a home of their own," says Ivy, "We are so grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity." David’s sentiments are the same as his wife’s, "I would say to Habitat and everyone else who has helped us, thank you for caring and for giving our family a hand up in life. We won’t forget the difference you have made."

Do you believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live? Click here to make a donation today!

Posted on: 12 April 2010

Leading beauty brand, AVEENO, will host New Zealand’s first ever outdoor pilates session for women to celebrate the launch of their new Stress Relief range.  AVEENO hopes the event will encourage women to lead a balanced life for greater health and wellbeing and it’s a great excuse to get together with your friends, mums, sisters and workmates to take part in a New Zealand first for a unique mind and body experience!

 Held in the tranquil surrounds of Western Springs Quarry, the pilates session will set off at 10am on April 17^th 2010 with a record of 300 women taking part in an inspiring workout conducted by expert pilates instructors from Peak Pilates. Proceeds from the day are  going to Habitat for Humanity.

 For just $20 (plus booking fee), you will receive a 45 minute pilates session and a talk from Dr Libby Weaver, one of Australia’s leading nutrition and health and wellbeing specialists who will be sharing her priceless tips for reducing stress and maintaining a healthy, balanced life. You will also be gifted a goodie bag containing an AVEENO^® pilates mat, gorgeous AVEENO^® skincare products, a copy of the latest Next magazine, a bottle of water and delicious muesli bar - all in a limited edition AVEENO^®  Cleo Eco-conscious bag. Ripe Deli will also be present on the day offering tasty healthy wraps, salads and coffee.

It would be fantastic if you could come along and show your support. To register visit, http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2010/apr/western-springs/aveeno-inspires-pilates-day

Posted on: 24 March 2010

AGGRESSIVE RESPONSE IN CHILE: Habitat for Humanity Chile this week began construction on the first 20 Habitat homes to be built after the country was struck by an earthquake on 27^th February. The first homes—basic but permanent housing units that can be expanded over time—will go to families who had been approved and were awaiting new Habitat homes or home repairs before the magnitude-8.8 quake jolted the country, claiming their old homes. While thousands of houses were destroyed, the 6,000-plus homes that HFH Chile either had built or provided technical assistance for were not among them, according to Kip Scheidler, senior director of Global Disaster Response for Habitat for Humanity International. “No (Habitat) house suffered structural damage and only a handful suffered minor, surface damage,” Scheidler said following his return from an assessment visit to the affected areas last week. HFH Chile’s response will include using Habitat Resource Centers and progressive, core house designs. Although rapid progress is being made in responding to the quake’s damages, “continuing, intense aftershocks are taking their toll on the population,” Scheidler noted.

WORK IN HAITI ADVANCES ON MULTIPLE FRONTS: Staff from Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat for Humanity Haiti continue to gear up for an effort that eventually will serve shelter needs of 50,000 families affected by the powerful 12^th January earthquake that killed more than 300,000 and left an estimated 1.5 million people homeless.

Two new Habitat Resource Centers are ready to open in affected areas, test builds are under way for transitional shelter designs, core house construction sites are being scouted, and work has begun for assembling an additional 13,250 emergency shelter kits.

The first 8,000 kits assembled near Atlanta, Georgia, USA, for shipment to Haiti arrived last week. Work on kits for the next shipment will begin as soon as products can be fully sourced. Recognizing the desperate need for more emergency shelter supplies as Haiti's rainy season approaches, the American Red Cross has provided funding for some 12,000 of the new kits; a grant from CARE will cover the cost of 1,000 kits. Both grants demonstrate the collaborative work that is becoming a hallmark of the Haiti response. In this case, other organizations have provided funding for the kits, Habitat provides the assembly and arranges for delivery to Haiti, where yet other organizations with established distribution channels take responsibility for getting the kits into the hands of families that can make good use of them.

Habitat’s transitional shelter model offers more permanence than tarpaulins provided in the emergency kits, and is the primary focus of work on the ground in Haiti this week. Both wood-frame and steel-frame transitional shelters have been test-built in recent days, and designs currently are under review by Habitat and potential funders. The goal is to begin building about 440 transitional shelters in Cabaret in April and another 472 in Leogane beginning in May. Both communities are near the capital of Port-au-Prince and near where the quake was centered. Meanwhile, work continues to acquire land for construction of core houses, Habitat’s initial permanent-house solution.

OBSERVATIONS AFTER A MONTH AWAY: Dominique Rattner, an HFHI disaster response communications specialist, spent two weeks in Haiti right after the earthquake and returned on Tuesday. Her drive from the airport to the Habitat office provided a glimpse of progress. “My first impression,” she wrote this week, “was that traffic moves much faster than before. Many side roads have opened back up, following the removal of debris, allowing drivers to take alternate routes. … The air is clearer, the dust having abated. The streets are cleaner with teams of people in identical shirts shoveling out gravel, garbage and leftover debris from the gutters and sidewalks. Stores are open, and people are flowing in and out of buildings (unseen six weeks ago.) … You sense and see progress but understand so much more is needed.”

Posted on: 2 March 2010

HUGE TOLL ON HOUSING: While details from the areas closest to the magnitude-8.8 quake in Chile remain incomplete, preliminary estimates put the number of homes destroyed or severely damaged at 500,000. Habitat for Humanity Chile is a strong presence in the country and has been invited to be a part of the government’s assessment of housing needs created by the quake. The national organization will be doing its own preliminary assessment this week, to be followed next week with a broader assessment by a team that will include representatives of the National Office, the Latin America-Caribbean Area Office and the Disaster Response department from HFHI headquarters.

All N.O. office personnel in Santiago, Chile’s capital city, had been accounted for. But with telephone communications difficult in the country, contact with Habitat’s four project offices in the areas most affected by the earthquake was taking longer. Each of those offices is staffed by four people. Kip Scheidler, senior director of Disaster Response for HFHI, reported that two of the offices had been contacted, and staff accounted for. Efforts continued to reach the other two project offices, checking not only on the safety of staff members, but on the condition of Habitat houses and families.

Habitat for Humanity Chile has provided more than 3,500 families with housing since 1998 and works in each of the five regions of the country. Because Chile’s location makes it so prone to earthquakes, the staff has received training in disaster mitigation and response techniques and recently began a project to respond to damage from an earthquake that occurred last year in the north of Chile. A large part of HFH Chile’s work is helping families access government subsidies in order to construct their homes. It is through that program that the N.O. has developed such a close working relationship with government housing authorities and why Habitat is likely to be a turn-to organization for the current response.

HABITAT’S RESPONSE IN CHILE: Even before formal assessments of the latest quake damage began, Habitat committed to responding to the disaster, based on the strength of the quake—one of the largest on record—and our existing strong program presence in the country. Those wishing to support the response effort in Chile may donate online at www.habitat.org.nz

Details of a response plan will be developed based on assessment findings and in cooperation with Chile’s government and other nongovernmental organizations. Our ability to expand work in Chile to effectively meet the housing needs created by the quake will require support from individuals, churches, corporate partners and other organizations—particularly in light of resources already committed to Haiti. Habitat also has response programs still under way from disasters last fall in the Philippines, India, Samoa and Indonesia.

Posted on: 26 February 2010

The devastating Cyclone Pat struck the Island of

Aitutaki on the early morning of the 10th February

2010 approximately 2:30am bringing with it large

damages with associated humanitarian needs.

Strong winds with minimal sea surge flooding from

the north east, and gust winds estimated to be above

200km per hour causing the most severe damages

to the eastern side of the Vaipae district. At 4:00am it

was reported that wind directions shifted to the North

 West which struck the town areas of Amuri and the

Arutanga districts.

 The most updated figure shows that 98 houses were

completely destroyed (category 4) according to Red Cross

 assessment. Hundreds of homes have been damaged.

 Habitat for Humanity has responded by sending Lou Mea

 to Aitutaki to assess the situation.  On his return we will

determine an appropriate response.

 With our experience in Samoa, currently sending teams

of builders and with a lot of equipment there, there may be an

opportunity to help in Aitutaki after the Samoan project

is completed.

Posted on: 22 February 2010

by Diana Browning, Waikato

"I have just been to Samoa with Habitat for Humanity helping rebuild fales for some of the Tsunami victims. It was the hardest two weeks of my life, physically, emotionally and mentally, but also very rewarding knowing that we are helping house the families over there and helping to rebuild their lives.

The first thing I noticed getting off the plane was the heat. ‘Oh no, what have I got myself into? How am I going to work in this heat?’

First night’s sleep out of the way, I was soon getting into the swing of things. Waking between 4.30 and 5.00am was hard, but welcoming as it meant I could have my cold shower. Who knew I would look forward to that so much? The drive around the coast was very emotional. The destruction was just so widespread, the eerie silence on the truck said it all. Our team was in a state of shock. The debris was scattered everywhere with tents in and around it that people are living in. Seeing the footage on TV when it happened didn’t give you an appreciation of how widespread it was. I had no idea that so much of this coast was affected.

Being the only female amongst 20 odd guys (a dream for some I know!) was a little scary at first, as I didn’t know how they would take to me working on site, but I soon proved I was just one of the boys and didn’t mind getting my hands dirty. The local Samoan people were fantastic, friendly, accommodating, helpful, funny and very humble. There is still a lot of work to be done, but you can see that the little we have done is making a big difference.”

Diana has returned from Samoa after her second trip.

Project Samoa Hope is funded by Habitat NZ and supported by a wide variety of donors. Plans are underway to build some 250 homes. Volunteer kiwi teams are arriving weekly to provide expert labour to partner with Samoan villagers. 35 fales have either been completed or in various stage of construction. If you are interested in joining a volunteer Habitat team to Samoa, email Devie at Dmilward@habitat.org.nz

If you would like to contribute financially to help Rebuild Samoa, please visit our online donation page.

Posted on: 21 February 2010

As I reflect on the last four months since our last newsletter was sent to you, I cannot remember a single period in my life where it has been such an intense and busy time. Our organisational ‘raison d’être’ has been brought into such clarity and focus as we respond to crises and seek to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical action to those in need.

Tragedy struck in late September with the tsunami that hit our neighbours in Samoa and Tonga. Numerous individuals, together with organisations like World Vision NZ, ACC World Relief, Air New Zealand, ASB Community Trust, Rebuild Samoa, Unitec and many others have assisted us with having sufficient funds, tools, vehicles and other services in hand to rebuild hundreds of homes in Western Samoa. Our call for volunteers and tradespersons has been answered with an overwhelming response, such that there are now 25 Kiwis heading to Samoa every single week to help rebuild homes there, each one paying their own costs.

And most recently, the killer earthquake in Haiti. Habitat has been in Haiti for 26 years already, building several thousand homes to date. But we are now called upon to rise to new heights of compassion and care; the rebuilding of Haiti will take a massive effort, over many years. Please Help Habitat Help Haiti.

Amongst all this our work in New Zealand continues; as we seek to assist those on lower incomes achieve the otherwise impossible dream of home ownership. Thank you New Zealand for your generosity of spirit, for your selflessness, your resources, labour and love for your neighbour. Your actions in times of crises, when others desperately need your help, reveals your hearts of gold.

Thank you so much and God bless you abundantly.

Pete North CEO
Habitat for Humanity

Posted on: 18 February 2010

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand will raise funds from local donors who wish to support the rebuilding work in Haiti.  Work is still underway rebuilding Fale (local houses) in Samoa, and this Samoa disaster response work will remain the NZ organisations priority until expected completion of over 220 Fale by mid-2010.

For more information or to donate to support our rebuilding work in either Haiti or Samoa, please visit www.habitat.org.nz or call 0800 442 248.

Posted on: 6 January 2010

Ta’avao Ta’avao, aged 20,  a young Samoan New Zealander, heard about the tsunamis probably quicker than most folks as his mother and father were both born in Samoa. His dad reassured him that his family in Samoa had not been affected by the disaster that had struck on 29 September. His dad’s family lived near the airport on the other side of the island. Several weeks later, Ta’avao was approached by a man in his Rec Church (Salvation Army) in Auckland about joining a Habitat New Zealand’s: Project Samoa Hope team to help rebuild homes in Samoa. Since Ta’avao had started a builder’s apprenticeship in 2006 he was well qualified to join the team. Long hard hot days were the norm as Ta’avao discovered his parents’ homeland. Having learned the Samoan language at home, he and his friend Pastor Ano Lo Tam, also on the trip, were able to add a special dimension to their Sallies team of 6 from the Auckland area.

Three days into the building of the fales (traditional Samoan homes) in the village of Salea’aumua, Ta’avao called his dad to get the name of his mother’s village. He still thought it was also near the airport. Much to his surprise, his mother was from the very village where he had been working. Ta’avao had been building right along side his Uncle Aumua!  By the end of the day Ta’avao had met for the first time his Auntie Salia, his mother’s oldest sister, his maternal grandfather and grandmother, and more cousins than he could count.

By the end of his two week volunteer building experience, Ta’avao was a changed man. His insights into where his family had come from, what they and the rest of Samoa endured during the tsunami had changed beyond measure.  The tears in his eyes on that final day were testimony to the depth of feeling that had grown in such a short time.

Posted on: 6 December 2009

Posted on: 20 November 2009

Posted on: 20 November 2009

Posted on: 5 November 2009

Posted on: 28 October 2009

Posted on: 20 October 2009

Pete North and Jim Dowman have left for Samoa today to meet with the Samoan Government. Talks have been going on and the Government is keen to start building soon.  Habitat is gearing up to respond.

Posted on: 15 October 2009

Posted on: 9 October 2009

Posted on: 1 October 2009

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand has announced today that it is responding to the Samoan Tsunami Disaster.

Habitat is sending a disaster relief expert with significant experience from the South Asia tsunami to Samoa to quickly assess the need for both emergency and long term shelter, and link with local agencies as they plan for the ongoing rebuilding work. Habitat has considerable experience in rebuilding tens of thousands of homes after the South Asia tsunami of December 2004.

An appeal has been launched for funds to help with both emergency shelter provision and the rebuilding of homes.

Habitat is also seeking expressions of interest from volunteer builders and trade persons who are able to go to Samoa and help with the cleanup and rebuilding. These can be sent to information@habitat.org.nz. Dates cannot be finalised until assessment of need and conditions is completed in Samoa, but Habitat will keep all interested parties informed of progress so that Kiwi teams can go to Samoa when the timing is right.

Habitat’s NZ Chief Executive, Pete North, says that this disaster has touched many families here in New Zealand as well as Samoa and Habitat New Zealand will lead the Habitat response in the reconstruction process.

Help today by making a donation to the Samoan Tsunami Disaster Appeal

Posted on: 28 September 2009

Posted on: 24 September 2009

To see more of the amazing progress being achieved by our over 300 women volunteers click here....

Posted on: 14 September 2009

Posted on: 14 September 2009

Posted on: 14 September 2009

Posted on: 10 August 2009

Habitat for Humanity will join forces with leading female designers to build a house right in the middle of Auckland's Viaduct during the upcoming Air New Zealand Fashion Week, September 22 to 26.

The three-bedroom house will be completed in five days, and at the end of that time, be relocated by truck to a section in Mangere, where it will become home to a deserving family.

Habitat for Humanity NZ is the local arm of the international charity which aims to eliminate substandard housing by offering a “hand-up, not a hand-out” partnership by building or renovating houses that families purchase with affordable loan repayments.

The Fashion Week build—a first for both organisations— is being spearheaded by leading designer Trelise Cooper but once the confirmed Fashion Week line-up is announced at the end of this month, all female designers will be invited to lend a hand, as will other Fashion Week participants, media and industry supporters. Trelise and Habitat for Humanity approached Fashion Week with their vision for the build, and were met with a warm response.

“We loved the idea, it was as simple as that,” said Air New Zealand Fashion Week Managing Director Pieter Stewart. “It will be an extraordinary experience for everyone involved in seeing the house created over the week. Fashion Week is obviously an intense time for our designers and sponsors but the feedback we're getting already is that many of them can't wait to get a hammer in their hand.”

Habitat's NZ Chief Executive, Pete North, says a women's build was chosen “as a great synergy with Fashion Week. We have done women's builds before as a way of drawing attention to our projects. In fact a New Zealand team from the Waikato holds the Habitat women's world record for building a complete house in four days.”

Approximately 240 women will be involved with the build, working in half-day shifts for the five days. Like all Habitat for Humanity building projects, qualified builders and tradespeople will oversee volunteers. Habitat hopes to find qualified female builders to lead this project. Each working session begins with a safety briefing and the volunteers build under expert tutelage.

Posted on: 22 April 2009

Thanks to Little Memories, all our new partner families will receive a special native tree sapling to plant in their garden at time of dedication. We hope that it encourages them to plant roots and grow with us!

  www.littlememories.co.nz