Habitat for Humanity Rotorua

Posted on: 16 April 2009

Habitat for Humanity Rotorua is about to begin their latest project after some time, an exciting new simple decent home for the Tuilave family about to begin in Ngongotaha. This special project will be a six day blitz build bringing together volunteers from throughout the community and is being supported by Habitat for Humanity New Zealand's founding President in New Zealand – Ian Hay.

Ian is “thrilled to be involved in this project, not only to achieve another family living in a simple decent home, but also as an opportunity to support reinvigoration of the Rotorua team of Habitat for Humanity, building stronger community spirit and bringing together talent and resources for future projects in the area.”

The house build in Dawson Street, will begin on the 27^th April and will be ready for dedication on Saturday the same week! The family will be onsite contributing some of their 500 hours of sweat equity whilst sharing their story and enthusiasm with people from all parts of the community, working together.

Currently the family including four children live in a rented Koutu House. One of the bedrooms is too damp to be used and while the three girls share a small room, the parents bunk down in the living room. The tiny kitchen is taken up by a six seater wooden table and the dining room has been transformed into the living room.

Meletise says she is “very excited to be working towards partnering with Habitat and moving into a home that they will be able to call their own.” Meletise (a Clerk) and her husband Gus (a machine operator) have been working hard to support the family and have endeavoured to save a little each week for their own home, but have struggled to get ahead. “We have always wanted to own our own home but it's just been too hard to save. It's just getting harder and harder for everyone…we couldn't have done this without some help. It's just massive – they are giving us a great opportunity to make the most from a Hand Up!” “Now our children will be able to have space to do their homework and we will be able to get through the winter with less chance of being sick resulting in time off work and school!”

If you want to assist the hardworking team in Rotorua, make the dream of living in a Habitat for Humanity home happen, you can volunteer (Phone 07 343 9273), donate saleable used goods or purchase items from the local ReStore in Edmund Rd or donate online