Habitat Northern completes critical home repairs on Aotea Great Barrier

Our Build Development Manager, Jay was recently back on Aotea Great Barrier to sign off 11 essential home repair and solar power installation projects. He also ran a workshop on basic home maintenance and ways to keep whānau warmer, drier, and healthier over the winter months.

One of the family spokespeople said, “These repairs have impacted our whānau hugely. When you’ve got two little kids it’s essential to have a fridge that you can leave on overnight. Before, we would have to turn it off, meaning we would lose food, or not be able to freeze our meat. And other things like safety. The power points were not connected properly or working, so it was unsafe for the kids. It’s awesome in that sense to have the repairs. We’re very grateful to be able to have these new things put in place, it’s been amazing.”

The families, trades and support services came together at Motairehe Marae to celebrate the end of the project, which was made possible by funding from Te Puni Kōkiri.

Jay said, “It’s been a challenging but rewarding project, one that has highlighted the difficulties for whānau living off grid with the high costs and limited availability of building materials. We are very grateful for the support from Te Puni Kōkiri, Motairehe Marae, The Aotea Local Board and Aotea Family Services. The most rewarding part is knowing these whānau will be able to lead easier, healthier lives.”

Some of the home repair partner recipients shared their feedback with us;

“With all the stuff that you have done for us to warm our home I have a better chance to live longer, to be around my mokos and my family. All that impact is thanks to what you at Habitat have done for us.” – Annette

“The wall lining, insulation and curtains have made such a difference. The first night we slept after the curtains were installed, we didn’t need the blankets it was so warm!” – Kiri

“The stuff you guys have managed to do despite all the trials that come with working on the island has been amazing.”
– Darren