09 August 2004

Skilled trades’ people needed to build five houses in one week

Auckland, New Zealand, July 12, 2004 — Skilled carpenters, builders, electricians and plumbers are needed by non-profit house building organisation Habitat for Humanity to lead teams that will build five homes for families in need over a single week.

The team leaders will supervise and direct groups of volunteers on the Manukau building site from start Saturday 12 March to finish on Saturday 19th March. “Each home to be built requires six team leaders. Each Team Leader will take charge of about 6 volunteers and work under the direction of a House Leader to build the house from floor to finish over 6 working days,” explains Warren Jack, Habitat for Humanity Manukau Executive Director. “It will be a high-energy, exciting and challenging week. But the rewards of working with so many enthusiastic volunteers from New Zealand and overseas coupled with seeing a deserving family be handed the keys to their new home are well worth the hard work involved.”

] Anyone interested in volunteering as a team leader for the Blitz Build should call Keith Harris, Construction Manager at 09 271 3357 or email habitatkeith@xtra.co.nz

The “Blitz Build” will mark the 10th Anniversary of Habitat for Humanity’s Manukau branch and will bring the total number of families housed by the south Auckland organisation to 50.

According to Habitat for Humanity’s philosophy the “simple, decent and affordable” homes will be built in partnership with the recipient families (who contribute at least 500 hours of their own time) and will then be sold to these families at non-profit and no interest.

“The driving force behind this organisation is its volunteers who offer their time and other supporters and sponsors who donate cash and materials,” says Jack. “Our success over the last 10 years is a credit to these many people, companies, trusts and foundations.”

The Manukau community is coming together to help Habitat make the week successful. Local volunteers, previous Habitat home recipients and Manukau City Council will all come together to see the project through. The Blitz Build is being organised in association with a Housing New Zealand Corporation pilot project called

“Urban Renewal Scheme” – ultimately 41 housing units and a community house will be built on the land in Clendon. Habitat for Humanity will build at least 29 of these.

“The aim is to revitalise an area which had fallen victim to neglect, crime and lowered community pride,” explains Jack “Habitat hopes to contribute to building not only simple, decent homes but also a community with security, visual appeal and a sense of pride.”

To make a donation to Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build, call Warren Jack at 09 271 3357 or e-mail warren@clear.net.nz

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand is an international Christian organisation dedicated to eliminating substandard housing. Working in partnership with people of goodwill and families in need more than 200 houses have been built in New Zealand since 1993. Internationally, by the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.

ENDS

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