Canadian volunteers have descended on Tauranga, and are helping to build homes for those who could otherwise not afford to buy a house.
The Habitat For Humanity Global Village Build in Tauranga began this week, with volunteers helping to construct houses in Parkvale and Greerton for families who could not afford a mortgage.
Habitat For Humanity local board trustee Ann Dowman said the team, as well as specialised builders, got the building development moving quickly.
"It's got to be done properly. The team comes over to work and pays their own way, it's the most marvellous thing," she said.
The houses go to families who rent them for five years, before taking on the mortgage.