The rain isn't dampening enthusiasm on site as local builders work in the wet to complete an entire house in four days for the benefit of Cranford Hospice.
The Carters Cranford Hospice Challenge began yesterday and "she's all go", said project co-ordinator Pete Edwards.
"We are a day ahead but the rain
has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works. Inside the Gib stopping has been done, windows are in, skirting and doors are in and today the painters take over."
Down on Marine Parade reserve attentions are now on building a temporary shelter around the three-bedroom house so the exterior painting can go ahead, he said. Today's focus is on painting, inside and out, and tomorrow brings carpets, kitchens and decks, Mr Edwards said.
"It's just been phenomenal. The crew is ready to go every morning at 5.30am, they are straight into it. The guys are buzzing."
The four-day house project is being driven by Carters, Certified Builders, More FM and Life NZ Ltd, and is part of a full-on fundraising campaign to help raise the estimated $500,000 Cranford Hospice needs every year from donations.
Along with the house building, another part of the fundraising programme over the weekend will be a rugby-inspired charity auction at the Marine Parade site from 12.30pm. It is timed to be the perfect fundraising entree to the Magpies-Wellington rugby clash at McLean Park at 2.30 and will be overseen by Hawke's Bay Rugby Union chief Mike Bishop and celebrity builder 'Cocksy'. Among items up for bidding is a round of golf for four at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, a signed Hurricane rugby jersey and a magnum of Matariki wine.
