Dry home delivers Xmas joy

Helyn Tavita and granddaughter Aaliyah with Gary Thomas (left), Matt Crum, Brodie Crum and Ian Scotland and Garry Hazelton. Photo / Peter de Graaf

All Helyn Tavita wanted for Christmas was a house with a toilet, running water and insulation to keep out the winter cold.

Since the floods of 2007 wrecked her home and left her in a financial hole, the Kaeo woman and her 6-year-old special needs granddaughter have lived in a shed with no heating or running water. Water is piped to an outdoor sink from a spring; their toilet is a hole in the ground in nearby bush. Their only power is from a generator which uses up the little money they have left over. Because they own their own home, even though it is only a shed, they are not eligible for Housing New Zealand help.

Their predicament was publicised by the Advocate and housing charity Habitat for Humanity earlier this year in the hope Northlanders would help improve their dire living conditions.

Now, just in time for Christmas, Ms Tavita's shed is being transformed.

On Monday a group of Whangarei builders finished insulating and lining the shed, her wood range has finally been installed for cooking and heating, and an indoor tap is about to be connected.

"It's going to be a a really different winter. It'll feel like a home instead of living in a shed," Ms Tavita said.

The next project will be creating a bathroom. An old sleepout, which a neighbour shifted into position with his tractor, will have a bath and a waterless composting toilet installed.

"Just being warm and dry, and not having to dig holes and empty buckets instead of having a toilet, will make all the difference. I'll have a tap inside so I won't have to stand outside in the rain to do the dishes."

Habitat for Humanity Northland boss Conrad LaPointe said the improvements were not a gift but would be repaid by Ms Tavita at low interest over three years. However, thanks to the generosity of suppliers, volunteers and donors, a lot of work had been done for little cost.

"We just acted as the catalyst. We were overwhelmed by the response," he said.

That response included Whangarei building firm iMaintain, which lined and insulated the shed at a discounted rate; a Kerikeri building supplies firm which donated most materials; Mangonui Lions Club; and many Northlanders who gave time and cash. The toilet, which was supplied at cost, was a gift from Ms Tavita's mother.

Ms Tavita said she was planning to hold a barbecue in the New Year to thank everyone who helped transform her shed.

"It's hard to find the words. Just saying 'thank you' feels a bit inadequate."

- If you are also struggling to pay for essential repairs to your home you can call Habitat for Humanity Northland on (09) 438 2250. If you want to help the organisation you can donate second-hand goods to its ReStore charity shop on Kioreroa Rd, Whangarei.