Police have room for Habitat

Superintendent Russell Le Prou

Fourteen Northland police staff will be volunteering to help in Habitat for Humanity's Metra Big Town Build.

Two teams of seven will take part in the build at Homeworld on Western Hills Drive in Whangarei.

They are among the volunteers who will take 10 days to build the house, starting on Friday.

Once the house has been completed to a lockable state it will be transported to its final location in Kamo.

The police teams, which will be working on November15 and 21, will be a mix of those experienced in the building trade and some who have never set foot on a building site.

Northland District Police Commander, Superintendent Russell Le Prou, said it was a great opportunity for police to take part in a community event and make a difference to one family's life.

"Our staff are very much a part of the community and are always keen to help where they can. This was demonstrated when we asked for volunteers and had a full list within hours."

Mr Le Prou said with police putting more of a focus on preventing crime and assisting victims, working on projects such as this fitted well in improving the lives of Northlanders.

Habitat for Humanity Northland executive officer Conrad LaPointe said the enthusiasm from Northland police for the build was great.

"They have really embraced the community aspect of this build and we look forward to putting a hammer and paintbrush in their hands and getting them to work."

Habitat for Humanity helps low income families living in unsuitable accommodation into home ownership.

Families help towards building the home and then go on a rent-to-buy scheme to finally own the home.

The family will help put the final touches to the house when it is moved onto the Kamo site and then help with the next house built in Northland.