Open homes big drawcard

A good crowd turned out to yesterday's A1 Homes Wairarapa Trades Day in Walnut Lane to check out the charity houses that will be auctioned next month.

Walnut Lane, off Carterton's High St, is home to the A1 Homes charity build and the house built by UCOL students.

Both homes have been purchased by the Upper Hutt-based Dugdale Charitable Trust.

Proceeds from the A1 Homes will go toward the Cancer Society and Carterton Fire Brigade, and proceeds from the UCOL home will go to Asthma Foundation New Zealand and Lifeflight Trust.

Chris Dugdale, of Dugdale Charitable Trust, said she was pleased with the amount of people showing interest in the houses.

"We're just thankful it's a nice day," she said.

Paul and Jeanette Southey, of A1 Homes Wairarapa, said they were thrilled with the amount of people who attended the opening.

Mrs Southey said it was also an opportunity for the suppliers who donated their goods and services to showcase themselves.

"I think probably the nicest thing is everyone rallying around," she said.

Mr Southey said a third house is being built on the street and the owners were happy to let the public through to see it in it's early stages.

The lane is an official street and the name was chosen because each house now has a walnut tree, after builders were able to save one which was originally on one of the sections.

The houses will be auctioned on March 23 at 2pm.

There will also be other items up for auction, including a brand new Hyundai car from Eastwood Motor Group and a Harvey World Travel voucher.