Toi Ohomai charity house moves to its new home in Whakatāne

Toi Ohomai's charity house was moved last week to its new home on the Whakatāne farm of Judy and Brian Carter, who bought it in 2018, with the intention of replacing a burnt-down farmhouse on their property.

The house was built as part of Toi Ohomai's annual Charity House Project, in which the Institute partners with the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust and the Rotorua Lakes Council to help students gain hands-on experience, as well as make a contribution to the community.

The house was built by students studying carpentry, electrical and interior design at the Institute, with help and support from local building suppliers, tradesmen and professionals.

The 2018 charity house was sold for $230,000, which was the highest amount paid for any house in the six years the charity house project has been running.

"We're so grateful to all of our partners on this project. We have more than 30 charity house partners that provide materials, workmanship or other support and they do it at discount prices or some even for free," Trades and Logistics faculty leader Brian Dillon said.

"We wouldn't be able to complete the project without their amazing support."

Toi Ohomai is currently welcoming expressions of interest from local charities.

Expressions of interest are welcome from any local Rotorua charities until Friday, 15 March. The application form can be downloaded directly from the Rotary Rotorua Sunrise website.