Charity house a win-win project

Waiariki construction students Andrew Flett (left), Jack Kameta, Korina Te Hou, Atawhai Hyde.

Waiariki Institute of Technology construction students are already hard at work building this year's charity house.

The project was officially launched yesterday by the institute's cultural adviser Anaha Hiini and chief executive Margaret Noble.

For the first time this year the construction site was located right next to Waiariki's Mokoia campus, making it easily accessible for students and tutors, Professor Noble said.

On completion, the house will be auctioned, with proceeds going to charity groups within the region.

Mitre 10 Rotorua general manager Andrew Lancaster said they were excited to be a part of the project.

"We can see the benefits to the charity groups in the region as well being able to help the students to achieve their goals."

Last year several charity organisations received a share of the profits including Linton Park Community Centre, Rotorua Menz Shed, Big Brother Big Sister Rotorua, Rotorua Youth Centre and Western Heights Primary School.

Professor Noble said the project was growing from strength to strength.

"With Mitre 10 joining as partners in the project it signals the enormity of what the charity house means to our community, students and industry stakeholders," she said.

"By empowering our students through study, we are able to provide them with practical experience which is also extremely rewarding.

"Their work directly impacts on those who receive help and assistance from our local charity groups.

"The implications are great."

Construction students Jack Kameta and Andrew Flett said they were stoked to have the opportunity to do some hands-on work for the community.

"There are building courses where all you do is sit in the classroom and learn from a textbook. For some people it's hard to learn that way," Mr Kameta said.

"It's really great to get out of the classroom and actually build a house and have something to show at the end of all your hard work."

Mr Flett said the project would look good on his CV.

"Saying you helped build a house during your course will be a big tick for prospective employers. This is the second charity house I've worked on.

"I think it's a good learning curve for students. It teaches them to react to problems and find solutions in a real-world situation," he said.