Charity house shapes up for auction

Waiariki Institute of Technology carpentry students, left to right, William Day Ihaia, Snowden Hovind, Andrew Flett and Tawhiti Christie in front of a near complete Charity House. Photo / Ben Fraser

Waiariki Institute of Technology's Charity House is on-track for completion next month when it will be auctioned for charity.

The building is being constructed by pre-trade carpentry students.

Dean of Waiariki's faculty of applied technology and primary industries Kevin Uncles said the novel approach to education meant students learnt a lot about construction in a hands-on way.

"It's great to build something that's going to last rather than building something and pulling it down again, which is just heartbreaking."

The house is based at Place Makers on Te Ngae Rd, and is the second house in a series of five being built by students. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Sunrise Rotary Club to be distributed to charity groups.

"The money will be used to benefit many community organisations across the rohe (territory) and we will continue to do so over the next coming years," Mr Uncles said.

He said students benefited from the valuable practical experience.

"The students are learning a lot about construction and are learning great practical skills.

"It should be ready, at least a few hours before we go to auction," he said.

In September the students held a "roof shout" to celebrate the progress they had made.

Notable attendees included Rotorua deputy mayor Dave Donaldson, Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, industry partners and Waiariki staff.