Charity sale hammers home

Auctioneer Phil Hereford (right) of Professionals McDowell Real Estate hosting the Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House auction yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Another Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House has been sold.

The newly completed three bedroom weatherboard home went to auction yesterday at its building site at Placemakers.

More than 30 people crammed into the lounge and dining area for the auction of the house which was built by Waiariki carpentry, electrical and interior design students.

It is the second house to be built and sold with proceeds going to Rotorua charities and community groups.

The initiative is a partnership between the institute, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust and the Rotorua Lakes Council, with one house to be built every year for five years.

The house was auctioned by Phil Hereford of Professionals McDowell Real Estate.

After passing in at $120,000, it reached the reserve price of $125,000 and was purchased by a Whakatane local who did not wish to comment, only to say it would become his family home.

Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust president and Waiariki marketing and communications manager Sue Gunn said it was great another house had been sold.

"There is also something in it for the local communities. This is a really great project working on it with the students and all our partners, everyone has been so supportive and generous," Mrs Gunn said.

"Our next house is planned to start in February and plans are already well down the track."

Students who worked on the previous Waiariki Charity House have gone on to find work in the building industry.

Faculty of Applied Technology and Primary Industries dean Kevin Uncles said the students who worked on the house were proud of their achievement, with some attending the auction. Trades and interior design students gain hands-on learning experience, providing an excellent understanding of residential dwellings through working on the project from start to finish, he said.

"We're committed to another three houses, the next one will be more eco-friendly," he said.