Charity house well on track to completion

Sue Gunn admires the progress of the second house to be built over five years as part of a project to raise funds for local charities. Photo/Stephen Parker

The Waiariki Institute of Technology Charity House is well on track to be completed later this year with students gaining valuable hands-on experience.

It's the second house to be built by Waiariki pre-trade carpentry students to build five houses over five years to raise funds for local charities.

Construction started at the Placemakers site in March with it due to be completed in October.

Along with the carpentry department, the project involves students from interior design and business and marketing faculties.

"I think the more real learning experience we can offer, the greater benefit it is to the students and for future employees," Waiariki marketing and communications manager Sue Gunn said.

"We realise [this project] fits into curriculums quite nicely such as interior design and for our electrical students to help with wiring.

"We don't teach plumbing or painting but they are some areas we can look to develop in the future especially with the demand in Christchurch," she said.

The latest house is a John Chittenden Design, 120sq m timber-clad home which is more eco-friendly and sustainable than the previous build.

The house will be sold by auction after completion with funds going to the Sunrise Rotary Club for the proceeds to be distributed to charity groups.

Carpentry students involved in the last house are currently working in Christchurch and Taupo.

Mrs Gunn said support from local businesses had been "absolutely stunning".