Couple cement spot on Mitre 10 Dream Home

A former Manawatu woman, who now calls Christchurch home, says she is overwhelmed by the idea of becoming part of Team Black for this year's Mitre10 Dream Home.

The show aired on TV2 on Tuesday night, and brought together six families from across Canterbury who competed for a chance to win their dream home. Only two couples made it through, and Amanda Fail, 31, and her partner Jay Blair, 30, are one of them.

"It is really overwhelming but it is such an amazing chance to be able to do something like this for our three kids," said Ms Fail. "We want to give them a better future and not have to live week to week wondering what's next."

The couple, who got together three years ago, has faced a constant struggle since their city was struck by the earthquakes.

"Rent has gone through the roof because there is a shortage of housing - we both work fulltime and still find it hard," said Ms Fail.

The women were living in Kaipoi when the first earthquake hit in September.

"I was in bed at the time. It kept going for about a minute so I jumped out of bed but fell over. The power was so forceful you couldn't stand," recalled Ms Fail. "The kids were at their dad's, I was distraught at not being able to get to them - they still have trouble sleeping in separate rooms."

When the second earthquake struck, Ms Fail said she believed her life was over.

"You totally forget about the aftershocks - I was screaming 'I'm going to die, it's come back to get us'. There was no power, no water; it was a warzone."

The family have remained positive throughout the ordeal and despite facing some personal challenges, Ms Fail says audiences will see a fun-loving, crazy couple who want to build home that revolves around family.

"Our dreamhome would be one that revolves around family; our favourite parts of a house are the kitchen, living and dining room because this is where we can sit with the kids and talk about our day."

Mitre 10 Dream Home airs 7.30pm Tuesdays on TV2.