For release: 16 December 2009
Habitat for Humanity to Boost Samoan Commitment

More NZ volunteers needed in New Year

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand is planning to ramp-up its involvement in Samoa in the New Year, as it helps the island nation’s rebuilding effort, following October’s devastating tsunami.

The organisation wants to recruit increased numbers of skilled New Zealand volunteers, to follow in the footsteps of the several dozen, who have already contributed to Samoa’s reconstruction. And it’s urging Kiwis to keep giving generously to the rebuilding project.

Habitat NZ is working in partnership with the Samoan government to supervise construction of 250 fales on selected sites on the tsunami- ravaged South-East coast of Upolu in the villages of Salea’aumua, Saleapaga and Satitoa. Rebuilding work is already underway in Salea’aumua, and will extend to the other villages early in 2010.

Fales are traditional Samoan homes, with concrete floors, no walls, timber trusses and iron roofs, supported by multiple poles. All fales rebuilt after the tsunami are to have a standardised design with cyclone resistant features. Three fales have been completed in the six weeks since Habitat NZ began operating in Samoa, whilst a further four are close to completion and seven more are in various stages of construction.

“New Zealand has every reason to be proud of the 72 Kiwis who have taken their skills to Samoa for two week stints as volunteers, since our operations started-up there in early November,” says Habitat for Humanity New Zealand’s CEO, Pete North.

“We will need increased numbers of skilled volunteers, including electricians, plumbers, as well as builders, in the New Year, as our activities intensify. This need is expected to remain high through most of 2010 and to be particularly pressing during May and June.

“The resilience of Samoans in the face of adversity is truly inspiring and we feel honoured to assist as they rebuild their country,” he adds.

Mr North says that a key function for volunteers is to empower and transfer skills to the Samoan community, helping local people take on the major role in rebuilding their homes and communities. Four local people have now been appointed as the project’s management team.

Habitat NZ currently has two teams of 12 volunteers working in Samoa. One of the teams is located in the village of Lepa, which is home to the organisation’s Resource Centre, where prefabricated trusses, toilet and shower walls and other building parts are being made. The other team is stationed in the village of Lolomanu. The volunteers are being hosted by local communities and accommodated in church halls.

“If you have the skills we need and would like to spend two weeks in Samoa during 2010, working for a very good cause, then please visit our website at www.habitat.org.nz or telephone us on 0800 44 22 48, to find out more about what’s entailed,” says Pete North.

“In addition to volunteers, we need funds. New Zealanders were outstandingly generous in their immediate response to the tsunami. That generosity is still an essential part of the mix now that Samoa’s priorities have moved on from disaster relief to the long hard work of rebuilding.

“Although the Samoan government is funding the bulk of house materials, we need to meet the cost of vehicles, equipment and tools as well as of employing local staff to manage the project. You can help us fund our commitment to Samoa by visiting www.habitat.org.nz/donate and making a donation,” he says.

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand has helped more than 350 families into their own homes in New Zealand since its establishment in 1992. Internationally, the not-for-profit organisation helps more than 60,000 families per year into homes.

ENDS

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