3 September 2013

Second UCOL house build for Hospice underway

A second UCOL house build to raise money for Arohanui Hospice began yesterday, marked by a visit to the build site by key sponsor Mitre 10.

The house will be constructed by a group of 18 Certificate in Carpentry Level 4 students at UCOL’s Regional Trades and Technology Centre in Palmerston North.

Mitre 10 MEGA in Palmerston North have offered their support as principal materials sponsor, and are working with many of their suppliers in an effort to minimise build costs which will maximise returns for Arohanui Hospice for this fundraising project.

The four bedroom family home is expected to be put up for auction in June next year. Arohanui Hospice will receive the sale profits.

UCOL Executive Dean of Trades and Technology Kelly Gay says he is pleased to be supporting Arohanui Hospice again.

“Students involved in the build last time gained a great deal of satisfaction and sense of achievement. Now a new set of students will get to experience what it’s like to work on a building site, and gain confidence to seek employment later on.

“This is an example of how we can collaborate to support students to achieve their full potential to learn and contribute to their communities.”

The students will be supervised on site by tutors Lindsay Tamblyn and Steve Wharehinga, and ensuring the students meet the highest standards and specifications set by E3 Architects will be the top priority.

Arohanui Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care to patients who have life-limiting conditions free of charge to more than 750 patients each year. It is only partially funded by the Ministry of Health with an annual 2.1million shortfall. The profits from this project will go towards bridging the funding gap.

Arohanui Hospice Chief Executive Clare Randall says she is excited to see the project getting underway, and looks forward to seeing the build progress.

“We are so grateful for the support of the community to make this possible and in particular our major partners. The 2011 UCOL house was a win-win for UCOL and Arohanui Hospice. We see this as a fantastic experience for students to have the opportunity to produce a high quality build which raises essential funds so we can deliver care for people with life-limiting illnesses in our community.”

The house’s plans include open-plan living space, a master bedroom and ensuite, a generously-sized family bathroom with separate second toilet and plenty of storage space throughout.

UCOL Interior Design and Electrical Engineering students will likely also get the chance to work on the house. Participating in this project ensures that the students graduate with “real-life” experience.

ENDS

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