Polytechnic student‐build house benefits local cause

Proceeds from Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s 2021 Carpentry Project House have been presented to Greymouth Rotary and will benefit the Trees for Māwhera project.

Over the past four years, the Polytechnic has partnered with Rotary to support various projects benefitting the local community. Supported by local sponsors, tutors guide Carpentry students to build a three‐bedroom relocatable house which is sold for auction on completion and the proceeds gifted to a local Rotary cause.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Trades Programme Manager Peter O'Sullivan says It's part of the Polytechnic’s culture to provide students with hands‐on training opportunities while benefitting our community.

“The Carpentry students get to appreciate the entire build process with the majority of them going on to gain apprenticeships in the construction industry. The 2021 construction process was slightly challenging with delays in supplies and the disruptions caused by Covid‐19, however the build was completed and sold at auction at the end of the year.”

The three‐bedroom house features a master bedroom with ensuite, open‐plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. The 2021 house was relocated to its permanent site just prior to Easter.

At a recent Greymouth Rotary meeting, Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chief Executive Alex Cabrera presented Rotary with the auction proceeds, thanks to the sale of the 2021 Carpentry students’ relocatable house.

"It's fantastic that we can assist Greymouth Rotary. The 2021 project was an excellent initiative and the Polytechnic was very pleased to be involved with the "Trees for Māwhera" project. When different parts of a community work together, great things can happen," Mr Cabrera says.

Rotary Treasurer Trish Roney says it is inspiring that this project will see a new programme at Greymouth High School linking all levels of education in the district.

“Trees for Mawhera project sees the funds going towards producing a planting kit for every student in the Grey district. Schools will decide on a planting project where the students can plant their tree and watch it grow. The Rotary Club of Greymouth really appreciates the opportunities created for the Greymouth district from these funds."

Photo caption: Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chief Executive Alex Cabrera with Greymouth Rotary Treasurer Trish Roney and Polytechnic Liaison with Greymouth Rotary Karen Kennedy.

Published 2 May 2022