“I’m still in awe that it’s become a reality”

In early May, a community came together to support three Rotorua whānau beginning their home ownership journey through Habitat for Humanity’s Progressive Home Ownership programme.

Friends, family, and the future homeowners gathered with Habitat Central Region and supporters for a special dedication ceremony.

Looking around their new home for the first time, Preston and Grace described the opportunity as an answered prayer for them and their two daughters.

“I used to watch house turnover videos on YouTube and social media, imagining myself and my family in that situation,” Grace said. “I’m still in awe that it’s become a reality.”

After years of renting or living with family, the whānau is excited for the opportunity to have a home to call their own.

Habitat Central worked in partnership with Rotorua Trust to support the development of the three- and four-bedroom homes in Fordlands, Rotorua.

Rotorua Trust Chairperson, Stewart Edward, said the Trust felt housing was an important issue they needed to support in the community, and the dedication had been an emotional time reflecting on all that has been achieved.

“It’s a real privilege to be a part of this. The Rotorua Trust is delighted to be part of this journey and to help facilitate something that will be really empowering for the families in these homes.”

For future homeowner Chantelle, the dedication was a familiar scene. Nineteen years earlier, her parents became recipients of one of the first Habitat homes in Rotorua.

As one of five children, Chantelle has grown up seeing her parents and siblings become homeowners and wanted that same future for her three boys.

Speaking at the dedication, Chantelle’s father, Derryn, encouraged the newest Habitat families to make the most of the opportunity.

“Like I say to everyone that’s receiving a home, use this opportunity to launch you. It’s a great opportunity from Habitat and everyone involved,” he said.

Through Habitat’s rent-to-own programme, the whānau will work towards achieving home ownership within the next 10 years. The houses were valued prior to the dedication, with this valuation forming the purchase price when the whānau are ready. The value doesn’t change, even if property values go up.

Developed by Classic Builders, the homes meet the new H1 Energy Efficiency building code standards, ensuring the whanau will have a warm, dry and healthy home. Careful consideration went into the design – such as brick veneer cladding, which requires minimal maintenance.

Development for a further 10 Progressive Home Ownership opportunities in Rotorua is set to begin this year, ready for families in 2025. Habitat is seeking expressions of interest from working families interested in three- and four-bedroom homes, who aspire to own their own home, and are willing to partner with Habitat to achieve their goals.

Expressions of Interest can be made here