global village volunteer builds
Bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope
Global Village
Every year, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and its Affiliates send hundreds of volunteers overseas to build homes in developing countries.
Through Global Village, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand makes it possible for low-income families in overseas countries to own a decent home. Our partner families are involved in building their own house (what we call ‘sweat equity’) alongside our volunteers, and make affordable payments to own their home. Rather than providing a hand-out, Habitat for Humanity provides a hand-up. With the participation of volunteers and partner organisations, Habitat For Humanity continues to alleviate poverty housing around the world.
For families who are determined to break out of poverty, the programme enables them to build a better future. For children, a new home offers a chance to grow and thrive in surroundings that are safe. A place to live where they are sheltered from bad weather, fall sick less, go to school more regularly, and get to enjoy childhood. For volunteers, it is the meaningful experience of building and interacting with Habitat partner families. Global Village promotes a sense of goodwill, seeing a fellow human have a decent place to live.
Fiji 2019 – School Holidays COMPLETED
April 15-19 (build days only)
The number of people living in squatter settlements in Fiji has grown substantially in recent years, creating a huge need for appropriate housing for these people. More than 1,000 homes were destroyed in Rakiraki, a major town on the north coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, and 500 were partially damaged, as a result of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Join Tracey Mazur and her team to help a family build a safe and permanent home.
Registration Pack $275
Volunteer Cost: $1400 excluding airfares
Fundraising Goal: $1200
For more information:
Phone Tracey Mazur (09) 5794111 Ext 2214
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Nepal 2019 COMPLETED
April 22-26 (build days only)
Most people in the Eastern region of Nepal live in poorly built thatched houses. In Nepal, like many other places in the world, decent shelter is a symbol of social dignity. The lack of it has been shown to be a barrier to other critically important things in life such as education, health care and social mobility. Join Janet Wilkinson’s team to improve a family’s housing and invest in their future.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1930, excluding airfares
Fundraising Goal: $1300
For more information:
Phone Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Fiji 2019 COMPLETED
May 5-11
Habitat for Humanity’s activities in Fiji range from new house construction, to helping families rebuild after cyclones. Fiji has experienced rapid urban growth, with numbers swelling in the two largest cities, Nadi and Suva. The number of people living in squatter settlements has also shown a sharp increase in recent years. This raises a huge need for appropriate housing for the people of Fiji. Join this Northland team to help a family in Nadi, into a decent home.
Registration Pack $275
Volunteer Cost $1,200 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal $1,200
For more information:
Phone Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Nepal 2019 COMPLETED
May 5-11
Since the devastating 2015 earthquakes, Habitat Nepal has been helping facilitate the quality construction of disaster-resilient homes, using environmentally friendly materials. John Mackie and Pete Constable will be leading this team to help build a family a decent home.
Registration Pack $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,980 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1300
For more information:
Phone Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Vietnam 2019 FULL
June 17-21 (build days only)
Thai Nguyen is the nation’s most Northern region, 80km from Hanoi. This project will provide ten vulnerable households with improved housing and adequate water and sanitation facilities. Join Neil Pilbrow’s team to be part of the solution.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1450 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1300
For more information
Phone Neil Pilbrow 03 358 9460 or Mobile 0272083528
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Fiji 2019
August 4-10
Habitat for Humanity’s activities in Fiji range from new house construction to helping families rebuild after cyclones. Lautoka City lies on the west coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu and is the country’s second largest city. An estimated 20,000 people live in informal settlements on the city periphery. Join Paul Look’s team to help one of these families into safe and permanent housing.
Registration Pack $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,510 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,200
For more information:
Phone Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Chile – 2019
August 10-21
This project, located near Santiago, aims to improve the health conditions and life expectancy of children and adolescents who have special needs or suffer from chronic illness, through the construction, adaptation, or improvement of a room or area of the home. The primary objective of the project is to make sure the house meets the necessary requirements to allow the child to return home to live with his/her family permanently, making extensive stays in hospitals or treatment centers no longer necessary. Join Jim and Ann Dowman’s team to be a part of this special project.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,880 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,300
For more information phone
Team Leaders: Jim and Ann Dowman (07) 5738541
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Fiji 2019 FULL
September 8-14
The number of people living in squatter settlements in Fiji has grown substantially in recent years, creating a huge need for appropriate housing for these people. More than 1,000 homes were destroyed in Rakiraki, a major town on the north coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, and 500 were partially damaged, as a result of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Join this women’s team to help a family get into safe and permanent housing.
Registration Pack $275
Volunteer Cost: $1455 excluding airfares
Fundraising Goal: $1200
For more information:
Phone Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Vietnam 2019
7-11 October (build days only)
Tien Giang province, situated along the Mekong Delta’s coastline, faces the ocean and is vulnerable to both the risk of typhoon/storms from the ocean and climate change impact, for which the Mekong Delta has been listed as one of the most vulnerable areas. Many homes only have dirt floors and thatch walls and roofs. Jane Mead would love to have you join her team to go and help a family build a home.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,480 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,30
For more information:
Phone Jane Mead 021 973075
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Nepal 2019
October 20-26
Nepal is a culturally diverse country made up of several ethnic groups and tribes that follow their own unique traditions. On this team, you will have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with a local family and community who are actively engaged in rebuilding their own homes after damage inflicted by natural disasters such as flooding. Join Shane and Gaylene King-Turner’s team to help make a difference for these families.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,930 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,300
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Myanmar 2019
November 10-16
Habitat for Humanity’s project in Myanmar involves building disaster-resilient houses in 15 villages in Thanatpin township, one of the poorest towns in the Bago region. The majority of houses are built on stilts because the town is flood-prone. You can join Paul Look’s team to be part of this important new project.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,560 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,400
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Philippines 2019
November 3-9
In partnership with the local government and the MAY foundation, Habitat Philippines aims to create a holistic community home for 546 low-income families; most of whom are informal-settlers (squatters) who are living in danger zones or have been evicted from privately owned lands. You can be a part of this significant project by joining this team led by Marie Borell.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,480 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,300
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Cambodia Big Build 2019
November 17-22
Join over 200 volunteers from around the world to build safe, affordable, decent homes for some of the most vulnerable families in Siem Reap Province. These families include people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, young or female headed households, the elderly and those who have lost their homes as a result of natural disasters. New Zealand is planning to send two teams to join the Big Build, led by Mark Berryman and we’d love you to join us! This is a unique experience not to be missed.
Cost: $3,600 (excluding airfares)
View the information flyer here
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Thailand 2019
November 3-9
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second biggest city in terms of size and fifth in terms of population, but the gap between the living standards of urban and rural areas is wide. Houses in the area are built improperly with limited resources, resulting in unsafe and unhygienic living conditions. Join Miles Cain and his team to help build a decent, permanent home alongside a local family who are currently living in substandard housing.
Registration Pack: $275
Volunteer Cost: $1,640 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,500
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
Nepal 2019
November 3-11 (7 day build)
Join Matthew Flynn and a team of adventurous Kiwis heading to the West region of Nepal, to spend a week building a home alongside a local family currently living in substandard housing. This area has been effected by severe flooding, leaving many living in temporary shacks and desperately in need of safe, permanent housing. You can help make a difference for a family and set them up for a stronger, brighter future.
Registration Pack: $275
Indicative Volunteer Cost: $2,130 (excluding airfares)
Fundraising Goal: $1,300
For more information phone
Global Village: Gaylene King-Turner (09) 5794111 Ext 2221
Email: globalvillage@habitat.org.nz
More Build Opportunities in 2020
Inviting Expressions of Interests
March 2020
Nepal March 28-April 4
Fiji Pacific Youth Build March 28-April 4
Cambodia
Myanmar
July 2020
August 2020
September 2020
October 2020
November 2020
More information
Contact the Global Village Team
For all Global Village Programme related inquiries, please contact:
Global Village
Ph. (09) 579 4111 Ext 2214
E. globalvillage@habitat.org.nz