Habitat helping themsevles

Habitat for Humanity has a second Restore shop now, this time in Papamoa and built by volunteers. Pictured is store manager Glenda Mayes and Tim Maurice. Photo/supplied

Restore Papamoa officially opens on March 4 at 10am, 48 Market Place. Everyone is invited, 50 per cent off sale on furniture and clothing on first day. Barbecue and bouncy castle.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers slapped on toolbelts once again last year but this time they were building something for themselves. Sort of.

The idea of a second Restore outlet in the Western Bay was to create funds to build more houses - in Papamoa to benefit the local community.

"The funds from here will go towards building houses in Papamoa. That's what we hope to do," says Habitat for Humanity Tauranga general manager Tim Maurice.

So charity builders have finished the impressive 530 sq m building at 48 Market Place in Papamoa East.

The majority of more than 50 Habitat built houses in the last 20 years have been in Tauranga and Te Puke.

Tim says Papamoa's huge growth in recent years has brought about a need for more affordable homes here.

"Papamoa has the same housing affordability problem as Tauranga has so we were looking to build out here as well," he says.

Habitat for Humanity build simple houses for families who would not otherwise be able to afford to buy their own home.

Volunteers build new homes, repair and renovate houses across the globe.

Restore Tauranga on Second Ave has had a successful four years open and the local branch hope to repeat their luck in Papamoa. They struggled to find affordable land in Papamoa and purchased land in the industrial Market Place about 17months ago. The venue cost approximately $600,000 and is valued at $1m.

Restore Papamoa has its shell built by commercial builders, contractors helped with interior fitout work and a team of 15-20 volunteers built the majority of the building.

Much material was donated, such as the front desk is an old returns counter from an exvideo shop.

Tim says its a "massive achievement" for everyone involved and they are looking forward to meeting the community, who will hopefully "donate, volunteer and shop".

Restore is one of only a handful of op shops in Papamoa.

Restore will sell preloved clothing, furniture, crockery, linen, collectibles, tools, kitchen items and more.