House build will benefit college

Aquinas College will undertake its biggest fundraiser ever as it plans to build and sell a brand new home at St Thomas Estate that could net more than $125,000.

The project had come to fruition following developers Dave and Kathy Goodwin's decision to give the school a heavily discounted rate on a section at the boutique subdivision next door to the school. Mr Goodwin told the Bay of Plenty Times Aquinas College was a significant part of the community and the "obvious choice".

"I guess from our perspective it was about creating a community from within the subdivision that encompassed the wider community."

The 68-year-old kiwifruit grower said they had owned the land since 1982 and were completing the earth works on stage one. The civil works would happen in winter with titles available in December, he said. "We think Pyes Pa is a great place to live and pretty special. We bought our kids up here ... it has sort of been forgotten as Bethlehem and Papamoa have taken the limelight in recent times, but now south Tauranga is coming into its own."

Aquinas College Board of Trustees chairman John Mackay said the opportunity was about "establishing goodwill between the college and the intended development".

"We would have to run a fair number of sausage sizzles to make the amount of money we will potentially make out of this."

The Goodwins' generosity was absolutely wonderful, he said. Others had also come on board to support the college. These included GJ Gardner Homes in Tauranga that had offered to build the home on favourable terms and use qualified sub trades associated to the college.

The four-bedroom contemporary, modern house would have a 204sq m floor plan that featured open plan living, double garage, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and pantry.

"It is nicely appointed with raked ceilings, so it's a lovely looking home," Mr Mackay said.

Money raised would go into "something substantial", that left a legacy, he said. The main idea at the moment was a multi-purpose facility that serviced the needs of performing arts.

PTA chairwoman Lee-Ann Taylor said it was overjoyed with the immediate response from members of the Aquinas community.

Parents had offered site works, geotech, engineering, curtains, floor coverings, landscaping and plants, plumbing supplies, outdoor furniture.

"We are mindful that parents and caregivers in today's world are hugely committed in lots of different areas and often stretched for time so appreciate any help, goods or services that they give us.

"We would still love help with electrical work, plastering, painting, appliances, gas fitting absolutely anything that goes into a new home."

Aquinas College principal Ray Scott said the school was trying to raise funds for projects that were "outside what the ministry can provide for us".

The project would provide a great boost, he said.

St Thomas Estate:

* Boutique subdivision, with section sizes ranging from 405sq m to 896sq m.

* 65 sections available across two stages of development.

* Designed for security and a strong sense of community.

* Adjacent to Aquinas College at Pyes Pa.