Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti building community charity house

The public is being given front row seats to a major community fundraising project that officially launches today, as a first-ever project of its kind in Kapiti.

Following extensive planning and design, and the instigation of a concept aimed at supporting local high-achieving youth, a charity house is being built in full view of the public in Kapiti Rd, Paraparaumu.

Instigated by Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti owners Vincent and Tricia Indo, the Charity House Build Project will see a home built voluntarily by local builders and labourers on a concrete site provided by Kapiti Coast Airport Holdings, which will be auctioned off upon completion.

"The objective is to build a new single level transportable dwelling that will be auctioned off with proceeds going towards our Kapiti youth community for education, arts and well-being focused projects," Mr Indo said.

The project, which will see the raised funds placed in a newly established charitable trust, for which details will later be released, is planned to "add significant value to our local community".

"The concept is to build a sustainable-focused home over the course of several months, starting now, with completion by the end of May, and removed by the end of June.

"Local architect firm AD Architecture has provided the design and plans for the house at no charge, and Kapiti Coast District Council has been supportive in facilitating the building and resource consent processes."

A number of scheduled open days are in the pipeline and will enable the public to view the community-fuelled house prior to auction.

With Whitireia Polytechnic also on board, students from the school's building apprentice programme are set to provide assistance and building labour.

"This will allow the students to work alongside local trades, fostering positive relations with the potential for employment opportunities," Mr Indo said.

"Our trade client and supplier base will also be supporting the project on a subsided basis to keep cost to a minimum, so as to maximise the proceeds from the sale of the completed house."

Local business including Kapiti News, MORE FM Kapiti, Kapiti Fencing, Kapiti Hire, Westpac Kapiti, and Columbus Coffee Kapiti are already on board as sponsors, with a range of "local people and businesses approaching us daily, wanting to offer their support and wishing to be part of this project".

Mr Indo said ideally, the three bedroom home boasting front and back decking, a heat pump and master bedroom with ensuite, will be purchased locally.

"What's even more important is raising as much funds as possible, so the newly formed charitable trust can start helping our high-achieving youth as quickly as possible.

"The feedback so far has been roaring."

Anyone interested in supporting the Charity House Build Project can email info@megakapiti.co.nz or phone 04 296 6444.

FIRST FOR KAPITI: Some of the Mitre 10 MEGA crew with owners Tricia and Vince Indo, front centre, at the Kapiti Coast Airport Holdings site where an exciting community charity project is unrolling. PHOTO: CLOE WILLETTS