Building 'treasures' sale for Nias quake aid

A Nelson builder and surf enthusiast is selling material he has accumulated over a 30-year building career to raise money for the earthquake stricken Indonesian island and surfing hotspot Nias.

Mike Rose, 51, said he initially intended selling the "building bits" to fund another surfing holiday for himself and his son James to Indonesia.

Mr Rose said pieces of timber, toilet seats, old tools and old windows were among the treasure from his building career to be sold.

But he decided to hold a garage sale and donate the money to the charity Surf Aid, after hearing the area where he and his son had a surfing holiday last year had been "flattened".

"We might not get there now. But we couldn't go back there without giving a serious donation."

Mr Rose said he wanted to support Surf Aid, because he believed there would be a real need for medical help in the isolated island.

"The Nias people are very strong, but the lack of medical infrastructure will cost many lives and cause huge suffering."

- NZPA