The foundations are completed, and it’s all go for Stage Two of the house the community built.

The Rotary and Lions groups in Cromwell, along with a keen group of local tradies have teamed up to build a dream home, with the goal of raising money to help St John complete their new station. 

Project initiator, Cromwell lawyer and Rotarian Doreen Evans says she had previously completed a similar project in Invercargill, raising just over $200,000 for charity. However, she says the Cromwell community was so strongly behind this fun and exciting project, she felt they could all beat the Southlanders’ total.

The project team has been working to pull everything together since 2018. Covid had extended the project timeframe, but Stage One was now complete.

Plans are consented and Stage One now complete – it’s all go for Stage Two.

Last weekend saw the start of Stage Two of the build. It was exciting to finally see the first frames raised, Doreen says.

“It’s especially exciting because it’s for St John, which runs on volunteers from the community as well – our community, and therefore the need is constantly growing.

“We all use St John and it’s good to give back to the community you live and work in.”

Doreen Evans and Brett Dawson raise the first frame.

Doreen says people and businesses in each trade had come together as teams to get the work done in the best way. 

The Stage Two project team is led by local builder Brett Dawson, with respected local builders Whetu Taewa and the Sangster brothers donating their time and expertise.

“It means it’s not a big load of time or expense for one business, they’re all working in together.

“Everyone’s doing a little bit, and together we’re creating something big.

“That’s what I really love about this community.”

To keep track of progress on the house build, click here.

Advertisement