Habitat for Humanity House Dedication

Dr Max Stevenson, Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you in the languages of the realm of New Zealand

Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni

Greetings:  Deputy Mayor of Horowhenua David Colling and fellow councillors, Members of Parliament Nathan Guy and Darren Hughes (Hughes attendance to be confirmed), Tony Lanigan (National Chair of Habitat for Humanity), Reverend Chris Tims (Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Porirua), Mervyn Ria, Bible Society, Foxton Community Board chairman Basil Vertigen and fellow board members, Mr Morphia Kerehoma (local kaumatua), Mike and Debbie Jerard and family, Danika, Morgan, Ocean, Reif, & Merrick; dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen. 

I am delighted to be here today in this beautiful part of New Zealand.

I am also pleased to be able to show my support for this Habitat for Humanity project.  Habitat for Humanity is an organisation that works in partnership with people of goodwill nand families in need.  Its aim is to work towards the elimination of sub-standard housing by building and selling simple, decent homes on a no-interest, no-profit basis with affordable repayments.

This project here has been developed under the auspices of Habitat for Humanitys Porirua and Horowhenua branch.  For the past ten years or so, this Habitat for Humanity branch has established a selection and nurturing process to enable the most in-need families to be selected for these homes.  In fact, eight houses have already been completed in Porirua and I am sure that it is a particular source of pride for the Horowhenua arm of the organisation to complete its first house, right here in Foxton.  I have read the Colleen Sheldon newspaper article.

The families who move into these Habitat for Humanity houses become 'partner families'.  They are called 'partner families' because the houses are built not just for them, but also WITH them.

I want to issue thanks to the many volunteers who helped on this project.  Without your kindness and goodwill it simply would not have been possible to complete this project. 

Today is an important day not just for the family who can now call this new house their home.  Today is also important for the whole Manawatu community.  The construction of this house symbolises the strong community spirit here, and offers encouragement for the whole region.

My warmest congratulations to all who have participated in this impressive project.  Thanks are due to the supervising builder, Mr Wayne Bishop.  But particular congratulations to the partner family, who like so many others worked very hard to bring this project to fruition.  Mike and Debbie, you have done very well indeed and I wish you well for the future in your wonderful new home.

No reira, tena koutou katoa.