94 | COMMUNITY Habitat for Humanity T T Kim Newth Habitat Nelson delivers hope for local families tion space and for music. It is being refurbished for use by our music department, who are looking forward to going into that. The work being done is entirely in keeping with the building.” New changing shed facilities, currently being built on campus, are also nearing completion and expected to be ready for use by the end of this year. Charlie says both Hawkins and Greg Donaldson Contracting have been excellent to work with during construction and very understanding of the school’s requirements. “They have accommodated all our needs and, with trenching right across the school, have also ensured access is available and that it’s safe.” Ashburton College’s existing science block – S block – is in line to be demolished soon to make way for the next future stage, in the form of an even larger new teaching block to accommodate English, social sciences, a library, digital technology, school canteen, pastoral spaces and a new staffroom. In this next stage, Te Whare Wānanga will also be relocated to a new position next to the administration building. Up to 26 teaching spaces T T from page 92 Ashburton College T T to page 96 “The new block will be so much more flexible, plus it will be well-insulated and double glazed, so much more comfortable and energy efficient. The old coal fired boiler is being replaced with a new heat pump system. “We’re really looking forward to commencing teaching and learning in the Rangitata block from the start of 2024. This has been a long process over many years. The new block is the first big tangible sign that we are making progress.” Another exciting part of this redevelopment is the complete refurbishment of the historic Menorlue house, also due to re-open at the start of the 2024 school year. This 130-yearold heritage-listed building is a treasured part of the college. It was built in 1893 on a small rural block owned by William Henry Collins, who served as Ashburton Mayor from 1901 to 1913 and founded W H Collins & Co hardware store. The Menorlue property was acquired by the Government in 1950 and eventually became part of the Ashburton College site. “In recent times it has been used as administraHabitat for Humanity is a non-profit organisation helping families to attain a decent home of their own, motivated by the belief that affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. As part of the organisation’s affiliated network, Habitat for Humanity Nelson is strongly committed to Habitat’s flagship rent-to-buy Progressive Home Ownership (PHO) programme that is helping families who would otherwise be locked out of the private housing market. Under the scheme, Habitat builds new homes that qualifying families then rent at affordable rates. Households entering the affordable rental programme have secure tenure for at least five years until refinancing and taking ownership of their own home. As part of the journey, participating households invest ‘sweat equity’ (275 hours) into their homes before moving in, such as doing interior painting, with training provided along the way. Habitat Nelson has recently completed 12 townhouses in Stoke – six three-bed and six two-bed units - to provide decent and affordable housing for low to moderate income families through the PHO programme. Keys were handed over to 12 local families in mid-June. Two one-bedroom social rentals are also part of the development. The site honours Habitat’s founder Julian Shields with a private lane – Shields Way – named to remember his lasting impact. “It was very much a goal with this project that we were going to build much better quality homes and meet much higher standards so we could create warm, dry, healthy homes,” says Jo Reilly, Habitat Nelson’s Head of Property and Projects. “Using a SIPs (structural insulated panels) construction system, the buildings have insulated pads, thicker walls with better insulation [R3.3 wall insulation] and thermally broken windows. “We have set the windows back inside the thermal envelope - giving much better thermal protection – and also have a mechanical ventilation system and higher levels of insulation in the ceiling.” Well-designed for family living, the layout includes an open plan kitchen/lounge area downstairs along with a laundry tucked away in a cupboard, a downstairs toilet and plenty of storage. Sunny downstairs living flows to a lovely outdoor area and each home has its own garden space. “It was very much a goal with this project that we were going to build much better quality homes and meet much higher standards so we could create warm, dry, healthy homes.” www.securisure.co.nz 03 308 7778 info@securisure.co.nz CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHBURTON COLLEGE SecuriSure is proud to support another quality local business. CHOOSE A TEAM YOU CAN BE SURE OF. SECURISURE. SITE WIDE SECURITY UPGRADE • SECURITY & FIRE SYSTEMMAINTENANCE & SUPPORT Services Provided: Insite are proud supporters of HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Premium Aluminium Windows and Doors • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • ARCHITECTURAL 2 Braeburn Lane, Nelson 03 547 0562 • info@insitenelson.co.nz www.insitenelson.co.nz
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