The family of 13 - two parents, 10 children and one grandchild - were selected by Habitat for Humanity earlier this year to have their own house built in Wakari.
Father of 10 Mike Te Moananui, who works for Te Whare Pounamu, said the reason behind the decision to apply for the house was a desire to give his family a stable base.
‘‘We wanted a base for our family and grandchildren. We wanted somewhere we could call our own and a place our kids could call home.''
However, Mr Te Moananui's wife Christine said her initial excitment when the family was selected was marked with a touch of sadness.
‘‘It was between our family and another family and I felt for the family who missed out. [But I now know] that the family who didn't get this house will get the next one and that made me feel a bit better.''
One of the conditions of having a Habitat for Humanity house built is that the recipients do a minimum of 500 hours' work building the house alongside volunteers, something which the family was enjoying, Mr Te Moananui said
‘‘It's been really cool meeting new people and getting to know them. People are helping because they want to be here, not because they have to be. It's been really fun.''
Habitat for Humanity Dunedin board member Colin McLeod said more than eight families applied for the house, which volunteers began building in June.
He hoped the Te Moananuis would be able to move in by Christmas.
‘‘You get to see a house go up and a family go in. [It] is very moving and from the point of view of the volunteers it's very rewarding,'' Mr McLeod said.
Habitat for Humanity New Zealand was established in 1992 and is part of an international Christian non-profit organisation that aims to eliminate poverty housing from the world. The organisation, which builds affordable homes in partnership with low-income families who cannot secure loans or mortgages by normal means, has built 12 houses in Dunedin since 1995.
- The Te Moananui family's house is being built at 126 Ashmore St in Halfway Bush every Saturday from 9am. Volunteers are always welcome.
