Twelve Tauranga volunteers travel to the village of Rakiraki, Fiji from September 26 to spend two weeks building facilities to improve the lives of the Fijian community.
Project Fiji is run by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic School of Applied Technology. The group travelling to Rakiraki this year includes eight polytechnic staff, three polytechnic carpentry students and a Tauranga Boys’ College student.

Tutor Jason Jackson and pre-trade course students Dylan Mayor and Hugh Matthewman are taking their building skills to Fiji.

The project is dedicated to the memory of the late Ivan Wanhill, a polytechnic electrical tutor who originally volunteered in Fiji with Papamoa Baptist Church. It aims to help Fijian communities in need.
Polytechnic carpentry tutor Jason Jackson says the group needs to raise $4000 to complete the building work planned this year. They will work with villagers to build kitchens, toilet amenities; sponsor students to attend school; and work within schools to create education resources.
“The hours will be long, the work will be hard, but we look forward to creating a better environment for all the families of Rakiraki,” says Jason.
“I went with a team last year and it was very enjoyable. It was hot but rewarding.
“It’s a good opportunity for the students to build skills and it puts them in contact with a different lifestyle.”
This year’s team will stay in school accommodation built by last year’s group.
As well as cash for building materials, the team will take children’s books, bedding and clothing to giveaway.
Fundraising, island-style

Project Fiji volunteers are holding a Fijian-themed Cocktail, Canapé and Auction Night on Thursday August 5 to raise funds for the building work.
The event takes place at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic from 4.30-9pm. Tickets cost $20 per person, with $5 from each ticket going to Project Fiji. The ticket price also includes canapés and one cocktail.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jason Jackson at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, phone 07 544 0920. The event is open to the public.