Plans for DIY workshops and a dedicated Men's Shed-style facility in Maketu are underway, as a healthy homes project steps up a gear.

The Maketu Health Whare Project, initiated by Western Bay of Plenty District Council in 2014, has already helped 45 homes in the small community become healthier places to live.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has joined forces with Te Runanga o Ngati Whakaue to promote healthy homes in Maketu. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Now, with a new funding donation from Bay Trust, the project's team is looking at ways to give the initiative longevity and build the community's capacity.

This will include workshops to teach residents DIY skills, and a community work shed for both men and women.

The project is a collaborative effort with various community groups – born during the installation of a wastewater system in Maketu, says Council's group manager for policy, planning & regulatory services, Rachael Davie.

'When we installed the wastewater system, certain issues arose with some of the houses,” says Rachael, 'and it was through this process the full extent of poor housing conditions, and likely health effects, were realised.”

Council sought community support and joined forces with Te Runanga o Ngati Whakaue before sourcing project coordinator Maria Thorne to lead the initiative.

With an initial $50,000 in funding, the project began by assessing 20 homes deemed unhealthy to live due to electrical, building, and insulation issues.

When the problems were identified, small repairs were made where possible. Families were also aided in applying for fully subsidised insulation to warm their homes.

As funding support increased, another 25 homes were assessed during 2014.

Maria says Maketu and the wider community have been very receptive of the project.

'People have been very grateful for the assistance,” she says 'There is also a desire to better their own abilities to help themselves.”

That's where the DIY workshops come in – with the first designed to help people draft-proof their own home, says Maria.

'We hope to hold a different workshop each quarter this year and in 2016,” she adds.

'Maketu is a strong community and one that we believe will take pride in bettering their own homes, and their neighbours' homes."

The new funding will now also see another 35 homes assessed and helped.

Maria says: 'At present, we are seeking sponsorship and corporate support to get these new initiatives off the ground, and hopefully give families the ability to help themselves long term.

Council is also looking to replicate the Maketu Health Whare Project in other Western Bay communities.