At a time when uncertainty is at the forefront of many people's minds, two Bay of Plenty organisations have been working together to create certainty for one deserving family – by delivering their forever home.

In 2018, Bayfair Shopping Centre and Habitat for Humanity joined forces to bring together the community, contractors, architects and engineers who volunteered their time to uplift a house from the Bayfair development site.

They have since delivered a fully consented and compliant home and with the project now complete, one family's dream of owning their own home is now a reality.

The journey to date has been one of hard work and dedication with a number of parties involved.

The project was predominantly funded by local businesses donating their time and resources to the value of $175,000

Bayfair centre manager Steve Ellingford says she has been continually amazed at how the volunteers gave time and energy to deliver this project.

'The way they have, in their area of expertise, pushed through the barriers and focused on the outcome is to be applauded. This would not have been possible without them, and their contribution cannot be thanked enough.”

As part of Bayfair's $115 million development, a number of development-held residential properties were uplifted to accommodate the centre's expansion.

One of those houses was gifted to the family who already held land they wished to move it to.

The necessary renovation and relocation was achieved in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Central Region's Home Repair programme. It helps low-income families achieve necessary repairs and maintenance, with no-interest repayments made over up to five years.

Habitat for Humanity Central Region chief executive Nic Greene says the programme was the ideal mechanism to help the Tauranga family achieve a decent home on land in Te Puna, which they already owned.

'This was an outstanding outcome for the whānau, who wished to live on their whenua and would have otherwise found achieving lending difficult.”

A family member, who wishes to remain anonymous, says they feel fortunate and blessed to now have a place to call home.

'On behalf of all our family, thank you to everyone that has put in so much time, effort and work. A simple thank you does not express how much we appreciate what you all have done for our entire whanau – our 10 children and 15 grandchildren and their children can now share in the foundation you helped create.”

Partners involved in the project and who should be acknowledged, include Fosters, Becca, Lysaght, Ignite Architects, Carters, Alpha Interiors, Aquaholics, 4 Seasons, Firefly, Placemakers, Metro Glass, Harking Roofing and Aim Hire.