Katikati Abbeyfield House Nears Completion with $67k Still Needed

Construction of an Abbeyfield house in Katikati is well under way, with the roof about to go on at the Wills Road site. The project, which has taken the Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty committee nearly six years to get off the ground, will provide 14 older people aged 65-plus with en-suite studio accommodation, cooked meals and companionship.

The committee has raised more than $3 million in total, including a $2.5 million grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's affordable housing fund along with support from Abbeyfield Properties Ltd. A small shortfall of $67,022 remains, which the committee is working to close through a range of fundraising activities.

The latest campaign invites the public to "buy" a brick for $25 towards the brick cladding of the building. With more than 10,000 bricks needed, the committee hopes the community will get behind the effort. In June, Abbeyfield WBOP volunteers will be at the Katikati Sunday Markets selling bricks, and outside the local Woolworths and Four Square stores. People can also arrange a bank transfer by emailing fundabbeyfield wbop@gmail.com or phoning 027 348 7748.

Each resident will have their own studio and access to shared living areas. A housekeeper — the only paid staff member — will provide two cooked meals a day and maintain shared spaces, while a self-service breakfast will also be available. Committee chairwoman Carole Parker emphasised the house is not a rest home and no health care is provided, but it will be affordable for those living on New Zealand Superannuation. People aged 65-plus who are interested in living there are encouraged to register their interest at www.abbeyfield.co.nz/house/wbop/

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).