Habitat for Humanity Central Region, New Zealand

14/06/2026

Your year to volunteer?

Lend a hand with Habitat and help us build a world where everyone has a decent place to live!

Check out our volunteer opportunities: https://www.habitat.org.nz/locations/central -with-us

09/06/2026

At around 60 years old, the roof on Mike and Lizzy’s New Plymouth home was leaking.

“We had pots out to catch the water, it was that bad,” Mike says.

Knowing that Habitat for Humanity supports people with housing, retiree Mike reached out to see if there was a way to get assistance with a new roof.

Now their home is watertight once again, thanks to the support of Habitat’s interest-free Home Repair loan.

Read more: https://www.habitat.org.nz/impact-stories/an-interest-free-loan

28/05/2026

“I was just going to keep working and working and working.”

That was Hamilton homeowner Helen’s plan for fixing up her home of almost 50 years. Gradually saving up to get bits and pieces done over time.

But now, Helen – who is in her 70s – is retiring from work knowing her house is up to scratch, thanks to the support of Habitat’s Home Repair programme and BNZ Bank.

“I would say to anyone, don’t be shy to go in and ask for help. It’s there for you, if your house needs fixing up, don’t be afraid to go to Habitat and ask for help.

“You kind of think that, because of pride, you don’t want their help, but you do.

“They’ll be so friendly and willing to help you.”

Read the full story: https://www.habitat.org.nz/impact-stories/from-my-poor-home-to-relief

📸Waikato Diocesan School Year 10 students painting Helen’s home, 2025.

18/05/2026

What’s blue and fun to read?

The latest Habitat Central magazine is out now! Chock-full of our latest stories, handy tips and tricks to help get your home ready for winter, inspiring op-shop finds, kids activities and more.

Pick up a copy from your local Habitat Central ReStore today!

22/04/2026

It’s fair to say Dave is not your average tenancy manager.

🎸He writes original songs to perform at house dedications.
🍳He makes a mean stack of crepes.
🖌️And he’s not afraid of a bit of hard mahi – especially on the end of a paintbrush.

This week, we’re celebrating Dave’s fifth anniversary with Habitat.

For five years, he’s supported families on their homeownership journey, helped people into secure and affordable rental homes, and been the face of our Ready to Rent workshops helping people gain the knowledge and skills they need to be a great tenant.

Knowing the difference decent housing makes is what gets him out of bed in the morning, but Dave says his favourite part of the job is Ready to Rent.

“These people are doing it tough – some who have been doing motel or transitional housing for a lengthy time. To hear their stories and be able to significantly better their chances of gaining a rental for them and/or their whanau is rewarding.

“I sometimes get stopped at the supermarket by Ready to Rent alumni sharing their positive accommodation outcomes.”

04/04/2026

Happy Easter from the Habitat Central team!

Thank you for all you do to help foster hope and renewal for families across our communities. Together, we open the door to new beginnings 🏠

19/03/2026

Jordan’s rainy-day anxiety has come to an end, thanks to Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair programme.

First-time buyers Jordan and Cody did their due diligence before purchasing their home – including getting a builder’s report. But the discovery of water damage and mould soon after moving in put a damper on their celebrations.

Further investigation revealed they’d need a full reroof, so Jordan turned to Habitat for support.

Waikato Tainui, who work in partnership with Habitat, came on board to cover a portion of the family’s repair costs, and NYC Roofing also supported the repairs – including arranging for the solar panels to be removed and put back up at no additional cost.

👉Read the full story: https://www.habitat.org.nz/impact-stories/searching-for-assistance-new-roof

13/03/2026

After 18 months of navigating the Taranaki rental squeeze and transitional housing, Izyah and Ngawaeroa are on the journey to homeownership with support from Habitat’s Progressive Home Ownership programme.

Izyah and Ngawaeroa were one of two New Plymouth families to be officially welcomed to their new homes today. We’re delighted to support these families with a hand up to achieving their home ownership goals.

👉Read the news:

Izyah Ryder and Ngawaeroa Henderson-Ruki have traded transitional housing for a three-bedroom home and a "big backyard" for their tamariki.

16/02/2026

We’re geared up to welcome the year’s first group of Ready-to-Renters to Habitat House today!

Delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, our Ready to Rent workshop supports people living in emergency or transitional housing to gain knowledge and skills to support them on their housing journey.

This week’s participants will have the opportunity to learn about the rights and responsibilities of tenants, tenancy law, maintaining a healthy home, interacting with landlords, and more.

10/02/2026

New Plymouth, have you heard the news?

New ReStore incoming!

Follow for updates 👇
Habitat ReStore New Plymouth

Something is coming...

Watch this space, New Plymouth.