David Reid Homes Wanaka Buildathon Raises $179,000 for Cure Kids

September 18 2005: A three bedroom relocatable house built on Wanaka's waterfront in 24 hours by David Reid Homes, fetched $179,000 when it was auctioned this afternoon for the Cure Kids charity, before a 1500 strong crowd.

The build-a-thon which was a highlight of the Wanakafest's weekend activities started at 10.00am on Saturday and went through the night to finish at 10.00am this morning.

David Reid Homes director Richard Fairbairn said the build-a-thon was an innovative project which attracted strong support from suppliers and the Wanaka community.

He was overwhelmed at the auction price achieved . "It is incredible and I couldn't think of a better cause for the money to go to."

At the peak of the event 100 tradesmen were working on the house.

"Everyone got in behind the event. Builders, painters, electricians and plumbers gave their time and everyone got into the spirit of it, " said Mr Fairbairn."They were all committed to helping Cure Kids and I am incredibly proud of the effort that was put in."

The house was built under a large marquee on the waterfront in case of bad weather. The 105 sqm house quickly took shape although David Reid Homes project manager Dean Millar said it was difficult to stick to the schedule they originally planned.

"When we started out we went immediately ahead of schedule then we fell behind but managed to make up the time. In the end the schedule went out the window and we realised we just had to work through the process and hope we could complete the house in time."

By 9.00 this morning the house, which is carpeted and curtained and contains a full range of kitchen and laundry whiteware and appliances, was virtually complete and a team of cleaners moved in to prepare it for the three hour open home.

Throughout the build-a-thon a group of young Cure Kids children and ambassadors, television personality Lana Co-Kroft and Michael Murphy who was runner-up in the 2004 New Zealand Idol contest, visited the building site to cheer the workforce on.

Included among the group was 20-year-old Wanaka cystic fibrosis sufferer Beccy Dixon who has been the face of Cure Kids for many years.

"The team enjoyed the input from Cure Kids," said Mr Fairbairn. "Everyone on the building site was keen to be there and get the job done to help raise money for medical research."

Hundreds of people poured through the house once it was complete and the red ribbon had been cut by the children.

"Everyone has been blown away by the standard of the house and the quality of the furnishings and fittings," said Cure Kids South Island Funding Manager , Josie Fitzgerald.

"This has been an incredible fundraising event for us. The support from the David Reid Homes and the entire building team as well as the Wanaka community and Wanakafest has been unbelievable. We can assure everyone that the funds raised will be directed into crucial research into children's illnesses."

Wanakfest Festival manager Kerry Quinn says the festival was very proud to have initiated the event and form an association with Cure Kids.

"It has been a fantastic event and a great experience for everyone involved."

The house was auctioned by Harcourts Real Estate Wanaka and there was spirited bidding, amongst several hopeful buyers, which started at $10,000 and rose quickly to go under the hammer at $179,000.

The house was bought by Queenstown helicopter pilot Stephen Scott.

For Further Information: Jenny McLeod Cure Kids Media 021 357173