A new beginning....... Delayed by nature's power

The earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011 that have rocked Christchurch have not dentited the plans of the local committee but have meant inevitable delays. The necessary emphasis on emergency recovery will delay our project but the increasingly obvious need to rehouse older folk who are experiencing difficulty living alone in their damaged property should mean easy passage for our plans through the consent process when we are ready to proceed.

Before the quakes, Abbeyfield was  evaluating a range of possible options to develop an Abbeyfield house, or possibly houses, in Christchurch.

Abbeyfield has formed a steering committee comprised of interested local volunteers. These 'champions' of Abbeyfield are seeking support from the community to develop an Abbeyfield house.

Initially the new group has assessed the demand for Abbeyfield style accommodation, then they will seek additional community support in the form of volunteers and funding to develop an appropriate proposal.

At this time the work is well advanced. The committee has joined with other not-for-profit community housing providers who are negotiating with the local council to jointly develop a community housing project that will include an Abbeyfield house. 

Fundraising has been underway for some time and we have gathered sufficient support to ensure the house we eventually build will be a flagship for Abbeyfield in New Zealand.

All we need now is for the ground to stop shaking!

For more information, or to join our local steering committee and bring an Abbeyfield home to Christchurch please contact:

Chairperson
Fenn Shaw  
Phone: cell 021 276 2966 or home (03) 354 0066
email: fshaw@clear.net.nz

Treasurer
Len Brigden
Phone:Business (03) 379 4010
email: len@mcphailchch.co.nz

Secretary
Margaret Yorke
132 Brookside Terrace
Beyndwr
Christchurch 8053
email:  randmyorke@inet.net.nz