Help Wairarapa whānau prototype building affordable healthy housing

The Kia Hanga pou is part of our Te Whare Hangahanga project. Our goal is to establish a whare that would house a CNC router in Wairarapa (CNC stands for computer numerical control). The router is an automated, computer-controlled machine that uses a cutting bit (like a drill) to cut parts out of plywood. It allows the creation of almost any shape, including house parts! You can create designs with computer software and then the CNC router will cut them out precisely.

The opportunities for our people with this type of technology are unlimited. There are already open source projects in the world that provide the designs and templates to create houses (WikiHouse) and furniture (OpenDesk). The CNC router unlocks that ability.

This kia hanga pou proposal requires a CNC router to allow us to cut full size sheets of plywood (2400mm x 1200mm) and gives us the opportunity to manufacture our own housing (even the furniture). We have already created a 1/6th scale prototype MicroHouse based on a design by WikiHouse (pictured). Purchasing this CNC router will enable our whānau to build a prototype full scale whare.

If this build is successful our aim is to use this technology to progressively replace kaumātua housing.

We want to ensure we build sustainable, off-grid houses that are warm, dry and insulated, at a price of less than $75k. This kaupapa not only allows us to use digital technologies but to effect change in our physical environment. It will ensure we can provide autonomy to our whānau and generations to come.

We are looking to raise $32,004 which is the cost of the CNC router alone (including GST). All funds raised will go towards the purchase of a CNC Router within the Wairarapa region. Any funds raised above the purchase price will go towards the delivery of the machine ($2k+) purchasing plywood for the project (potentially up to $25k). With your help, we can build the first full-size whare prototype.