Assist us to save this iconic community house

In the 1980s a group of friends formed an incorporated society, with the purpose of creating a sustainable community and ecological lifestyle. Taranaki People of the Land Incorporated purchased a property, known as Katikara, with the intention that no-one person could own the earth, that members have a responsibility to care for the land. Society members lived off the grid, built homes from recycled and donated materials, raised gardens, animals and their children.

One of the dwellings built at the time was this iconic hexagon shaped home, with a stone fireplace as a pillar in the centre. Many locals still remember contributing to the working bees and community effort that constructed the hexagon house at Katikara.

In the 1990s the original members moved away and the houses ended up in personal ownership. Since 2001, the membership have been working to put that right. As of 2017, the homes are now all back in society ownership, but from over two decades of neglect and a lack and maintenance, the hexagon house has extensive water damage and was facing demolition. At a Special Meeting in 2019 it was decided by majority vote that we should restore the house, and use it for community gatherings, meetings and workshops.

But the repairs are major, and the income is minor. The house needs a new roof, many of the windows are broken, and years worth of leaks means there is also a lot of timber that needs to be replaced.

We luckily have some qualified roofers on the team at present, so once again, Katikara is calling upon the generosity and expertise of our community for labour; but a recent quote had the roofing materials alone, at over $8,000.

It would be such a shame to see this unique house demolished. As it is owned by an incorporated society, all of our income is from membership fees and fundraising. We would gratefully receive any financial assistance, donations and support.

Once the hexagon house is returned to working order, it will be used for community gatherings, wellness workshops, and to host other groups and not-for-profit organisations who are also working to restore health and harmony to the planet.

If you would like to know more about Katikara and Taranaki People of the Land Inc. Society, email TPOL.Society@gmail.com or go to Katikara.webs.com