News & Updates
This page contains the latest news on progress with the Kerikeri Quick Build Project.
Surprise Visitor!
October 2nd, 2010
It was a nice hot and sunny day as volunteers arrived to help load the scafolding on to the truck for its return to Auckland.
With all the many willing workers helping out it didn't take long before all the planks, pipes, cuplings and other gear were loaded. Then just as the load was being tied down for a safe trip ... guess what?
Along came Mr Whippy!
The surprise visitor supplied icecreams to those there, who of course were grateful for something refreshing on a hot day. The timing couldn't have been better!
Thanks to all who helped out, and especially to the brothers who supplied the scofolding for our project.
Click here for photographs.
Quick Build Project
September 30th, 2010
The first timber frame was lifted into place just after midday on Wednesday (22 September 2010) and the next morning the roof trusses were being lifted up and positioned. The scaffolding team were busy setting things up for the various teams to use throughout the project.
By Friday the project was in full swing, with the purlins, roofing, fascia and soffits being done up above. And plumbing, electrical wiring, and lining among the work being done inside. Work had started on the air conditioning, painting and fixing of the exterior cladding, and the aluminium joinery was being installed.
The afternoon saw the bricklayers making good progress, even though the shape of the bricks (otherwise known as "clay bananas") made their work a bit of a challenge. The gib-stopping was underway that afternoon as well, along with the installation of the lighting and electrical outlets, and work had also begun on the stage. And of course all the support teams were busy with their various assignments, including attendants, traffic control, cleaning, signage, site safety, lost and found, quality control, first aid and the much loved food and refreshment workers were hard at work, to mention a few.
Saturday was another busy day for all, with many of the teams from yesterday still completing their assigned tasks. Additional workers were working hard on the suspended ceiling, insulation, interior finishing, painting, tiling, and other miscellaneous jobs. It was nice to see the cabinets for the literature, magazine and sound arrive and be positioned. And other items, such as the contribution boxes and notice-board, and also the bathroom vanity units were put in place as well. Of course, much was being done outside too, including the ongoing landscaping work, the exterior lighting system and the security gate and keypads.
As the darkness of Saturday evening arrived so did more workers, such as the paper hangers and carpet layers. Much was accomplished as many continued working through the night to complete various jobs. The security volunteers were there, as they had been for the weeks prior, keeping a watchful eye over the site.
The carpet, wallpaper, ceilings and interior finishing looked real smart by Sunday morning. As work was nearing completion on some of the large exterior parts of the construction, such as the bricks, the interior was getting a few finishing touches as well, with the fitting of the remaining internal doors and the sound system installation. A team was also beginning to assemble the seats for the Kingdom Hall.
Before long the scaffolding around the hall, and the large food tent was coming down as the site was tidied. And by around 4pm on Sunday (26 September 2010) the hall was complete.
Preparation Begins
September 20th, 2010
With the official start to the quick build project only days away, things are starting to get extra busy. Everyone has been working very hard to ensure everything is in place for the smooth operation of the project.
All the materials necessary for this large construction project are progressively being delivered to the site, including the bricks, roof trusses and other building supplies, with some items being stored in shipping containers on site. A portacom, caravans, sheds and other temporary structures will be used by the various departments during the construction period.
The food tent has been setup and shortly will be the location, not only for meals and refreshments, but also for upbuilding association among the hundreds of willing volunteers that have travelled from all over the country - this is certainly one of the highlights of the quick build!
New Website Launched
September 1st, 2010
The first day of Spring sees the redesign of our website. Why? Well, to be honest the other website ran out of storage space for all the photographs! That's what happens when you have so many keen photographers in the congregation. So, we took the opportunity to give the website a new look. Take a look around and let us know what you think.
Timber Framing and Landscaping Progress
August 30th, 2010
Work has started on the timber framing "pre-nail" for the Kingdom Hall building. A key man from the Quick Build framing team came up from Auckland to help with setting out the framing. Then the frames were put together by a selection of skilled workers and volunteers from the local and nearby congregations.
On Saturday, a team of tilers arrived to setout and lay the floor tiles in the utilities and entrance areas. The tiling was completed but the weather prevented the tiles being grouted.
Landscaping work is also under way, with the arrival of more mature palm trees, Nikau palms and underplanting. Key men from the Quick Build landscaping team travelled North to help with the layout of the plantings. A crew of volunteers worked hard digging holes, planting the various trees and plants, and placing garden mulch for ground cover.
Volunteers also worked hard painting the timber boundary fence. They could be easily spotted with the conspicuous black paint markings extending from their hands!
Not to be forgotten are the ever-present and hard-working kitchen and food volunteers, as well as the generous donations of food and refreshments provided. Thanks from the bottom of our stomachs!