The SPASIFIK November/ December 2009 Issue 34 profiled Cook Islander Joe McCarthy who shared his dream of building a home on his “piece of paradise” in Titikaveka, Rarotonga. At the start of the year his dream became a reality when he and his friends built it... in 10 days
Wiri Pacific Managing Director Lance Worthington says it may have taken his employee Joe McCarthy less than a fortnight to complete his home in Rarotonga – with the help of four or five mates, but he knows it’s a home that’s built to last.
With the neighbouring island of Aitutaki still in recovery mode from the devastation of Cyclone Pat in February, it will need to be.
“I was in Aitutaki after the cyclone and was stunned at how many houses were simply flattened,” he recalls.
“Yet there were others that withstood it, with minimal damage. The reason? Using proper roof trusses and fixings that enable aroof to withstand such winds. Worthington attended a community meeting where there was talk of building practices and what they could do better to make their homes cyclone resistant.
“They were so focused on the places that were destroyed, but I told the locals to look at the ones left standing, the answer is there – they were built better,” he says.
“Joe has done things properly – with good materials, good workers and good building practices. He knows what the weather can do and he’s prepared for it.”
The Cook Islands was where Wiri began working in the Pacific 25 years ago. While it’s still an integral part, business has expanded considerably in many other islands.
“New Caledonia is going strongly and so is Tonga. We’re fortunate in that we have people who dealt with us who are referring us to their friends and relatives,” he says.
“Samoa’s a place that’s racing ahead. It’s becoming more sophisticated. The roads have improved and the building practices have improved.”
Having established itself as one of the leading builders of homes in the region among its Auckland clientele, Wiri Pacific has targeted Wellington and Christchurch’s growing Pacific populations.
“Although they’re New Zealand’s two next biggest cities, the fact is the ease of sending materials from there direct to the Pacific isn’t as straightforward as it is from Auckland,” says Worthington.
“We can deliver materials straight to the ships that sail there.”
Wiri Pacific also offer online sales, but he understands those who want to physically see the material they’re buying.
“If that’s what they want, there are plenty of cheap deals going around to fly from places like Wellington for just $49. It’ll still be a lot cheaper than trying to send material from those cities.
“In fact, we’re getting Pacific families flying over on cheap deals from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and placing orders.”
He adds that his business is not interested in being a merchant supplier because there are no guarantees of how the materials will be used.
Most of all, he says, Wiri is a leader in the Pacific because of the way it deals with the people.
“We’re not just talking about a project, we’re talking about homes for Pacific people that uncles, aunties, grandparents and grandkids will be coming to stay at. There’s the emotional side of it, and they want to be involved. We want to help them with that by providing them with our experience to make sure it’s a great home to live in and it’s built to last.”
