29 Nov 2019

New Zealand aid 'critical' to Koroipita housing project

From the collecton The House On Demand

The founder of housing project Koroipita says he recognises New Zealand has its own housing problems and he's working to engage other funding partners.

New Zealand Aid helps fund Koroipita which was founded  by Peter Drysdale in 1985 after cyclones Eric and Nigel hit the western part of Viti Levu.

It has since become a model for healthy, sustainable, cyclone proof housing.

Peter Drysdale told Daniela Maoate-Cox the partnership with New Zealand has 'been a dream' but he's aware New Zealand has its own housing issues and Koroipita is working to find funding from other places as well.

This interview is part of a series on the Speaker-led delegation to Tonga and Fiji. The full coverage can be found here.

Koroipita founder Peter Drysdale hops into the van to tour the visiting MPs around the village

Koroipita founder Peter Drysdale hops into the van to tour the visiting MPs around the village Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox