The first house ever constructed inside a New Zealand jail for use in the community, was hoisted over two fences at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison on Tuesday, before being transported to a section in Hastings.
The Habitat for Humanity project has been supported by the Department of Corrections, the Hastings District Council and community leaders.
Lance, from Ngati Kahungunu, was one of five inmates who built the four-bedroom house in eight weeks with the assistance of qualified tradesmen.
He says seeing the finished project gave him and the other inmates a real buzz and sense of satisfaction.
Lance says becoming skilled in everything from gibbing walls and ceilings to making scotias and architraves has been amazing.
He says all he wants now is a chance of getting a job when he leaves prison, so he can build houses full time.
Family full of praise for house builders
The Hastings couple who will live in house have nothing but praise for the five Maori inmates who built it.
Sharne Repia says she, along with her partner David and their three children, feel very privileged to be the recipients of the new building.
She says the family appreciates the input of Corrections and everyone who has had a hand in the project.
"Especially the inmates, they've done an excellent job. The house just looks awesome and we're really thankful."
Ms Repia says they can't wait to move in early next month.
