Two new homes are opening on Hohepa Canterbury’s campus on Barrington Street, Christchurch$1.7 million dollars donated to the intellectual disability support provider for the new homesHouses to be opened by New Zealand’s Disability Rights Commissioner, Paula Tesoriero MNZM on
One hundred and sixty-three donors gave a generous $1.7 million dollars to the building of Hohepa Canterbury’s two new
homes – Lamar House and Sutherland House.
Designed by Wilson and Hill Architects with the construction managed by Armitage Williams, the house builds have come in
under-budget and on-time (Covid-19 not withstanding).
The founding donation of $500,000 was announced by John Sutherland from the Sutherland Self Help Trust at the Capital
Campaign launch event on Thursday, 31 October 2019. John says the gift has been given after a long history of past
support and connection between the Trust and Hohepa from the 1970’s, through their shared mission of supporting people
living with disabilities.
“Anytime that I visit Hohepa it is a joy to do so. The calmness, friendliness and happiness of all the people both
residents and staff is always great to experience. The Sutherland Self Help Trust is honoured that one of the two new
homes will be named after our Trust,” he says.
The second half-million dollar gift Hohepa Canterbury received was from the Christchurch-based Lamar Charitable Trust.
The Trust has a long history of generous giving towards Hohepa Canterbury, due to the alignment of the Trust’s mission
to support vulnerable people, including those with intellectual disabilities.
The donation to Hohepa Canterbury is the largest single amount the Lamar Trust has ever given. Brent Smith, Chair of the
Trust felt the timing and the cause was right for Lamar to support the project with a truly significant gift.
“All the trustees are dedicated to the inspiring and ongoing vision of supporting those who are challenged by
disability. We’re committed to upholding its original founders’ vision, to support those with disabilities to live the
most rewarding life possible within the community.”
In order to appropriately recognise gifts of these magnitude, the two houses have been named Lamar House and Sutherland
House.
The Houses are to be opened on Friday, 5th November 2021, by New Zealand’s Disability Rights Commissioner, Paula
Tesoriero MNZM. A blessing ceremony will be undertaken the night prior by kaumatua Pere, and open homes will be hosted
from 1-4pm, Saturday, 6th November for the local community to come visit – and share the joy of these two new homes.