The house built with love
By Dan Hutchinson
The house is lifted up ready for delivery to it new owner.
The community came, it built a house and now Hospice is $220,000 better off.
The two-bedroom house has been taking shape on the corner of Ruapehu St and Paora Hapi Street for the past couple of months led by Livingstone Builders and supported by tradies, real estate professionals and other companies.
Everything was given for free, and it culminated in an auction run by Harcourts Taupō – commission free – on Monday afternoon.
Lake Taupō Hospice CEO Christine Rankin says the whole process has been “humbling”.
With no reserve, the auction process was a little bit nerve wracking when the bidding seemingly stalled at $50,000 early on.
“I think apart from Hospice House, when Richard Izard donated that to us and everything that went with it, this is the biggest fundraising event we've ever had.
“And look, we didn't create it, it was nothing to do with us. It was not our idea. Wonderful Livingstone Building brought this idea to us and offered it to us.”
She says it was not a cheap build and everything was done to the highest standard with quality materials.
“It was beautifully done from top to toe. And of course, we were donated all the whiteware in it as well. It was also top of the range from the oven to dryers and washing machines.”
She didn’t know who had bought the cottage, it was sold to a phone bidder, but whoever it was got a good deal on a quality build.
The board of directors would decide what the money would be spent on exactly, but it would all be spent on their clients.
“We are delighted with the whole experience, and Livingston were just outstanding to work with. I think of every single tradesman that just donated so much.
“It was a real good news story, isn't it? So positive, just before Christmas, that we can do that in our little wonderful community.”
Christine says she loves going to work every day.
“It's just a very special place and people are so grateful for what happens and so aware that without this stuff, we just don't get to do the kind of things for them that we'd like to do. So, it's very exciting for us.”
The interior of the house built for Hospice.
The auction was run by Harcourts Taupō – commission free – on the afternoon of Monday 24th November 2025.