A Dunedin builder has been painted as "a hero of the Pacific'' by Habitat for Humanity New Zealand for his "extraordinary work, housing families in the Pacific''.
Mark Berryman is the marketing and development manager for Selah Renovations, but is also a qualified builder who has spent much of his spare time this year helping to build houses for 37 low-income Samoan families living in the cyclone belt.
Habitat for Humanity New Zealand chief executive officer Claire Szabo paid tribute to the 29-year-old, for his exceptional support of families in need in Samoa.
The Habitat Build Samoa project was funded by the New Zealand Government's Aid Programme and public fundraising, and was supported by the Government of Samoa's Housing Corporation, which is offering affordable loans to families for the cost of building materials.
But Mr Berryman had also volunteered much of his time, invested money and sponsored his staff to build homes for low-income families in the island nation, she said.
"From design improvements to labour provision, from donating funds to supporting the ongoing project management, we could not have hoped for a better volunteer than we got in Mark.
"Both Habitat for Humanity, and the families we've served, will be forever in his debt,'' she said.
"We are awestruck at the generosity.''
Mr Berryman was humble about his work and said he was just another member of a well-organised team.
"It was an enriching and humbling experience to be involved in such a great project.
"Habitat for Humanity is an incredible organisation and it is a privilege to volunteer alongside many other 'heroes' in making a difference for others, giving a hand up, not a hand out.''
Mr Berryman said his experience in construction and leadership was put to the test during his time in the Habitat Build Samoa project, because he had to design and construct dwellings that were cyclone-proof, culturally appropriate and suitable for the needs of communities and families, for families on a very limited budget.
Mr Berryman has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity since he was 15, and has helped communities in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Vietnam, among others.
"I feel like I can make a real difference doing this. It's far more satisfying than just travelling around as a tourist.
"Eventually, we would love to be set up in a Third World country and make a continued long-term difference in a community.
"My wife Elizabeth and I aim to put in over $1million a year into overseas aid development.
"Basically we have spent the last decade growing ourselves and resources so that we can be really effective, and contribute to a community effectively and appropriately - but we still have a long way to go before we reach the end goal.''
