WITH MORE THAN TWO DECADES BUILDING HOMES IN THE Pacific, the team at Wiri Pacific know what works and what doesn’t.
While the tropical heat makes high-pitched roofs, as in traditional Samoan fales, a popular choice, managing director Lance Worthington says there are other cost, effective ways to improve circulation and keep the home cool.
“We have the experience to realise that you can’t transfer a New Zealand home made for New Zealand conditions to the islands,” he says. “The insulation requirements are different and the amount of heat generated with glass windows makes it important in terms of materials and positioning. We know that weather conditions in the different islands vary, too, and you need to take that into account.
Worthington says fortunately the consumers are becoming more educated to making the best choices. Many are New Zealand-born and educated and are increasingly savvy in understanding what’s required. Samoa is benefiting from the knowledge those living in New Zealand are providing, and has a growing housing market.
Wiri Pacific’s work spans from Japan to Tahiti and also includes Tonga, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands. Its popularity in the Cooks has resulted in the appointment of Shana Kamana as a local agent based in Rarotonga.
Wiri Pacific is a supporter of local events, and has its own vaka taking part in Vaka Eiva (featured in the Sep/Oct Issue 28 of SPASIFIK), now the islands’ biggest annual tourist event.
Growing business also has Wiri Pacific on the lookout for agents to be based in Samoa and Tonga. It benefits from having Pacific people at its Auckland offices, many who can speak the language. Having agents based in the islands enables Wiri Pacific to deal more directly with its customers.
