Key Takeaways
- Retired businessman Roger Fewtrell is using his wealth to help ordinary working people buy their first home in Dunedin, New Zealand.
- He plans to build 250 homes over the next decade, losing $25 million in the process, to provide affordable housing for families.
- Fewtrell’s company has 15 active subdivisions across Dunedin, with the goal of getting families out of renting and into their own homes.
- The project is personal philanthropy, with Fewtrell using his own wealth to help those in need, rather than seeking profit.
- The homes are built by local tradespeople, and buyers can purchase them without going through government programs or ballots.
Introduction to Roger Fewtrell’s Philanthropy
Roger Fewtrell, a 76-year-old retired businessman, has made it his mission to tackle one of New Zealand’s biggest inequities: the difficulty for ordinary working people to buy their first home. With his wealth, made from founding and selling the hospitality supply giant Southern Hospitality, he is now using it to make a difference in his community. Fewtrell’s plan is to build 250 homes over the next decade, losing $25 million in the process, to provide affordable housing for families in Dunedin. He believes that by doing so, he can help level the playing field and give people a chance to own their own homes, rather than being stuck in the rental market.
Fewtrell’s Background and Motivation
Fewtrell’s life is a testament to self-made wealth. He arrived in Dunedin from Australia in 1974 with little more than his family and a determination to succeed. After working for local companies supplying restaurant and hotel equipment, he saw an opportunity to start his own business, Southern Hospitality, which became New Zealand’s largest hospitality equipment supplier. Fewtrell’s success is not just about his business acumen, but also about his willingness to take risks and learn from his mistakes. When asked for advice to young entrepreneurs, he says, "Just do it. If you’ve got a reasonable understanding of what you’re doing and a bit of experience, go ahead and do it. You’ll make plenty of mistakes, but it’s not that hard." Fewtrell’s motivation for helping first-home buyers is personal, as he believes that people who are working hard and trying to buy their own home are often overlooked and in need of support.
The Housing Project
Fewtrell’s company has 15 active subdivisions across Dunedin, ranging from small two-home lots to a major 68-house development. The goal is to build homes that are affordable for first-home buyers, with prices that are lower than what they would pay in rent. The homes are built by local tradespeople, including local builders, architects, and planners. Fewtrell admits that dealing with local councils can be a challenge, but he is determined to push forward with the project. The first batch of homes is scheduled to be completed on Riccarton Rd, in East Taieri, and another eight will be ready by Christmas. Fewtrell’s project is not just about building homes, but also about creating a community. He has encountered all kinds of buyers, from young couples starting a family to blended families who are starting over.
The Impact of the Project
The reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people appreciating Fewtrell’s efforts to help first-home buyers. Fewtrell’s philanthropy is not just about giving money, but also about making a difference in people’s lives. He says, "I came over here with nothing. Now I get to see families move into their first homes. That’s better than sitting on a pile of money, isn’t it?" The project is expected to take at least 10 years to complete, but Fewtrell is committed to seeing it through. He believes that his efforts will make a lasting impact on the community and provide a legacy that will outlast him.
Conclusion
Roger Fewtrell’s story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in their community. Through his philanthropy, he is providing affordable housing for families and helping to address one of New Zealand’s biggest social issues. Fewtrell’s project is a testament to the power of individual action and the impact that one person can have on their community. As he says, "Dunedin’s been pretty good to me, so it’s nice to put something back." Fewtrell’s legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his efforts will continue to inspire others to make a difference in their own communities.
