OurStory
My name is Robyn Horsfall and for the past 5 ½ years I’ve been a member of the Body Corporate Committee for Farnham Terraces in Parnell, Auckland – the last 18 months of this as the Body Corporate Chairperson. Our complex has 41 units and was completed in the mid-1990’s.
To say we have a “leaky building” is something of an understatement. Unlike many of the leaky buildings out there looking to fix their problems, our experts tell us that because of fundamental structural issues (and a myriad of other issues), our best solution is to tear down and rebuild the entire complex. This has resulted in ours being one of the largest claims in New Zealand leaky building history and it being strongly contested by the defendents.
Back in September 2004 when we commenced legal proceedings we thought the process would run for about 18 months. Sadly this hasn’t been the case and one of the defendents brought an application to strike out our claim in 2007. An initial case, an appeal and a further application for appeal later (all of which they lost), we are now gearing up to go to court for our actual case in October 2010.
To date we have spent in the region of $1.2 million on legal fees, experts’ costs and remedial “patch” work to keep the complex liveable. Our current estimates are for almost as much again to cover both preparatory work and an 8 week case if we actually go to court in October.
I’m sure you can begin to appreciate the stress and financial strain this has caused all of us as owners, particularly in the current economic climate – everyone of us has our own story and life that this is impacting.
What I'm Doing About It
As a result I’ve decided to do something positive and proactive about our situation. I’m going to share the wisdom and some of the life and practical lessons and strategies we’ve applied during this time, approach it in a more upbeat way and help us raise money towards our costs along the way. Utilising the past 14 years of my background in change, consulting, coaching and people development, and drawing from our current circumstances, I’ve written this e-book - “Life Lessons From a Leaky Building – Strategies For Personal Resilience”. It contains 24 lessons or observations gleaned from our situation, followed by accompanying strategies to help build personal resilience during difficult times.
Each lesson and strategy is accompanied by a picture or cartoon. I’ve also included relevant quotes by those wiser than me where they seem appropriate ;o)
I’m not asking for charity – I believe there is value, lessons and humour in what I’m sharing that stands alone. I also believe that while its immediate applicability is for those in similar circumstances or who know people with leaky buildings, there is wisdom in here for anyone facing challenges. Resilience is an important life skill and one worth developing.
The choice to use all New Zealand images is a very deliberate one – I want them to give this ebook a distinct Kiwi flavour because I believe we are a very resilient bunch. To me the ability to bounce back when life knocks you flat, look at things in new and innovative ways and to turn them into something positive is a part of who we are. We’ve consistently shown the ability to triumph against great odds, to be the underdog and yet give it our all, and to do all this with our own flair and humour. So the pictures are part of a celebration of us as well as looking great.
All of the proceeds will go directly into the Kiwi Resilience Trust account and will be used to pay out and reimburse leaking related costs. Due to the kindness of those listed in the acknowledgements the costs in producing and selling this ebook were greatly reduced. I’m grateful and humbled by the generosity shown by all involved.
$24.00 NZD
Media
June 15, 2010 National Programme
Nine to Noon interview with Kathryn Ryan
May 24, 2010 Kiwi FM Podcast
May 19, 2010 NZ Herald
Tips to cope when the leaky roof comes down