A west Auckland man is overwhelmed to see safety glass finally installed at his home, which will help protect his disabled son.
He spent two years trying to get funding for the job from the Ministry of Health, but nothing happened until he shared his story and a community group and businesses took action.
The clatter of construction is a noise Zafar Gondal has waited years to hear. It's a sign of action - finally - thanks to community collaboration.
"I always believe New Zealand people are so kind and caring and now I am experiencing this, they care about us. No matter what I am, where I come from, how I look," he said.
His son Diam's autistic, has epilepsy, and is deaf and blind. He'd accidentally smashed old windows, injuring himself and his mother.
When health authorities wouldn't help, Gondal went public with his story.
Howick Glass took care of the wooden framing.
"Among the boys, it did touch us all, the ones that watched and saw it," said James Barber, Howick Glass owner.
"I guess we have the skill set for this job and to be able to provide that to get this job done is what we wanted to achieve today."
Paul Archer, Howick Glass foreman and senior glazier, described Gondall as a champion: "He's had it tough over the last few years so [we're] just glad we could help."
A couple from Taranaki's Fairview Hawera flew to Auckland to sort out the aluminium frames.
"You know, if everybody does come together, it can get done easily. It's not a difficult thing to do - people just need to get out there and help,"said Greg Steer, Fairview Hawera co-owner.
Fellow co-owner Rocky Steer said they knew they had to act as soon as they heard about Gondal's situation.
"It's just been going on for too long, so as soon as I saw it on the news I was like 'nah, we have to do something here. This is not okay.'"
And it's all being done for free - the new glass supplied for nothing by FMI Building Innovation.
While the glaziers were on site, Diam's school, Homai Campus in south Auckland, opened its doors for the day to look after him.
This is not just about providing protection for Diam. It will alleviate stress for the entire family, and provide a safe environment if the family want a carer to stay at the house.
Dave Letele, Brown Butterbean Motivation founder, said the story showed the "power of business and community working together".
He spearheaded efforts to raise just over $11,000 to pay for the job.
"This has just filled me with joy and hope, and it just shows this is how it's done."
He succeeded - but with the job being done free, the extra cash raised will go to Gondal.
"I don't know what to say about this," Gondal said when he heard the news, overcome with emotion.
It was a team effort supported by Zafar's palestinian nieghbour and chef, Nehad, who ensured the job got done.
