FAQs

What is Central House? 

Central House is a ministry of Wellington Central Baptist Church. Central House is an accommodation service for young adults moving to Wellington to study or work. We hope in providing this accommodation to provide a place in which students and young workers can develop and strengthen their Christian faith in a new city. 

In choosing to be apart of Central House, you opt into a few House commitments. Every Monday during normal semester time we have community night from 7:30-9pm. This is an opportunity to gather together to grow in faith and spend time with one another. Outside of placements, illness or emergencies attendance is expected. Every Tuesday night there is community cleaning and flats are assigned on a rotation, residents at CH are expected to contribute to community cleaning. Finally, Central House has a camp at the beginning of the year that is required attendance by all residents, this camp focuses on connecting, discussing practical flatting issues and discipleship. 

Where is Central House located? 

The address for Central House is 37-39 Boulcott Street, Wellington. 

Central House is located on top of an inner-city car park building and has two separate entrances: one by elevator from Boulcott Street and one by ramp from Church Street. We use a swipe keycard system to maintain security and safety for our residents. 

Central House is within easy walking distance of most tertiary institutions and there is a good bus service nearby. Car parking is not provided although parking in the building may be available (at an extra cost - contact managers for more information). There is a secure place to store bicycles and surfboards. 

What is the setup at Central House? 

The apartments provide places for 27 people in five self-contained apartments. Four of the apartments have six residents each and one has three residents. All residents have a single room. There is a variety of sizes of rooms and they are assigned by the managers, upon arrival you will be shown your flat and room. The smaller apartment has access for people with disabilities and often has hosted students with dietary requirements. 

Each apartment is responsible for their own day-to-day living arrangements including cooking and cleaning. It is recommended to have some experience of cooking and cleaning before going flatting, but the managers and RAs can help with that as well.  

Each apartment is fully furnished and contains a basic equipped kitchen, lounge, TV and dining facilities. Each bedroom contains a desk, desk chair (you can bring your own if you like), wardrobe, under-bed storage, heater, bed, and mattress. There is a shared laundry with washing machines and dryers. 

Residents need to bring bedding, pillow, mattresses protector, and personal effects. 

Who manages Central House?

Kate and Josh Dunstan-Brown live in the staff apartment above the main house. Kate is a pastor at Wellington Central Baptist and as part of that role is the ongoing pastoring and management of Central House alongside Josh. Together they provide pastoral support to residents, encourage community life within the apartments, and lead community nights. 

The Central House committee (which includes both managers) has oversight of the apartments, including the selection of residents, administration, and maintenance of the building. The Ministry Team also has the responsibility for requiring any resident who does not abide by the House Rules or who causes severe disruption to other people to leave Central House. A period of 7 days’ notice will be given in this situation. 

How much does it cost? 

Rent is payable fortnightly in advance, best paid by automatic payment.

Rent is payable from the first night of residency through to the last night of residency i.e. there is no refund for university holidays. Twenty one days’ notice must be given prior to the final date of residency in the apartments.  The rent is set at the lower end of market rental. Rent for 2024 will be $245p/w (students) / $259 p/w (workers). Expenses such as power, internet, and BW printer are included. Rent is adjusted each year to account for increases in the CPI and other factors.  

A one time $150.00 activities fee is payable at the start of the year for each resident. This helps contribute to the costs of the ball, camp, community nights and other house activities. 

A bond equal to a week’s rent is required to be paid before residency commences. If this is not paid the offer of residency will be withdrawn. At the end of the year the apartments are inspected and any cleaning or repairs over and above reasonable wear and tear will be charged against the bond. The bond may be held for up to two months after the end of residency until costs of any repairs required have been ascertained. 

Can I visit Central House?

Can I visit Central House? 

You definitely can! Due to holidays, you will be unable to visit until 20th July 

On 25 August 2023, Central House (alongside the other big universities) will host an open day for potential residents to come to visit and see the facilities. 

You can also arrange to visit by filling out the contact form

Are meals provided?

All the flats are self-catering and the kitchens are equipped with what you need for meal preparation. 

What do residents do for food?

There are many local supermarkets and veggie markets easily accessible either by walking or by bus. We recommend that CH residents budget between $80 -100 per week for food. Students often range in cooking abilities and we encourage taking turns with their flat mates to cook meals. Most often our students enjoy developing a whole new range of skills and menu ideas!

How do I apply?

Please complete the online form, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received and your references will be contacted. 

What are the rules for living in Central House?

Central House Expectations and Rules 2024

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. Romans 12:9-10

 

Central House is a ministry of Wellington Central Baptist Church dedicated to the care and wellbeing of Christian young people in their early years of study in Wellington.  It is our hope that you will grow in faith, maturity and community during your time at Central House. We also hope that you will make an effort to honour the expectations of the house as they are designed to guide and keep all residents and the property safe.

 

General

Privacy

Parties

Guests

Noise

Alcohol

Sexual Intimacy

Property

Security

Fire safety

Damage

Natural Consequences and Enforcement

Complaints Process      

 

Your final acceptance at Central House is based on your agreement to abide by these expectations and rules.