The series build takes place in Kaiapoi , a satellite town of Christchurch which was badly affected by the 2010 Canterbury earthquake and the subsequent 2011 Christchurch earthquake . In October 2012 , unlike previous series , the six finalist families were announced and the public were given a chance to vote for their favourite , with the family that receives the most votes securing a spot on the show . The other family was picked by the three series judges
2010 Canterbury earthquake
2010 Canterbury earthquake
Mitre 10 Dream Home (series 11)