Upgrading Communities, One Hall at a Time

As time passes, many community halls in the Manawatū District are aging and requiring attention. Council appreciates the role halls’ play in a community. “Halls are the hub for activity, connection, a sense of belonging, but also safety during Civil Defence scenarios” James Adamson, MDC’s Community Assets Liaison noted. Council is proud to champion the mahi of Community Committees, supporting high priority halls through Community Committee Project funding and Community Planning and Implementation funding.

Kiwitea Hall was built in 1922, and at over 100 years old, it’s been getting some well-deserved attention. Over the last 5 years, the hall has seen increased usage by the community including local schools, seeing both the Kiwitea Community Committee and Council invest in upgrades. The hall has new heat pumps, has been reroofed and the Committee obtained Council funding to complete an impressive kitchen refurbishment. Significantly, the toilet has been refurbished with accessibility additions including installing a rail and ramp.

This 18 October, Rangiotu Hall turned 120 years old and was starting to show its age. Through Council funding, Bainesse-Rangiotu's Community Committee have spent the last two years organising kitchen renovations and upgrading the front rooms which are utilised as welfare centres in Civil Defence emergencies. Upgrades have been possible in conjunction with support from local tradies including Feilding’s B L Builders, generously volunteering alongside the Committee’s Chairperson for several years making significant repairs and enhancing hall usability. This includes a shelter that has been installed by the back door, blocking strong winds, and bathrooms have been renovated and waterproofed.

Glen Oroua Hall is community owned, seeing all improvements and upgrades made possible by the passion of Glen Oroua-Taikorea's Community Committee. At 120 years old, the hall was ready for some love. The Community Committee organised for the front facade of the hall to be repainted and weatherproofed in June, removing rusted iron cladding, weatherproofing, replacing rotten weatherboards and door and window flashings. They shared photos of the freshly painted exterior, looking crisp and giving the hall a breath of life. Next stages will see the bathroom and kitchen revamped, and the roof and walls weatherproofed.

Maintaining community halls is more than protecting a building. It’s protecting the heritage, community activity and the memories within the walls. MDC is proud to champion the mahi of the Community Committees, futureproofing their villages for generations to come.