The following is the information regarding the new hub that was shared in a slide presentation at the Information evening on 10 September.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Steve Udy or Tim Leyland at TDCC (tapaweratdcc@gmail.com) or contact Tapawera Connect (Nicola Allan 021 250 6232, or Phoebe Quinlivan 021 211 6730).

• A community need has been identified for warm, comfortable and welcoming spaces for people to gather and find support and information.

• We need fit-for-purpose spaces for use by service providers to meet the needs of our community. With the rising cost of living, having services and support available locally is even more important.

• The Feasibility Report established the need for a fit-for-purpose community centre in Tapawera.

• The new Hub will be a community meeting place; space for people to drop in; a venue for smaller group meetings and training or skills workshops.

• There will be provision for existing and expanded community health and social services; a workspace for community coordinators; and space for the community Op Shop

• Even with major upgrades or renovations to existing facilities currently used for community services and activities, they would not be satisfactory as a community centre.

• The build budget is up to $2.7 million. TDC has confirmed a 2⁄3 share of this ($1.8 million) in year 2 of the current Long Term Plan.

• The Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed $510,000 towards the remaining 1⁄3 community contribution of $900,000. The current community fundraising target is $390,000.

• Available funding leaves the community less than 15% to find through fundraising.

• We are leveraging the support of TDC as an essential partner in the Hub project to ensure its success and substantially enhance its functionality.

• TDC funding might be conditional on TDC holding the Community Centre title deed hence the intent to transfer the title if needed to the TDC.

• The Community Centre is owned by residents and ratepayers of the Tapawera community, currently vested with TDCC then, if transfer occurs, vested with TDC.

• We expect TDC to recognise the transfer of title as part of our 1⁄3 community contribution. Use of the new Hub and land by the Tapawera community will be guaranteed in perpetuity.

• Even if the current Community Centre could be renovated we would still end up with a building that doesn't meet the needs of our community.

• Replacing the current Tapawera Community Centre and the building of a new community hub on the same site is the best option for meeting the needs of the Tapawera community.

• The Hub project recognises the significance to the community of the garden, the Gateway, the Kaitiaki stone and the two historical buildings. A concerted effort will be made to retain these features, in consultation with the community.

• The project team will liaise with interested community members about retaining items and features of the existing building, within the new building.

• The project team will endeavour to retain historical memories.

• TDCC values the role the Op Shop plays in the community and will make every effort to maintain this service in some form during the re-build. Please let us know if you can offer space.

• We expect the new Hub will be managed by a committee of community representatives.

• The Hub management committee will oversee operation of the Hub including fees for community and non-community use.

• The development of a new community hub is an opportunity to provide a new fit-for- purpose facility for us all for the future.