Responses to frequently asked questions about the Tapawera Hub Project
Why do we need a new hub/community centre?
The benefits of community centres have been well documented. They include:
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Offering a welcoming space where people can connect, share experiences, and feel part of something larger than themselves. - Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-being
Regular social interaction, creative activities, and access to support groups help reduce loneliness and stress.
- Strengthening Families and Intergenerational Bonds
From parenting classes to youth clubs and seniors programs, centres provide activities for all ages, encouraging mutual understanding and support. - Offering Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Workshops, tutoring, and skill-building courses help individuals grow personally and professionally—often at little to no cost. - Encouraging Volunteerism and Civic Engagement
People are more likely to get involved in their community when they have a hub for collaboration and contribution. - Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
Fitness classes, wellness talks, and access to recreational facilities support both physical and mental health. - Nurturing Local Talent and Creativity
Community centres often host art displays, performances, and open mic nights, giving people a platform to shine. - Improving Access to Resources and Services
Community centres connect people with employment support, counseling, legal advice, and more—all in one place. This is especially important in rural and isolated communities such as our own. - Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
By hosting multicultural events and fostering dialogue, centres help communities grow stronger through understanding and respect.
The current Community Center is not able to provide the necessary fit-for-purpose spaces to facilitate these things. As Susan mentioned in her letter, our rural community has the will and skill to facilitate bringing these things to our community, we just need the right space to bring everything together.
What’s it for?
- To provide a central gathering and meeting space;
- To provide a warm, safe and comfortable space for gatherings and meetings;
- To support better access to information about things that are happening in the community such as events, and activities;
- To support improved access to services by:
- having information available in the Hub and people who can help people find what they are looking for;
- having support services and professionals offering their services there:
- providing a warm, welcoming, safe, and pleasant space for groups, services and individuals to meet;
- providing information to visitors about local offerings to support the small businesses in our community.
What will be in it?
- A reception area/entry foyer with space for people to sit and talk, one or two computers available for community use, and information on local events and business;
- One large meeting room to accommodate meetings and gatherings of around 60 people;
- 2-3 smaller multi-use meeting rooms
- The Op Shop (to be confirmed);
- Toilets;
- A kitchen.
Who will use it?
Community members will use the space to connect with one another, access information, and get support to access online services that they may not be confident navigating on their own.
Locals, groups and organisations will use the spaces for meetings, gatherings, workshops and special events.
Outside service providers (such as Oranga Tamariki, Te Piki Oranga, the Cancer Society Survivors and Thrivers, physiotherapists, hearing specialists etc,) can use the meeting rooms to meet with clients.
We also expect that this list of user groups will evolve along with the needs of the community.
How much will it cost and who will pay for it?
The estimated cost for the Hub is $2.7million as allocated in the Tasman District Council Long Term Plan.
Council contribution: $1.8 million (confirmed 30th June 2024)
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) contribution: $510,000
Community contribution: $390,000
Is the council contribution coming from our rates?
Yes, some of it is. $0.5M ($500,000) is sourced via the community facility rate which every Tasman ratepayer pays each year.
The majority is coming from the Reserves and Community Services Financial Contributions fund ($1.3M).
The rest is from our community contribution which includes the $510,000 we have already secured from the Department of Internal Affairs.
The amount we still need to fundraise is $390,000.
There is a fundraising team working on a funding plan and activities. Contact the coordinator, Della Webby (027 479 4420) if you would like to support the team with your time, or a financial contribution.
A fundraising account has been set up and is registered so that donors can claim a tax rebate on their donation.
Where will it be?
The TDC recently undertook a public consultation to gauge community support for the new hub to be located on one of 3 reserve sites within Tapawera. This consultation closed 16 June.
The next step is for them to identify which of the 3 reserve sites is best.
Can we use the existing Community Centre?
This was the plan initially, however subsequently, TDCC, owners of the Community Centre, have recognised the considerable community support for retaining the existing Community Centre building as a heritage building. TDC will not take over ownership of an earthquake prone building with unknown strengthening costs.
The $510,000 from DIA towards our community contribution was also approved solely for a new build, not a renovation. Although there have been suggestions from the Tapawera community for the Community Centre to be seismically strengthened and renovated to produce the Hub there are no funds in place for this option.
The focus of TDC and TDCC is now on a new build on one of the 3 identified reserve sites.
Why can’t we just buy the pub and put it there?
For a combination of reasons the purchase of the pub to convert it into a community hub is not an option.
The Community Hub will be owned by the TDC, meaning the accommodation would have to be part-leased to an accommodation provider, or the amenity would be lost and the pub and restaurant would cease to operate.
In addition, the pub is also a considerably larger (500sqm) building, than the space that has been budgeted for the hub (300sqm). It would also require additional funds to purchase, renovate and remodel.
Also, we understand that some people in the community still very much want a pub to gather, socialise and dine at. If the pub were repurposed for a hub or other function the cost barrier to building a new pub means the community would likely not have a pub for many years.
We already have enough community buildings in Tapawera, why can’t we re-purpose one of them?
This was also our intention initially and the team has explored all avenues to make this possible, but has hit roadblocks each time. All of the existing buildings are either privately owned, don’t have enough space, do not wish to combine, or cannot be refitted with the available funds. Tapawera Connect remain committed to supporting all existing buildings by helping access funding when requested.
Who will own the new Hub?
The new Hub will be owned by the Tasman District Council who would be responsible for maintaining it and paying the necessary insurance and rates.
Who will manage the Hub?
It will be managed by a group of local community representatives.
Who will cover the running costs of the Hub?
Some of it will be covered by the TDC as mentioned above. The rest will be covered by room rentals and other income. Based on visits and conversations with other community hubs around the country (we have visited 18 in total, including a number in our region) a preliminary business model has been completed which outlines a number of ways to bring money in such as hiring storage space. If you would like more detail, please email Phoebe: comms@tapconnect.onmicrosoft.com.
I don’t want or need a hub, why should I pay for one?
Not everyone wants or needs the Hub.
The Hub is for those who will benefit from having a modern, fit-for-purpose place to meet, connect and find support. Tapawera is a decile 9 community on the New Zealand Deprivation Index. As is the case everywhere, there are many children, youth, elderly, and people in general facing challenges who need support and connection to feel well and be happy and to thrive.
The Hub will support us to participate and contribute to our community in a positive and meaningful way.
We also see potential for business meetings, club and society gatherings or social functions.
The Hub’s use will only be limited by the community’s imagination.
Why now?
We have been offered a unique opportunity through funding from the DIA via our Community Led Development partnership and from TDC. If we do not seize this opportunity, it is unlikely a chance like this will come again.
Further Information?
This Hub Q & A will also be on the Tapawera Community website which will be regularly updated.
Or you can email the Hub Community Coordinator Phoebe Quinlivan: comms@tapconnect.onmicrosoft.com
This document was prepared by TC and TDCC as supporters and partners in the Hub project. TDC is the owner of the Hub project and has the final say in response to questions raised.
