The new community facility in Huntly West has officially opened. Te Whare Awhi is a place of care, support and connection. It was built for the people of Huntly, by local company BUILTsmart. The land, on a section of the Huntly West Domain reserve, was provided by Council via a long-term lease.
A celebration to mark the occasion was recently held, with nibbles and drinks provided by Genesis Energy, who operate Huntly Power Station.
Te Whare Awhi is run by Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust. The trust provides a number of programmes, workshops and activities that encourage learning and growth, and allow the community to connect with one another. It also coordinates food rescue donations, community lunches and family support.
Te Whare Awhi manager Hine TimothyVictoria Kemp says it is wonderful to be in the new facility. "We really appreciate the generous support we have received from BuiltBUILTsmart, and Waikato District Council and Genesis Energy. We are excited to share this facility with our community, welcoming regular and new faces and growing our services.”
Waikato District Council’s Strategic Property Manager, Michelle Brown, says it is exciting to see the new facility finally in place.
“We appreciate the fantastic work that Friendship House does in the Raahui Pookeka community. Council staff are pleased to have been a and part of the group working to make this excellent facility a reality. re
