The former i SITE building on Great South Road, Raahui Pookeka Huntly, will be transformed into a cultural heritage, recreation and education hub under a new community lease granted to Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho.
Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho proposes to activate the building as a space that strengthens connections to the Waikato River, supports rangatahi (youth) development, and expands cultural and recreational opportunities for whaanau across the district.
Their plans include establishing a cultural heritage and education hub delivering educational programmes, cultural experiences and workshops for youth and whaanau.
The proposal includes hosting community sports programmes and cultural gatherings, supporting the Rangiriri Cultural Sports Club, and delivering youth development initiatives through grants, workshops and environmental kaupapa in partnership with local marae.
Council will now work alongside Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho to repair and restore the vacant building so it can support this expanded programme of activity.
Tai Raro Maaori Ward Councillor Endine Dixon-Harris welcomed the decision.
“This is a great outcome for the hapori (community), particularly for our rangatahi and their ability to participate on the awa,” she said.
“It is about beautifying the site, strengthening connection to the awa and the whenua, and supporting our Tamariki (children) to see themselves reflected in spaces like this. This is what Maaori participation in our communities looks like in its true sense.”
Huntly ward councillor David Whyte said the proposal demonstrated both capability and commitment.
“This application was clearly the strongest from the community. Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho bring the skills and manaakitanga (support) to reinvigorate this building as a genuine community asset,” he said.
Restoration planning will begin in partnership, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses.
