Ngaaruaawahia Community Hub and Library

We had 500 people take part in the survey, Most of them were from Ngaaruawaahia (72%). Others were from different parts of the district (7%), Horotiu (6%), and Taupiri (4%).

The remaining 11% are split amongst Te Kowhai (2%), Glen Massey (2%), Hamilton (2%), Te Aakau (1%), Whitikahu (1%), and other areas outside the district (1%).

Most people who answered were female (72%), 26% were male, 1% other.

People told us they want this space to reflect everyone in the community - different ages, abilities and cultures. They also want the space to be flexible, so people can come together and enjoy different activities comfortably and at the same time.

• 89% want fun holiday activities for children.
• 84% would like public computers.
• 79% would like Council to help facilitate support services for rangatahi.
  
• 77% want meeting rooms that can be booked.

The most selected tech ideas:

• 67% 3D printer
• 66% sewing machines
• 60% recording and/or production studio.
• 59% coding workshops

The most popular commercial activities people would like to see on the rest of the site:

• 67% want a café or hospitality space.
• 48% would like a Hauora/health hub.
• 47% want a gym.

What you liked about the plan

Most respondents support the new hub concept with people liking the bigger library, meeting rooms, and multi-purpose rooms. The outdoor spaces and the courtyard are also popular.

*Click images to enlarge

What you disliked about the plan

Many ideas were shared to improve the design, and make sure the space is easier to use. The community wants the space to reflect local diversity, including people of all ages, abilities, and cultures.

They also want flexible spaces that can be used for different activities at the same time. The main concerns raised were about car parking and how the changes could affect rates.

About a third of people who completed the survey visit the library at least once a month, with one in five having never used it.

What current users love about the library

• Helpful and friendly staff - "Awesome staff, great welcome from them all, and taking great care of the people.”
• Books - "Access to a diverse range of books. The ability to place requests.”
• Kids' space and activities - “That there is a good area for the kids to be tucked away from other readers. Good comfy chairs for kids, spaces they can sit on the floor and read too."

*Click images to enlarge

What all survey respondents think of our library

People love the library for lots of reasons. About 30% say the wide range of up-to-date books is their favorite. Around 24% like the friendly staff, while 22% enjoy the children’s area and activities.

Computers are also important, with 13% of people using them regularly.

Since the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan, Council has included funding for a new Library and Community Hub that better serves the people of Ngaaruawaahia and the surrounding area, the project budget is just over $7.5m. 

Why don’t you use the money elsewhere?

The community has told us how much it values social infrastructure, like this project in Ngaaruawaahia to provide services to the community.

The existing Ngaaruawaahia library building is nearing the end of its life. It is no longer financially viable to maintain, and won’t be able to meet the current and future needs of the community.

Will our rates increase again to pay for this project?

There will be no rate rises in relation to this project as it has already budgeted.  

Once we have collected community feedback, a more formal concept which reflects the community’s needs and aspirations will be developed.

Factoring in planning, procurement and construction, we expect the new community hub and library to open in the second half of 2028.

Before making any decisions about how the site should be developed, Council wants to understand what the community needs, and would like, from this new facility.

This layout has been prepared based on what we have heard previously to help people visualize what might be possible.

Both should be achievable! The site is large (from 56 Great South Road to the current library building) so it could be used for more than just civic activities.

We are open to looking at what else could be accommodated in this location. Any commercial option would need to be a complimentary activity, which benefits the community and also provides a commercial return to support delivery of the library and hub at a reduced overall cost to Council. 

The 2019 Library Strategy identified that the current library is too small for the community it serves. The building is also old and becoming more and more costly to run and keep maintained.    

Nobody uses the library, why don’t we get rid of it? 

With around 6,500 visitors every month, Ngaaruawaahia Library is already a well-used and valued community space.
It’s a place to read, study, connect, and take part in activities and events for all ages.

The library is one of few truly inclusive places in our community with a team ready to support however they can.
It’s open to everyone and provides access to Wi-Fi, printing, computers, and programmes that bring people together.

Continued support and development will only strengthen its role as a shared space for learning, creativity, and connection.

You’re more than welcome to come and experience all that the library has to offer.

While there is quite a lot of free street parking within walking distance of the site suitable for most able-bodied people, this has been raised as a concern by the community.

Survey feedback will be shared with elected members to help develop a concept which balances the number of carparks provided with the cost implications and community outcomes.