12 | New centre reinvigorates Hāwera The modern, multi-use facility includes a spacious new library – double the capacity of the previous library building – i-SITE visitor information centre and AA agency services, a community art gallery, public toilets and a modern café. Photo: Andy Spain South Taranaki District Council: Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga T T Kim Newth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga – Hāwera’s new civic services centre – is bringing the community together and opening up exciting new horizons. The long-awaited $15.5 million facility, which was opened by South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon last November, marked the culmination of a 10-year journey. The modern, multi-use facility includes a spacious new library – double the capacity of the previous library building – i-SITE visitor information centre and AA agency services, a community art gallery, public toilets and a modern café. When the doors opened last year, it was a milestone moment for civic and business leaders, together with local iwi, who have worked in partnership towards achieving the vision of a more vibrant and economically sustainable town centre for Hāwera. Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga has replaced a number of ageing buildings, bringing new vibrancy and positivity to the heart of Hāwera. The centre’s name was gifted by Ngati Ruanui. ‘Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga’ means the beacon or signal fire of Ruapūtahanga, who would light the beacon as a signal for iwi to meet and share ideas and knowledge. It perfectly symbolises the new centre’s place and purpose in the community. “The intention was that it would be a transformational project for the town centre,” says Rob Haveswood, South Taranaki District Council’s group manager of community services. “If the first couple of months is anything to go by, Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga has certainly achieved that, and more. Whether people come in to have a look around the new building, or to make the most of the more accessible and centralised services, the new facility has become what it had always set out to be – a community hub where people can connect in a safe and engaging space.” Hāwera’s LibraryPlus is one of the centre’s star attractions. Since the move into the new facility, library memberships have skyrocketed, with almost 40% of new members to date being junior or teen readers. As a result, more books than ever are being issued. With more space and capacity available, the number and scope of events being held in the library has roughly doubled too. “Each January we hold a free show to mark the end of the Summer Reading Programme. This year, Suzy Cato drew a crowd of over 500, which we could never have been accommodated in the old space. “In February, more than 400 people attended library events compared to 216 for the same time last year.” Local visitors are flocking to the centre in big numbers, flowing through to an increase in sales at the i-SITE visitor information centre (up 29% in January compared to the same month in 2024). A showcase of contemporary artists from across South Taranaki lit up the Lysaght Watt Gallery for their inaugural exhibition at the centre. More than 3500 visitors went to take a look, reflecting a big upsurge of interest in what the community gallery offers. With spaces for all ages to gather and feel at home, Rob says a huge variety of people are engaging with Te Raumanui o Ruapūtahanga, from young parents with toddlers to school children, teenagers and grandparents. “This is one of the really special things about the facility.” Proudly supporting South Taranaki District Council. LIVINGSTONEBUILDING.CO.NZ | 0508 WE BUILD +64 6 348 8007 | www.saunders-stevenson.co.nz SAUNDERS STEVENSON (2024) Ltd congratulate the S.T.D.C. and the Hawera community on the completion of Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. . Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 03 983 5525 Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. 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