The community plan for a remote Hawke’s Bay settlement has been approved by the Hastings District Council, kicking off with ownership and upgrading of the local hall.
Te Pōhue is Hasting’s northernmost settlement, and the new plan lays out residents’ aspirations for healthy drinking water, upgraded waste and recycling facilities, improved access to public toilets, and better road maintenance of State Highway 5.
The plan was initiated by Te Haroto resident Kiri Goodspeed two years ago, calling for greater use of the community hall.
The hall was moved to its current location from the Ohurakura Mill Camp in 1965, and in 1981 was extended with an indoor sport court and stage. However, use had waxed and waned over the years, and needed to be re-ignited, Goodspeed said in a submission to the council three years ago.
Since then the community had fundraised for both the hall’s purchase and a build project.
A new committee was appointed in 2021 to manage the hall and council provided a building condition report to assist with a laundry list of maintenance items to bring the hall back into compliance and usability, she said.
“Once the feasibility was assessed, an enthusiastic group began the task of remediation for the hall and creating a new legal entity to carry the responsibility.”
The newly formed Te Pōhue and Districts Community Charitable Trust will support the outcomes of the Community Plan, and manage the community hall facility.
Council group manager community wellbeing and services Rebekah Dinwoodie said the plan had been a collaborative endeavour, involving the community, Te Pōhue School, the Community Golf Club, representatives from Ngāti Hineuruand Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trusts, Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Rayonier Matariki Forests, Meridian Energy, Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management and Hastings District Council.
“As well as laying out the vision, the plan also outlines a schedule of actions to achieve the goals, and council will continue to work with the people of Te Pōhue to monitor the plan and report on its progress to the community and other partners.”
Goodspeed said the trust aimed to support the wider community where possible.
“This has included securing funding for two defibrillators from Hastings District Council and funding for another two from Royston Trust for the greater Te Pōhue, Tarawera and Te Haroto area. This support is fabulous and much appreciated.”
Other initiatives for this year include a planned refurbishment of the hall kitchen, fundraising for hall disability facilities (shower and toilet), and assisting with the Te Pōhue School’s 125th jubilee celebration.
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