Fate in ratepayers’ hands
Matamata-Piako District Council has offered a lifeline to the Waitoa Community Hall, but ultimately its fate will lie in the hands of ratepayers.
About 12 people turned out to a public meeting last Tuesday night to discuss the future of the hall and whether it was worth saving.
At least $30,000 is needed to complete exterior repairs on the building.
The hall needs structural repair work to bring it up to standard, including a new roof, repainting and some weatherboard and pile work.
Last refurbished in the early 1980s, the hall is suitable for 150 people and includes an additional meeting room, bar and kitchen.
Council property officer Vicki Black, who was present at the public meeting said it could be an option for the council to fund the repairs needed, but the funds would need to be paid back.
Waitoa Hall committee chairperson Ray Curtain said it will be put out for public consultation to about 240 households in the area to see if fixing the hall is something they want.
‘‘At the end of the day it’s up to the community. If they want the hall to stay we can find ways to fund it,’’ he said.
Hall usage had dropped off in recent years, with only about a dozen bookings in the past year, he said.
Expenditure in the past year to cover costs including insurance and power came to $2400, however, hall hire only brought in $1600.
Curtain said another contributing factor he believed was the closure of Waitoa School, it has had a roll on effect on the hall’s usage.
‘‘We have seen it happen in other communities where the school has been closed. The hall was used a lot by the school.’’
It was the history of the hall, which was built in 1911 and the memories made there that kept Curtain going in his mission to see the hall remain.
‘‘I’ve been here all my life and the hall has got some wonderful memories. Recently we had a former resident, Glenn Millar who got married in the hall 60 years ago, come back to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary,’’ Curtain said.
‘‘But you really have to balance it against today. Community halls just aren’t utilised the way they used to be. Back in the day the hall was a hive of activity.’’