Te Horo hall’s future uncertain
Te Horo residents are being asked for their views on the future of their historic hall.
The hall has been deemed earthquake prone and unless it is strengthened by 2034, it will have to close.
The hall is the only local community facility and is also the civil defence hub for Te Horo.
Te Horo residents recently received a flier seeking their views on its future.
The hall committee has an engineering plan and cost estimates for quake strengthening.
While some funds have been raised, strengthening would require significant additional funding.
The committee believes community backing will help funding applications, so now is the time for locals to have their say.
Built in 1914 with local labour on land donated by farmers, the hall has been a valued community asset for more than 100 years.
Servicemen departing for both world wars were farewelled from the hall. Today, events include monthly drinks, family gatherings, weddings, funerals, training, markets, fundraising, exercise classes and sporting events.
The flier includes options for the future. One is to undertake earthquake strengthening to ensure continued use of the hall beyond 2034, plus other improvements over time as funds allow. This will require significant additional funding.
The other option is to continue maintenance plus modest improvements (for example, painting and a kitchen upgrade) using existing funds. Under this option, the hall will close in or before 2034.
Anyone can answer the survey questions online, using the link on the Te Horo Hall Facebook page.
The survey is open until June 18.