Iwi-Council Partnership to consider combined Manaia Facility
A new multi-purpose, shared facility for Manaia is being considered following the signing of a partnership agreement between the South Taranaki District Council (Council) and Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust (Te Korowai).
The agreement enables the two partners to start formal public engagement with key stakeholders and the wider Manaia community and then, if agreed, undertake a business case looking at the feasibility and ongoing viability of establishing a combined multi-purpose, multi-use Iwi and community facility in Manaia.
South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon says the partnership is an exciting opportunity for both the Council and the Iwi to combine their resources to achieve a great outcome for the whole community.
For some time, the council has been considering what to do with the Manaia Town Hall and Sports Complex both of which were closed after being assessed as not meeting the minimum 34% new building earthquake standard.
In 2018 the council approved funding of up to $1,000,000 to rebuild the town hall. However, following considerable consultation and no clear indication from the community on whether to have a combined facility or two separate ones, a final decision had not been made.
At the same time Te Korowai was looking to relocate its head office from Hāwera to somewhere within the Ngāruahine rohe.
“As part of our assessment of options, we identified a need for something more than just a head office, but a cultural creative space to support large Iwi activities and which complements the role and mahi of our Hapū at a Pā level” says Te Korowai o Ngāruahine chair Paula Carr.”This space, if approved, would be a platform to promote Ngāruahine culture, identity and placemaking, which will raise the profile of the Manaia community regionally and nationally,” says Paula
As part of the agreement once the public engagement and business case has been completed either party may decide whether a combined facility is the best way forward or not.
“The partnership agreement doesn't commit either party to anything more than this first stage of investigation. However, the timing and potential benefits were such that it warrants careful consideration,” says Mayor Nixon.
It's intended that the public engagement and business case will be developed before the end of the year.
ENDS