Background

The Far North Regional Museum and the library had for some years identified the need to expand their buildings. This need resulted in a plan for Council, through its Long Term Community Plan, to look at rationalising all Council buildings in Kaitaia to match community expectations. The demonstrated need for a multifunctional facility to provide modern, purpose-built spaces for Kaitaia’s library, museum, i-SITE and service centre – especially the arts and culture – arose out of the LTCCP, with the recent addition to integrate the Far North Community Centre and Little Theatre.

It is acknowledged that to succeed in the venture to construct a multifunctional community facility, it is vital that the project be driven by the community. The Te Ahu Charitable Trust Inc., a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), was officially formed after nominations were called from the Far North community.