The Huntly West community Centre – Te Whare Awhi – has become a vibrant hub for the local community, offering a safe and welcoming place for people of all ages to gather and connect. Te Whare Awhi is run by the Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust who provide a number of programmes, events and workshops. These are held to encourage learning new skills, supporting one another and growth. The space will allow the community a safe respite where they can go to connect with others, helping to foster pride and a sense of belonging in the Huntly West area.
This invaluable community asset was made possible through the generous contribution of BUILTsmart, a major local employer known for its commitment to the Huntly region. Recognising the need for a shared space that could serve the growing needs of the community, BUILTsmart not only built the centre but also donated it – a gesture that speaks volumes about their dedication to local development. By investing in this project, BUILTsmart has shown how businesses can lead the way in creating lasting, positive change for the communities they are a part of.
From the very beginning, the vision was clear: to create a space that would serve as a safe, welcoming hub for the people of Huntly West. Turning that vision into reality, however, require months of planning, collaboration, and persistence. The community centre team worked tirelessly behind the scenes – attending meetings, preparing proposals, and engaging with local stakeholders – to ensure the project had the support it needed.
Securing the location for the centre was one of the most challenging parts of the process, but thanks to the strong working relationships with the Waikato District Council, a suitable site was eventually identified and approved. The council provided support throughout the process, helping to navigate the regulatory steps and ensuring the land was made available for such an important community asset. The staff’s unwavering commitment and hard work over a long period of time were key in pushing the project across the line, turning an ambitious idea into a lasting legacy for Huntly West current and future generations.
