Seismic strengthening work, along with a minor refurbishment to Waimana- Nukuhou North Memorial Hall, is now complete. These works have been carried out to ensure the building is structurally sound and equipped as a key civil defence centre for outlying communities in the wider Whakatāne District. 

The upgrade to the hall is thanks to $1.36 million of funding received by the Whakatāne District Council from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Better Off Funding package. The seismic strengthening is part of several measures being taken to build greater community resilience across the district.  

Georgina Fletcher, General Manager Community Experience, says that building community resilience is a priority for the region, given its location and susceptibility to natural hazards. 

"Part of this project has been the seismic strengthening and minor refurbishment of Waimana- Nukuhou North Memorial Hall. Refurbishment work involved the installation of a new suspended ceiling, insulation and LED lighting. The hall's interior has been repainted, an accessible toilet area installed, and deteriorated panelling in the main hall has been replaced. The addition of a new external ramp now makes the hall more accessible to our disabled community.
We've also taken measures to ensure more preparedness in the event of an emergency, with an external backup generator connection installed and secure storage for civil defence equipment," Mrs Fletcher explained.

The overall project includes the seismic strengthening and upgrade of Te Teko War Memorial Hall. The consent for this work is expected to be granted shortly and will begin early in 2024. 

Other district-wide emergency equipment, welfare kits, increased radio and digital connectivity, and an alternative Emergency Operations Centre form part of the Better Off Funding package within the project. 

"The seismic strengthening of both these halls is the first step towards bolstering community resilience, ensuring we have the right equipment and facilities to meet the growing needs of our communities," said Mrs Fletcher. 

Council has begun liaising with community stakeholders and local Iwi leaders in outlying communities to identify optimal locations for Emergency Evacuation Centres and determine essential equipment requirements, such as welfare kits and connectivity needs, should these communities be cut off from main centres. 

The hall is currently home to a community-led kindy Monday – Thursday and is available for the wider community at other times.  

Image caption: An accessible ramp and generator connection are some of a number of improvements that have been made to Waimana-Nukuhou North Memorial Hall.

Image caption: Interior refurbishment work has included the installation of a new suspended ceiling, insulation and LED lighting.