On most days, the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall is home to theatre rehearsals, exercise classes and indoor sports - a steady rhythm of activity that reflects how closely the building is woven into everyday community life.
That ongoing use is now being supported by work at the Hall, part of Whakatāne District Council’s wider Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub redevelopment, focused on addressing safety, accessibility and functionality issues that have built up over more than two decades of under investment.
Early work underway includes roof cladding replacement at the reception lounge and safety improvements within the Little Theatre.
Alexandra Pickles, General Manager Community Experience, says the work is about looking after a much-loved community asset that is used almost every day.
“The War Memorial Hall supports a wide range of groups from across the district, week in and week out,” she says.
“It’s a building many people rely on, but over time deferred renewals have led to issues such as leaks, ageing electrical and fire systems, accessibility barriers and spaces that no longer function as well as they should for today’s users.”
Ms Pickles says the work currently underway is deliberately practical and focused on delivering immediate community benefit.
“This isn’t about expansion or adding extras. It’s about doing the necessary work to make the Hall safe, weather tight and easier for everyone to use, while protecting it for the future.”
Alongside the work completed or in progress, further functional improvements are being planned. These will require additional design and consenting, and some are expected to involve a temporary closure of the Hall at a later stage. Any impacts will be carefully managed, with regular users kept informed as timeframes are confirmed.
Council is also progressing concept planning to explore longer‑term improvements at the War Memorial Hall. These early‑stage plans are indicative and are being used to test options relating to functionality, access and staging.
Further technical work, costings and engagement with key user groups and other interested parties will help refine these options and inform future decisions.
This staged approach allows priority issues to be addressed now, while providing a clear pathway for councillors to consider additional improvements over time.
The overall outcome of this work will be a safer building, improved access for people of all ages and abilities, and more reliable spaces that continue to support community use for the Whakatāne District and wider region.
“This is about respecting the history of the War Memorial Hall, while making sure it continues to meet the needs of the people who use it most,” Ms Pickles says.
Councillors will receive an update on progress and next steps at the Council’s Projects and Services Committee meeting on Thursday, 2 April.
Interested community members can watch the livestream via the Council’s YouTube channel, or in person via the public gallery.
More information about the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub redevelopment is available on the Council’s website.
