The new Hauraki Plains Library and Community Centre will open its doors to the community for the first time on Thursday 23 July.
A new chapter for Ngātea
He Pātaka Kōrero was named in collaboration with the local community and reflects the stories, knowledge and connections at the heart of the Hauraki Plains.
The name draws on pātaka, a storehouse for valued taonga, and kōrero, meaning to discuss, share thoughts and exchange ideas.
The new centre is more than a building. It will bring library and Council services together in one easy-to-use place for Ngātea and nearby communities, while offering a warm, welcoming space for people of all ages to meet, learn, share ideas and enjoy community life.
A thoughtful start for a much-loved community space
Before the doors open to the public, a whakatūwhera/dawn blessing will be held to support the building’s transition from a construction site into a living community space.
Everyone is welcome to help celebrate
To celebrate the new centre, everyone is invited to enjoy a week of events at the library, starting on Thursday 23 July.
There will be something for all ages, including a special Storytime, a Digital Confidence Café, a Community Craft Circle, a 3D Printing Showcase and a Book Lovers’ Tea. A highlight of the week will be author Malcolm Clarke’s visit. Scavenger hunts will run throughout the week, along with prize entries for new members.
“This is a proud day for the Plains and surrounding areas. He Pātaka Kōrero belongs to our community, and I can’t think of a better way to open it than with a whole week of events that bring people together. Whether you come along for storytime, a craft circle, or just to find a quiet corner with a book, there’s a place for you here. Come and make it yours,” says Deputy Mayor, Paul Milne.
The full opening week programme will be available on the library website at library.hauraki-dc.govt.nz. or on their facebook page here.
The centre will open its doors at 8am for our regular council services and 9:30am onwards for library services on Thursday 23 July.
Our libraries in Waihi and Paeroa will be opening late on Wednesday 22nd July as our team take time to welcome in the new space. Both libraries will open at 12pm on that day.
